Phlair

The Approach

Phlair’s closed loop system works by contacting air with a high-pH liquid to capture CO2. Once the capture liquid becomes saturated with CO2, it is mixed with a low-pH release liquid to neutralize the solution and liberate the captured CO2 as a concentrated gas, which is injected underground for durable storage. The remaining CO2-depleted, neutralized liquid is fed into a hydrogen-looping electrolyzer for regeneration of the high-pH capture liquid and low-pH release liquid. This process continuously cycles, enabling ongoing CO2 capture.

When there is plenty of sunlight and solar power is cheapest, Phlair can overproduce the capture and release liquids for storage in tanks. When the sun sets or when electricity prices are high, Phlair can shut down the energy-intensive electrolyzer and continue operating the CO2 capture and release steps, drawing from the liquid stored in the holding tanks. This design allows the liquid holding tanks to effectively serve as substitutes for batteries, enabling continuous operation while minimizing energy cost.

The Case for Phlair

Phlair’s approach has the potential to enable low-energy DAC. Phlair is developing an all-electric design system that’s energy-efficient, targeting under 1.5 MWh per ton of CO2 removed. The electrolyzer runs on variable electricity inputs while capture and release liquids store at low cost, making the system compatible with intermittent renewable energy sources.

Phlair has a credible path to low cost. Low energy requirements and flexible operations enable cost management by maximizing capacity when solar energy abounds and reducing output during high-price periods. The modular, low-customization system minimizes capital costs and accelerates production iterations.

Despite being a young company, Phlair has demonstrated they can move fast and with rigor. Within two years, the company progressed from a lab-scale system to an outdoor pilot, assembled a strong team, and secured essential CO2 storage and energy partnerships.

Pricing and Delivery

Frontier buyers’ total offtake is $30.6 million for 47,000 tons to be delivered between 2027 and 2030 at Phlair’s first commercial facility — Project Dawn — in Alberta, Canada. The price accounts for both the removal itself as well as measuring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) that each ton is safely and permanently stored. This agreement includes key milestones that must be met prior to delivery, including sharing a community benefits plan, demonstrating clean electricity sourcing, securing permits for storage, and scale-up technical specifications.