Carbon Engineering, a leading cleantech company based in Squamish, in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is expanding with the acquisition of 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres) in the local Business Park area, as announced last week.
The newly purchased land will host direct air capture (DAC) research and development (R&D) facilities, complementing the company’s existing innovation center located approximately 4.5 km (2.8 mi) away on the oceanfront.
Founded in 2009, Carbon Engineering focuses on developing technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere, aiming to mitigate climate change.
The company built its first pilot plant in Squamish in 2015 and launched its existing innovation center in 2021.
In 2023, Carbon Engineering was acquired by Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum, for $1.1 billion.
Relevant: Occidental Acquires Carbon Engineering For $1.1 Billion
In a statement, published on Carbon Engineering’s website, general manager Rick Ritter emphasized the commitment to investing in Canadian technology and talent.
The new facilities, planned for 1091 and 38939 Queens Way in the Business Park, will include a multi-bay warehouse for R&D, additional office, and lab space, Ritter further detailed in an email to local newspaper The Squamish Chief.
Carbon Engineering’s team, which currently numbers around 170 employees, will grow to include more engineers, scientists, and technical experts.
“Our operations at the Innovation Centre in the oceanfront area will supplement learning at this new site by providing an open-air fully integrated plant to test new improvements,” Ritter explained.
According to the executive, having completed due diligence and finalized the property purchase, the company is now working closely with the District of Squamish as they develop this new project.
The expanded facilities will enhance existing activities and create opportunities to explore new pathways for Carbon Engineering’s critically important technology, Dr. Andrew Ostericher, director of technology development, said in the company statement.
