Direct Air Capture in Ireland: research into technical and environmental insights for its application
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Date
2024
Authors
Casaban Padrino, Daniel
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Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology offers a promising solution for reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and mitigating climate change. This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of DAC, focusing on its potential application in Ireland, where renewable energy resources and geological storage capacities are ideal. The research explores the development of DAC technologies and assesses their viability through a site-specific Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA results show that Ireland is uniquely positioned to benefit from DAC, thanks to its future abundant wind energy and the availability of depleted gas fields for CO2 storage.
Additionally, this thesis investigates material improvements for DAC systems, particularly through experimental testing of solid sorbents in a lab scale Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) apparatus. Materials such as Lewatit and amine-based adsorbents were found to exhibit promising performance, though challenges related to energy efficiency and humidity sensitivity remain.
The findings suggest that while DAC technology holds great potential, significant advancements in material efficiency, energy consumption, and policy support are required to scale DAC effectively. The research contributes to the growing field of DAC by offering insights into the technical and environmental challenges of deploying this technology in Ireland, as well as proposing solutions to enhance its future viability.
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Keywords
Direct Air Capture , Climate change , Adsorption , Carbon capture
Citation
Casaban Padrino, D. 2024. Direct Air Capture in Ireland: research into technical and environmental insights for its application. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.