DACkbone

A Modular, Low-Energy Electro-DAC Pilot to Anchor Denmark’s CCUS Backbone

Objective

Reducing the cost and energy consumption of Direct air capture (DAC) remains a key challenge for large-scale carbon removal. The project is based on the hypothesis that fully electric, membrane-based DAC can deliver certified negative emissions faster and with far less energy than conventional thermal based systems.

Approach

The project will build and operate Denmark’s first electro-DAC pilot at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). In 2026, a modular pilot system will be commissioned using RepAir’s membrane stack. The project will optimise porous electrodes to reduce energy consumption and enable flexible operation using surplus wind power. Continuous gas analysis and reservoir modelling will assess storage compatibility with Stenlille, Hashøj and Greensand, while energy system modelling will evaluate the integration of DAC, flexible operation and CO2 network layouts under future Danish energy system conditions. Pilot results will be translated into national cost curves and siting maps, supported by citizen panels to secure social licence.

Impact

By 2028, the project aims to deliver:

a TRL 7 electro-DAC plant operating for more than 4,000 hours, accelerating the InnoMission roadmap
Denmark’s first high-resolution performance dataset for DAC under Nordic weather conditions
verified CO2 purity dossiers and a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) template aligned with the European Union Carbon Removal Certification Framework
an open-source cost model for upscaling
a public engagement playbook and policy brief to support regulatory pathways :
The pilot aims to achieve more than 99% net-removal efficiency, and pave the way for at least 0.5 Mt CO2 removal per year in Denmark by 2035. The modular, factory-built approach also creates green jobs and provides an exportable solution for hard-to-abate emissions worldwide.