Google-Backed Startup 280 Earth Aims to Tackle Data Center Carbon Emissions with Innovative CO2 Removal Technology

Google-Backed Startup 280 Earth Aims to Tackle Data Center Carbon Emissions with Innovative CO2 Removal Technology
Image credit: 280 Earth

280 Earth, a startup originating from Google’s X (moonshot factory), has introduced a groundbreaking solution for data centers grappling with climate impact. The company has signed a $40 million deal through Frontier, an initiative by Stripe, Alphabet, Meta, Shopify, and McKinsey to support emerging carbon removal technologies. This collaboration includes names like Autodesk, H&M Group, JPMorgan Chase, and Workday.

Innovative CO2 Removal Technology

280 Earth’s technology involves modules filled with sorbents that filter CO2 directly from the air. Unlike traditional direct air capture (DAC) systems that operate in large batches and require high temperatures, 280 Earth’s system continuously moves sorbents between chambers, enhancing efficiency by avoiding repeated heating and cooling cycles. CEO John Pimentel likens it to the difference between a home oven and a professional pizza oven, where the latter retains heat more effectively.

Dual Benefits: Carbon Capture and Water Generation

Apart from capturing CO2, 280 Earth’s technology also extracts water vapor, generating two to four tons of water for every ton of CO2 captured. This dual functionality makes it particularly beneficial for data centers, which require substantial amounts of electricity and water for cooling servers. The system can use waste heat from data centers, thus reducing overall energy consumption.

Environmental Impact and Challenges 

Despite its innovative approach, carbon removal technologies like 280 Earth’s are not without challenges. Experts caution that these solutions are costly, still in their early stages, and should not replace efforts to prevent greenhouse gas emissions at the source. Google, for instance, produced 14.3 million metric tons of CO2 in 2023, highlighting the need for more substantial and scalable solutions.

Pilot Facility and Future Plans

In May, 280 Earth completed its pilot facility in Oregon, designed to capture 61,600 tons of CO2 by 2030. The cost per ton of CO2 captured is currently over $600, with plans to transport the captured CO2 to underground storage wells in the US. The company aims to scale up operations to reduce costs and provide a transitional solution as industries move toward cleaner energy.

A Complementary Approach

Pimentel emphasizes the importance of combining various strategies to combat climate change, acknowledging that transitioning away from fossil fuels will take time. By integrating carbon removal with efforts to reduce emissions, 280 Earth hopes to mitigate climate impacts effectively.