What is Climeworks?
Climeworks is the leader in high-quality carbon removals, pioneering the way to reverse climate change by permanently removing carbon dioxide from the air. Their direct air capture technology runs exclusively on clean energy, using modular CO2 collectors that can be stacked to build machines of various sizes. The captured carbon dioxide is either securely returned to the earth, where it remains permanently removed for millions of years, or upcycled into carbon-neutral fuels. This innovative approach is designed to inspire 1 billion people to act now and help build a climate-positive world.
Main Benefits of Climeworks’ Carbon Removal Solutions
Here’s why Climeworks stands out in the carbon removal space:
- Global leader in high-quality carbon removal with over 15 years of experience
- Operates the world’s first commercial Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities
- Combines engineered and nature-based solutions for diversified portfolios
- Technology runs exclusively on clean energy, ensuring sustainability
- Modular CO2 collectors allow scalable solutions from small to large machines
- Carbon dioxide is permanently removed or upcycled into carbon-neutral fuels
- Portfolios designed with built-in risk mitigation and flexible contracts
- Supports companies in achieving net zero goals while generating positive returns
How Direct Air Capture Works
Direct Air Capture is a disruptive technology that captures CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Climeworks’ DAC machines use fans to pull in ambient air, then filter out the carbon dioxide using a special sorbent material. Once captured, the CO2 is either stored underground or repurposed. This technology is modular and scalable, meaning it can grow from small units to massive installations capable of gigaton removals. It’s a game-changer in the fight against climate change, offering a proven solution to reduce atmospheric carbon at scale.
Tailored Carbon Removal Portfolios
Climeworks doesn’t just offer carbon removal; they provide end-to-end solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Their experts actively manage holistic carbon removal portfolios that combine multiple suppliers and technologies. This diversification helps mitigate risks and ensures reliable delivery. Flexible contracts mean if one supplier underdelivers, others can step in seamlessly. The goal? To maximize business impact while helping companies outpace climate risks and meet their sustainability targets.
Investment Opportunities in Carbon Removal
As global energy demand continues to soar, Climeworks presents a compelling investment opportunity at the forefront of an emerging market. By enabling the world to achieve more with less carbon, they’re shaping the future of sustainable business. Investors can participate in a market that not only promises growth but also contributes to a healthier planet. It’s smart for the planet and smart for business — a win-win scenario that’s gaining momentum worldwide.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Climeworks’ technology runs exclusively on clean energy.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Pioneering scalable Direct Air Capture technology.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Directly removing CO2 from the atmosphere to combat climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Returning captured CO2 to the earth, supporting ecosystem health.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with companies to achieve net zero targets.
Setting the Standard in Carbon Removal
With a best-in-class due diligence model developed by experienced scientists and advisors, Climeworks sets the bar high for quality and reliability. Their diversified portfolios combine engineered and nature-based solutions, delivering what clients need most: trusted, high-quality carbon removals. Backed by over 15 years of expertise and proven commercial operations, Climeworks is not just participating in the carbon removal industry—they’re defining it. The future of climate action is here, and it’s powered by innovation, science, and a commitment to making a real difference.
What Climeworks actually does
Climeworks is a Swiss company, founded in 2009 as an ETH Zurich spinoff, that builds Direct Air Capture (DAC) plants to filter CO2 directly out of ambient air. The captured CO2 is stored underground in Iceland, where it reacts with basalt rock and mineralizes into stone through a storage partnership with Carbfix.
Where the technology shows up
- Direct Air Capture plants: operating facilities in Iceland, including its Orca and Mammoth plants.
- Corporate carbon removal: companies purchase multi-year carbon removal offtake agreements to fund the technology’s scale-up.
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Climeworks supports SDG 13 (climate action) by physically removing CO2 from the atmosphere and permanently storing it as mineralized rock, rather than merely avoiding future emissions, addressing a category of climate action that offset-based programs cannot provide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Climeworks based, and how does it work?
Climeworks is based in Switzerland and operates its Direct Air Capture plants in Iceland, where captured CO2 is permanently stored as mineralized basalt rock through its partnership with Carbfix.
Which SDG does Climeworks support, and how?
SDG 13 (climate action): Direct Air Capture technology physically removes CO2 already in the atmosphere and stores it permanently as rock, rather than only reducing future emissions.
How is Climeworks’ carbon removal verified?
Climeworks sells its carbon removal through multi-year corporate offtake agreements, with storage volumes tracked through its Carbfix mineralization partnership in Iceland.
Looking for similar energy projects?
See Energy projects on Keys for Tomorrow.
