Complementary role
Additional removals must not replace, delay or weaken rapid reductions in positive CO₂ emissions.
DACCS costs and energy demand
Explore the order of magnitude of the costs and energy demand associated with using direct air carbon capture and storage to address a residual global mitigation gap.
This calculator translates an assumed volume of additional CO₂ removal through DACCS into illustrative total and annual costs and energy demand. Adjust the removal volume, cost per tonne, energy intensity and allocation period to explore how the results change.
The tool accompanies the paper Global Framework Data for a Feasibility Stress Test of Paris-Compatible National Targets.
- CO₂ removal volume
- Cost per tonne of CO₂
- Energy demand per tonne
- Annual and total scale
Important: This is an illustrative order-of-magnitude exercise. It is neither an estimate of the residual global mitigation gap nor a proposal for the volume of carbon dioxide removal that should be delivered.
Interactive Excel calculator
Enter your assumptions in the highlighted input cells. On smaller screens, swipe horizontally inside the calculator.
How to interpret the results
Large-scale DACCS could help address only the portion of a global mitigation gap that remains after stronger targets, credible implementation, further feasible domestic mitigation and realistic international budget transfers have been taken into account.
Additional removals
They must be additional to removals already included in national pathways and to removals needed for unavoidable residual emissions.
Energy implications
DACCS may require electricity, low-carbon heat or both, as well as substantial additional infrastructure and low-carbon energy supply.