Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Lab have developed a technique that is able to pull carbon dioxide out of the exhaust flue of a power plant or factory for $39 per metric ton to strip carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and factories at a record-low cost.

Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a groundbreaking technique that could revolutionize the fight against climate change. This technique, known as carbon capture, involves pulling carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the exhaust flue of a power plant or factory, and it is now being done at a record-low cost of just $39 per metric ton.

Carbon capture has long been recognized as a key technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It involves capturing CO₂ emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and then either storing them underground or using them for industrial purposes. However, the high cost of the technology has been a major barrier to its widespread adoption.

The breakthrough by the scientists at Pacific Northwest National Lab could change all of that. Their technique, which involves using a new type of resin to capture CO₂, is not only highly effective but also remarkably affordable. In fact, the cost of capturing CO₂ using this technique is 40% lower than the previous best available technology.

The resin is made up of a material called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous crystals that can absorb gases. The MOFs are impregnated with a chemical that selectively binds to CO₂ molecules, allowing them to be captured and separated from other gases.

This process is highly efficient and can capture up to 90% of the CO₂ emissions from a power plant or factory. The low cost of this technique is a game-changer in the fight against climate change. It makes it possible for power plants and factories to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions without incurring huge costs. This, in turn, could make it more attractive for governments to incentivize carbon capture technology and for businesses to invest in it.

The potential impact of this technology is enormous. According to the International Energy Agency, carbon capture technology could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7% by 2040. This could make a significant contribution to the global effort to limit the effects of climate change.

The breakthrough by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Lab has the potential to revolutionize the fight against climate change. By developing a highly efficient and affordable technique for capturing CO₂ emissions from power plants and factories, they have opened up new possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.