Home > Insights > Scaling Direct Air Capture (DAC): A Moonshot or Sky’s the Limit?

Research Paper

Scaling Direct Air Capture (DAC): A Moonshot or Sky’s the Limit?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, coupled with geological Carbon Storage (DACS), has recently emerged as one of the main carbon dioxide removal options alongside bioenergy energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and Nature Based Solutions (NBS). If deployed at scale, these removal solutions would result in ‘negative emissions’ – which would preclude the need for riskier options to abate emissions.

In a new Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Research Paper, Nigel Curson, Executive Vice Present of Technical Excellence, alongside other leading thinkers, outlines the technical, geographical, and political requirements of scaling Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology from its current megatonne level to the gigatonne scale needed to achieve net zero by 2050.

Download Research Paper

Related Insights

pipeline and power lines on the background of blue sky and clouds.
Find Out More
15-07-2026

Managing Electrical Interferences in Pipelines – A Practical and Cost-Effective Approach

The rapid expansion of AC/DC transmission networks, electrified transportation systems and pipeline infrastructure has increased the spatial overlap among these...

Learn More
A family stands in from of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The man in the photo is Nilesh Kakade, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Penspen
Find Out More
06-07-2026

Growth Across Borders: Meet Nilesh

A lifelong passion for continuous improvement has seen Nilesh soar in his career. Now, as Principal Mechanical Engineer at Penspen, he's using his experience to mentor graduate...

Learn More
An illustration of a student wearing a hijab sitting at a computer. Her teacher is standing next to her and has thought bubbles that show coding as she suggests it as a potential career option
Find Out More
23-06-2026

Engineering Intelligence: The Women Building Digital Careers in Energy 

On International Women’s Day, we talk to two software engineers about how data is transforming how engineers work, the personal qualities required for a role in software development, and why their...

Learn More
Ronald Diaz Ortega presenting at the 2026 Pipeline Technology Conference in Berlin, Germany
Find Out More
10-06-2026

Exceedance Probability Modeling in Pipeline Integrity Using Big Data Techniques for Crack Type Anomalies

In our latest technical insight, Penspen Asset Integrity experts explore how exceedance probability modelling and big data techniques can be applied to crack-type anomalies to support risk-based...

Learn More
Penspen
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.