Gigaton gear – policy insights for scaling up the global deployment of direct air carbon capture and sequestration technology (DACCS)

Direct Air Carbon Capture and Sequestration (DACCS) is increasingly recognized as a pivotal technology for mitigating climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it securely. Despite significant technical potential, the current global capacity for DACCS is minimal, emphasizing the urgent need for accelerated deployment to meet climate targets. While there are technical intricacies, an accelerated deployment is substantially dependent on setting the right policy frameworks. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the global DACCS innovation system using the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework, focusing on identifying systemic policy problems and suggesting policy leverage points. Through 34 semi-structured interviews with 37 key actors across Europe and North America, this study captures the current state and challenges within the DACCS innovation system. It offers insights on the status quo concerning entrepreneurial activities, knowledge creation and diffusion, supportive policy, market formation, resource mobilization, as well as public and local legitimacy issues. To advance the development of the DACCS innovation system towards achieving gigaton-scale carbon removal, the paper provides targeted insights for policymakers, such as creating clearer policy frameworks and incentives, securing demand, and investing more into research, as well as knowledge creation and knowledge diffusion. By pointing out these systemic issues and creating policy insights, the paper contributes valuable insights to scale DACCS technologies globally.National and supra-national policy makers should aim to balance support between existing carbon capture technologies and future innovations to foster a diverse, resilient set of DACCS technologies.National and supra-national policy makers should aim to address financial ‘valleys of death’ for startups to help them scale effectively.Develop regulatory frameworks and compliance markets to ensure long-term demand for DACCS credits, reducing reliance on voluntary markets.Invest in education and training specific to DACCS, expanding the pool of skilled professionals across technical, legal, regulatory, and communication roles.Ensure transparent communication and manage public expectations to build legitimacy for DACCS, addressing concerns about moral hazard and greenwashing.Implement robust monitoring, reporting and verification standards to enhance trust and credibility in DACCS, strengthening its legitimacy as a climate solution.