Skytree, a leader in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, has introduced Skytree Cumulus, its first commercially available DAC modular unit. This technology allows farms, greenhouses, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) businesses to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the ambient air and use it in various applications, including food production, algae cultivation, vaccine manufacturing, and flower cultivation.
Rob van Straten, CEO of Skytree, explains that current Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) often overlook the source of CO2 supply from fossil fuels. To create an accurate carbon footprint comparison between fossil fuel-based CO2 and atmospheric CO2 captured by Skytree units, two critical factors are considered: the source of the current CO2 supplier (e.g., oil refinery, fertilizer plant) and the energy mix of the farm (renewable electricity usage). This information helps assess the environmental impact of transitioning to Skytree’s onsite CO2 generation technology.
Skytree’s DAC technology captures CO2 from the ambient air, uses a patented filtration process to purify it, and stores it in pressurized buffer tanks. The captured CO2 can then be accessed and reused for various purposes.
Skytree Cumulus, the first commercially available modular unit, can provide up to 10 kg of CO2 in 24 hours. This offering helps CEA businesses reduce their carbon footprint and move away from fossil fuels as their source of CO2 supply. It also addresses challenges related to CO2 procurement and transport. Additional units can be acquired and connected for users requiring more CO2.
One of the significant advantages of Skytree’s DAC technology is that it allows CEA businesses to operate independently of the oil and gas industry while ensuring a reliable source of clean and affordable CO2. Procuring CO2 from the fossil fuel industry often involves emissions and supply chain challenges.
Skytree has also launched its Pioneer Program, offering early adopters a chance to experience the benefits of Cumulus and DAC technology at a reduced price for a limited time. These participants will receive priority delivery when Cumulus units become available in early 2024.
In addition to the Cumulus unit, Skytree is developing a larger DAC unit capable of generating up to 400 kg of CO2 per day. This expansion will enable the technology’s use in other industries, such as building materials, and provide a permanent alternative to CO2 sourced from fossil fuels.
Rob van Straten expects the larger unit to become available in the second half of 2024. Skytree plans to publish customer cases from pilot projects and explore higher daily CO2 capacity systems to accommodate the needs of various agricultural and industrial applications.