Deep Sky Alpha Begins North America's First CO2 Storage via Direct Air Capture

Historical Milestone in Carbon Removal

Deep Sky Alpha, a groundbreaking facility located in Innisfail, Alberta, has officially commenced operations, paving the way for North America's first CO2 storage using Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. In just twelve months, this facility has transitioned from the initial construction phase to successfully capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it underground, showcasing the swift advancement in climate infrastructure.

What is Deep Sky Alpha?

Situated on a five-acre industrial site, Deep Sky Alpha is set to revolutionize carbon capture techniques by integrating multiple DAC technologies. This innovative convergence enables scalability, speed, and efficiency in capturing carbon. By allowing for real-time optimization and testing of various technologies in homogeneous conditions, the facility aims to accelerate the development of cost-effective and scalable carbon removal solutions.

Alex Petre, CEO of Deep Sky, expressed the significance of this moment, stating, "This is a decisive moment not only for Deep Sky but for the global carbon removal industry. We have transitioned from construction to carbon removal in just a year. Companies worldwide are seeking high-quality, sustainable carbon removal to offset their emissions, and with Deep Sky Alpha, we demonstrate that it is not just possible but has already begun."

Groundbreaking Achievements

Deep Sky Alpha's launch distinguishes it as the first DAC facility in North America to permanently store CO2 underground within deep geological formations known as saline aquifers, found abundantly in Alberta. This process offers a crucial solution for hard-to-eliminate emissions and supports net-zero obligations.

"Alberta continues to lead in attracting world-class innovation," noted Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "This development is a testament to the skilled workforce, robust regulations, and commitment to responsible development that Alberta offers. We take pride in companies investing here, proving once again that Alberta is the best place in the world to build, innovate, and grow."

The captured CO2 at Deep Sky Alpha originates from multiple DAC units distributed globally, with additional units slated for installation this fall. Current operational partners include Airhive and Mission Zero Technologies from the UK, and Skyrenu based in Quebec, among others.

A Vision for the Future

Deep Sky Alpha's strategic location ensures access to renewable energy and proximity to permanent geological storage. The facility is entirely powered by solar energy and has the capacity to capture approximately 3,000 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, the project has created over 110 construction jobs and will provide employment for around 15 full-time workers, emphasizing both economic and environmental benefits.

Continuous monitoring of the capture and storage process will be conducted using proprietary software, with updates available on Deep Sky’s website. This milestone is part of a broader global effort in carbon removal spearheaded by Deep Sky, which is also undertaking large-scale projects in Alberta, Quebec, and beyond.

The achievement comes on the heels of a recent $40 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and agreements for purchasing carbon removal credits with companies such as Microsoft and the Royal Bank of Canada.

Deep Sky is dedicated to assisting businesses in their transition to low-carbon operations through high-quality carbon removal credits aimed at offsetting corporate emissions. Although the credits for Deep Sky Alpha have already been pre-sold, interested buyers for credits from future commercial projects can reach out for reservations.

About Deep Sky

Based in Montreal, Deep Sky is the world’s first technology-agnostic developer of carbon removal projects aimed at extracting gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere and permanently storing it underground. The company integrates the most promising direct air capture technologies to create the largest stockpile of quality carbon credits available in the market, commercializing unprecedented carbon removal and storage solutions. Supported by a funding of $130 million from globally recognized investors, including Investissement Québec and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, Deep Sky is poised to lead the charge in carbon innovation.

For more information, visit deepskyclimate.com.