A Bold New Approach to Carbon Capture

In a groundbreaking lab nestled in New Jersey, Orbital has developed a unique purple powder, which they skillfully apply to plastic sheets layered like culinary lasagna, forming an innovative carbon-capturing air filter.

How It Works: The Science Behind the Technology

The process is fascinating: air is drawn in via powerful fans and filtered through the sorbent, which effectively absorbs carbon. Once the material is heated, it releases CO₂ into large tanks that allow for safe storage. This ingenious system is compactly packed into shipping containers, making it easy to transport to data centers, including a cutting-edge facility in the UK.

Turning Heat into Heat: Data Center Efficiency

What sets this technology apart is its ability to harness the continuous airflow and heat generated by data centers—an innovative twist that not only drives down costs but also maximizes efficiency. Traditionally, carbon capture systems have struggled with the warm air emitted by data centers, which is incompatible with existing materials designed for colder climates. Instead of cooling the air, Orbital's advanced AI model helped discover a molecule that thrives at higher temperatures, leading to the creation of their first marketed material.

Big Players Join the Fight Against Climate Change

Corporate giants like Amazon have become staunch advocates for greener practices, claiming their data centers are not contributors to climate change. They invest heavily in renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind farms, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability. Not to be outdone, Google is also actively engaging in carbon capture projects, even offering $100 per ton to companies tackling direct air capture.

The Risks and Rewards of Carbon Capture

Despite these ambitious initiatives, larger cloud providers remain hesitant to deploy carbon capture technology at their facilities, wary of the inherent risks. Errors can lead to significant public relations challenges, and there are concerns about potential impacts on data center performance.

A Pilot Program with Big Ambitions

Orbital seeks to change this narrative with a pilot program at the Civo data center, located just an hour from London by train. This facility, equipped with both traditional computing resources and high-performance GPUs for advanced AI applications, will channel hot air directly to Orbital's innovative containers.

A New Era for Carbon Capture Technologies

As organizations around the globe aim for net-zero emissions, initiatives like Orbital’s could become game-changers in the climate crisis battle. By utilizing existing infrastructure and cutting-edge materials, they offer a promising glimpse into a sustainable future.