Phlair’s breakthrough in direct air capture offers a sustainable future for climate action
- Pierre Lambert
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A new frontier in climate action is emerging with direct air capture (DAC), a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. As global temperatures continue to rise and the consequences of climate change become increasingly severe, scalable and efficient solutions like DAC are vital. Among these, Phlair, a company at the forefront of innovation, offers a transformative approach aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing urgent challenges through science-driven strategies, Phlair contributes to climate action, environmental protection, and a more just and sustainable future.
The imperative to reduce carbon emissions is now widely recognised, but reducing future emissions alone is no longer enough. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed that removing existing CO₂ from the atmosphere is essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C. DAC presents one of the most promising methods of permanent carbon removal. Unlike nature-based solutions, it offers measurable and verifiable results, essential for credible climate accounting and justice and strong institutions.
Phlair’s innovation: A scientific leap towards sustainability
Phlair has introduced the first DAC system fully compatible with intermittent renewable energy, such as behind-the-metre solar. Using only electricity, water, and salt, the technology captures CO₂ from ambient air and releases it in a purified form for permanent storage or use in carbon-negative chemical processes.
Traditional DAC technologies are often energy-intensive and costly. Phlair addresses this with its proprietary Hydrolyzer, a load-flexible unit that acts as a chemical battery. It adapts to fluctuating solar energy input, drastically reducing energy waste and operational expenses. Compared to older thermal DAC systems, Phlair’s solution boasts up to three times lower energy consumption, a significant advance for the sector.
Phlair’s approach follows a three-step cycle:
Absorption, where CO₂ is captured using a basified solvent;
Desorption, where acid is introduced to release CO₂ gas;
Regeneration, where the solvent is restored using the Hydrolyzer to repeat the process.
By building on existing supply chains and proven hydrogen cell technologies, Phlair’s design is modular and scalable, suitable for industrial applications and adaptable to growing global needs.
Real-world applications and long-term potential
The urgency for carbon removal is growing. According to the IEA, 7.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ must be removed annually by 2050 to meet net-zero targets. Currently, DAC technologies capture only a fraction of a million tonnes per year. Phlair’s modular, energy-efficient model could significantly increase this capacity.
Initiatives such as Climeworks in Iceland and Carbon Engineering in Canada have demonstrated DAC’s feasibility at commercial scale. However, Phlair’s system engineered for decentralised renewable grids extends this potential even further, especially in developing economies with growing solar capacity. This addresses the dual goals of economic equality and climate action while promoting gender equality by enabling green job creation in regions where women are underrepresented in the energy sector.
Looking forward, advancements in DAC are expected to bring capture costs down from $600 per tonne to below $100 by 2030. Phlair's low-cost, low-energy model contributes directly to this trajectory, making world changes more accessible and climate justice more attainable.
The global society and collective responsibility
Technological innovation alone cannot achieve the SDGs. The success of solutions like Phlair’s depends on international collaboration, robust policy frameworks, and transparent institutions. A global society must work together to prioritise science, support sustainability, and ensure that clean technology reaches those most affected by climate change.
Global Goals such as Goal 13 – Climate Action, Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 16 – Peace and Justice are interconnected. Phlair’s role in enabling clean energy transitions, supporting low-income communities, and fostering a just energy future exemplifies how climate technology can support sustainable development on multiple fronts.
Phlair’s DAC system is not just an engineering milestone—it is a blueprint for the future. By bridging innovation with equity, Phlair contributes to the vision outlined by the SDGs: a world where prosperity does not come at the expense of the planet. Continued investment in scalable, efficient, and renewable-compatible technologies is vital to ensure a sustainable, peaceful, and equitable global future.
More information: https://phlair.com/
Phlair’s commitment to climate action serves as a timely reminder that innovation, when rooted in sustainability and justice, has the power to reshape the world.