The MegaDAC Database

For all your DAC data needs

There are now 120+ DAC companies out there trying to pull CO2 out of the air.¹ This number, tabulated by Grant Faber of Carbon-Based Consulting, is 50% larger than I expected, 100% larger than teams I’ve heard about, and 1000% larger than the number of DAC technologies for which I have a rough techno-economic model.

One hundred twenty – that’s way too many for any one person to keep tabs on. Analysts around the world saw that number and groaned. Investors saw the number and realized ‘differentiation’ is getting nuanced and picking winners is getting challenging. Sustainability professionals anxiously realized that a ‘diversified CDR portfolio’ might further diversify with various approaches to DAC-based CDR. How can any of those groups expect to keep tabs on this soon-to-be-massive industry and the numerous technologies and business models? How can they make well-informed decisions? 

Everyone just needs more data! The solution seems simple; I expanded the 120 DAC company list—not with more companies, but with more details.

So, without further ado, behold… 

The MegaDAC Database

The MegaDAC Database is a crowdsourced data gathering project for those interested in the rapidly growing Direct Air Capture industry.  The goal – increase transparency and data availability for industry analysts, corporate sustainability teams, strategists, policy-makers, investors, and philanthropists. 

The database is massive and will continue to grow. Right now, it has plenty of room for improvement. Consider it an MVP.

The whole database on Day 0. Currently, just 11% complete

Fortunately, the database lets users add ‘comments’ to the spreadsheet to submit information. Alternatively, it includes a Form to submit bulk information about any particular DAC company’s team, technology, business, performance, or deployment plans. I expect companies, investors, and academics will begin adding data so the whitespace gets filled quickly.

The spreadsheet will be updated as information comes in and serve as a resource for everyone. As comments, feedback, and suggestions come in, the database will improve and morph. Soon, it’ll be a one-stop comparison tool.

FYI, the database also includes a ‘Contributor’ leaderboard, so if you want to add data and be recognized for your contributions, be sure to include your name in your comment or at the end of the submission Form.

More data means better decisions and less carbon. Know someone who is Anticarbon and loves playing with data?

If you are Anticarbon and the MegaDAC Database just consumed your weekend, subscribe!

Be sure to bookmark the database and check back often. I expect I’ll post interesting analysis from the database here, so until next time, keep gathering data!

1. Here’s the link to Grant’s post:

A list of every direct air capture (DAC) company in the world