DAC facilities in Texas will be built by EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) in collaboration with Skytree and Return Carbon, and in partnership with Verified Carbon. A Term Sheet for providing renewable power to large-scale DAC facilities in Texas to yield cost-competitive certified carbon removal credits has been created by Return Carbon and EDF Renewables North America (EDFR).

The collaboration will combine DAC technology, a direct renewable power source, and Gulf Coast’s rich geological carbon storage capacity to drastically change carbon removal efforts and help Return Carbon generate 500,000 tonnes of negative emissions every year.

Return Carbon was chosen by EDFR for their capability to connect partners within the carbon value chain and their project development, whilst Skytree was selected for their ready-to-scale DAC technology from their Stratus DAC units.

The Term Sheet specifies energy optimization through flexible use of wind energy created by EDFR’s facilities. A Behind-The-Meter Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) structure is being used to retain upside potential throughout peak electricity pricing, but also to ensure the stability of prices, leading to revenue optimisation for EDFR’s operating renewable energy parks and competitive access to energy for the DAC park.

Gabe Messercola, Associate Director Capital Improvements at EDF Renewables, commented, “A key part of EDF Renewables’ strategy is to drive progress by accelerating the shift towards decarbonization. Direct Air Capture (DAC) can play a key role in the creation of a sustainable energy future, but the industry needs to scale quickly. Co-locating DAC development Behind-The-Meter will optimize renewable energy production, reduce exposure to power market fluctuations, and foster the growth of both industries. Return’s commitment to operational flexibility utilizing Skytree’s equipment, demonstrates that DAC can effectively complement intermittent renewable sources,  contributing to a stronger and more resilient energy grid than we have today.”

‍Martijn Verwoerd (Managing Director of Return Carbon) added, “The agreement with EDF Renewables is a stepping-stone for DAC development, where we can use our combined portfolios and expertise to accelerate carbon removal and provide stability on the power market. This collaboration pioneers the integration of modular DAC technology with a dedicated renewable power source and co-located carbon sequestration, creating a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution.” 

Elena Nikonova (VP Strategy North America & APAC at Skytree) mentioned, “We are honored to have been chosen alongside Return Carbon to provide our DAC technology to this large-scale and purposeful project. EDF Renewables is demonstrating true leadership in circular sustainability by integrating carbon removal directly into their business strategy. By utilizing excess renewable energy from their wind farms to power DAC, they are setting a powerful example for how we can address the climate crisis. This project is a crucial step towards the gigaton-scale carbon removal needed by 2050, a goal Skytree is deeply committed to supporting.”