Direct Air Capture LCO₂ Calculator

Estimate the levelized cost of a direct air capture project by pairing specific energy demand with capex recovery, sorbent makeup, and any policy credits or offtake revenue.

Nameplate annual capture in metric tonnes of CO₂ (tCO₂/year).
Combined thermal + electrical energy required per tonne captured (MWh/tCO₂).
Blended cost of electricity and heat in USD per megawatt-hour.
Levelised capital recovery plus fixed O&M per tonne captured (USD/tCO₂).
Optional. Defaults to $0. Include make-up sorbent, labour, and variable maintenance per tonne.
Optional. Defaults to $0. Enter tax credits or offtake payments per tonne (USD/tCO₂).

Project finance models should include detailed cash-flow schedules—this tool provides a high-level view for early scoping.

Examples

  • 1,000 tCO₂/yr, 1.8 MWh/t, $55/MWh, $120 capex, $45 sorbent, $0 credits ⇒ Levelized cost: $324.00 per tCO₂ (gross $324.00). Energy share: 30.6% • Credit offset: $0.00 per tCO₂. Annual net outlay: $324,000.00 for 1,000.00 tCO₂.
  • 250 tCO₂/yr, 2.2 MWh/t, $68/MWh, $180 capex, $60 sorbent, $150 credits ⇒ Levelized cost: $239.60 per tCO₂ (gross $389.60). Energy share: 38.4% • Credit offset: $150.00 per tCO₂. Annual net outlay: $59,900.00 for 250.00 tCO₂.

FAQ

How do I separate thermal and electrical energy?

Convert each stream to MWh equivalents and use a weighted average price that reflects your supply contracts for heat and electricity.

Can I include degradation of sorbent performance?

Yes—fold replacement media, periodic maintenance, and labour into the sorbent & variable O&M input so the cost per tonne rises accordingly.

What if I sell removal credits above market price?

Enter the contracted price in the credit revenue field. The calculator will show how the net levelized cost changes with premium offtake agreements.

What deployment scale minimises unit cost?

Run sensitivities by doubling capacity while holding per-ton capital constant. Economies of scale typically lower fixed cost per tonne faster than they raise energy usage.

Additional Information

  • Energy component multiplies specific energy needs by the blended cost per megawatt-hour to reveal how power prices drive LCO₂.
  • Capital and fixed O&M should already be annualised (capex × capital recovery factor + fixed staffing).
  • Credit revenue subtracts offtake or policy incentives to show the net price required for break-even.
  • Result units: USD per tCO₂ and USD per year

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