Aircela, a New York-based startup in the United States, has rolled out a device that is about the same size as a commercial refrigerator. This innovative gadget employs 'direct air capture' technology to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. By blending this captured carbon dioxide with water and electricity sourced from renewable energy, it manufactures gasoline through a three-stage reaction process. The device is capable of capturing around 10 kilograms of carbon dioxide daily, which translates to the production of roughly 1 gallon of gasoline. Moreover, it has the capacity to store up to 17 gallons of fuel. The environmental advantages of this device hinge on the utilization of renewable energy sources. When the gasoline generated by this device is burned, the amount of carbon dioxide released is equivalent to the quantity that was initially extracted from the air. From the standpoint of the carbon cycle, this makes the gasoline a carbon-neutral fuel. Aircela's primary objective is to offer a low-carbon transition option for vehicles powered by fuel, rather than aiming to entirely replace them. Should this technology manage to reach mass production and bring down costs, it holds the promise of becoming a viable alternative to fossil fuels, paving a fresh route for achieving global emission reduction targets.
