Introduction of the Carbon Dioxide Extraction Plant

In Iceland, scientists have created a massive vacuum designed to extract carbon dioxide from the air. This large-scale plant, named Mammoth, uses enormous steel fans to capture carbon dioxide, dissolve it in water, and then pump it deep underground. According to the company that built the plant, this vacuum can extract up to 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually when operating at full capacity.

Global Impact and Importance

While the amount extracted is quite small compared to global emissions, the company believes that such pumps are crucial in the fight against climate change. The construction of Mammoth began in June 2022, and the plant became operational only a few days ago. The facility consists of 72 containers designed to extract carbon from the air, although currently only 12 containers have been installed.

Operational Details and Energy Source

The plant operates by drawing energy from a nearby geothermal power plant. This energy powers the fans, which pull air through filters that capture the carbon dioxide. Once the filters are saturated, they are closed off and heated to an internal temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.