In a fascinating development for climate tech, the startup SpiralWave has unveiled a unique device designed to capture CO? from the atmosphere and turn it into green methanol—a sustainable fuel. Displayed at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, this invention combines unconventional aesthetics with high-impact potential. The tall, translucent column emits glowing pulses of plasma that spiral upward, capturing and breaking down carbon dioxide in the process.
Abed Bukhari, SpiralWave’s CEO and cofounder, explained that the device operates by generating plasma through rapid pulses, which dismantle CO? molecules and reconfigure them into methanol. The inspiration came from his experience with cold plasma technology in his previous work, where he explored ways to tackle large-scale CO? removal. The device utilizes three distinct microwave frequencies to accomplish this: the first pulse separates CO? into carbon monoxide, the second splits water into hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, and the third combines these components into methanol.
SpiralWave has produced two prototypes so far: the Nanobeam and the Microbeam. The latter, over six feet tall, captures around a metric ton of CO? to create methanol with 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. Under higher CO? concentrations, it could reduce this requirement to 7,000 kWh. While this power consumption isn’t trivial, the system’s potential to work on renewable energy makes it promising for sustainable fuel production. The transformation of 75% of electrical energy into methanol further enhances its efficiency.
Bukhari envisions scaling up to a 300-foot version that could capture a gigaton of CO? annually, a step towards the estimated 10 gigatons needed to combat climate change. The success of SpiralWave’s technology could offer a glimpse into the future of emissions reduction, blending innovative engineering with renewable energy use.
