Heirloom, a company developing a direct air capture (DAC) technology utilizing lime carbonation, and Leilac, a decarbonization tech developer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combine the companies’ technologies.
“We’re incredibly excited about incorporating Leilac’s world-leading electric kiln technology into our Direct Air Capture facilities because it will accelerate our efforts to capture 1 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2035 owing to its highly modular and energy-efficient design”, said Shashank Samala, CEO of Heirloom.
Daniel Rennie, Leilac CEO commented on the new partnership by saying: “Heirloom uses low-cost and abundant limestone, which Leilac’s technology is specifically designed for. Both technologies are modular, easily scalable and can be renewably powered.”
Heirloom’s direct air capture tech speeds up the natural binding of carbon dioxide and lime which usually takes years, to just three days. The carbonation process ultimately produces limestone which can safely store CO2 for a prolonged period of time.
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This is where Leilac’s role will come in. The reformed limestone will be fed into a Leilac kiln – which is powered exclusively by renewable energy sources – where the CO2 will be separated and captured.
All the carbon dioxide that has been removed from the air will thus be mineralized, either by binding with rocks or other suitable materials. There is also the option of sequestering it in underground formations where it can be stored away for a prolonged period of time and not allowing it to escape in the atmosphere.
Combining the two processes will allow the cycle to begin again and increase efficiency and scalability of Heirloom’s approach.
Read more: Leilac Signs Global Licence Agreement For Use Of Its Tech With Heidelberg Materials
