At the forefront of carbon capture technology, Climeworks has established a groundbreaking facility in Iceland, using steel-built machines to extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere and store it safely underground. This innovative approach is essential as the world seeks solutions to tackle already elevated levels of atmospheric CO2, even as fossil fuel use declines.
Why Steel is Essential
The Climeworks collectors operate in extreme conditions, from harsh weather to continuous mechanical stress. That's where high-performance steels, like stainless steel 304/316 and duplex stainless steels, prove indispensable. These materials provide exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and durability, making them ideal for large-scale, long-lasting carbon capture machines.
Each CO2 collector, resembling an industrial jet engine, relies heavily on steel in its frame, fans, and filtration systems. The machines draw in ambient air, capturing CO2 molecules on specialized absorbent materials. Once saturated, the collectors are sealed and heated to release concentrated CO2, which can either be stored underground or utilized commercially.
Applications Across Industries
The captured CO2 has diverse uses, including in agriculture, greenhouses, and carbonated beverages. In Switzerland, Climeworks pipes CO2 to a nearby greenhouse, and commercial partners like Coca-Cola are already utilizing the output. These processes rely on steel infrastructure that ensures operational longevity and safety.
Long-Term Carbon Storage
In Iceland, CO2 is injected into basalt rock formations, where it mineralizes over several years, effectively locking it away for millennia. Steel's resilience is critical here, supporting pipes, pumps, and collector housings that must withstand harsh climates and chemical exposure.
The Future of Carbon Capture
Currently, carbon capture is expensive, with costs around $500-$600 per tonne of CO2 removed. Climeworks aims to reduce this to $100 per tonne through efficiency improvements and scaling up operations. As renewable energy costs continue to drop, steel-built infrastructure remains central to the viability of large-scale carbon capture solutions.
At Cunrui Steels, we provide high-quality materials essential for projects like this. Our range includes Inconel 600/625/718 sheets, duplex and super duplex stainless steel plates and pipes, as well as 304/316 stainless steel wires and strips. These steels are designed to deliver strength, corrosion resistance, and durability for high-tech environmental solutions.
Steel is not just a construction material-it is the backbone of innovation, enabling technologies that safeguard the planet for future generations. With the right steels from Cunrui Steels, engineers and innovators can create robust, long-lasting solutions that make large-scale carbon capture both possible and sustainable.