US: Texas based park aiming to remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year in development

Skytree and Return Carbon, in partnership with Verified Carbon, announced a collaboration with EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) for the development of DAC facilities in Texas. Return Carbon and EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) have executed a Term Sheet for delivering renewable power to large-scale DAC facilities in Texas, which will yield cost-competitive certified carbon removal credits. Together with Skytree, the DAC technology partner, and Verified Carbon, bringing geological sequestration expertise, Return Carbon aims to develop 500,000 tonnes per year of negative emissions.

A team built on expertise and future-proof technology
Skytree, Return Carbon and Verified Carbon were selected through a Request-For-Proposal initiative launched by EDFR in 2024 to seek partners for an agreement on renewable power for DAC projects in the Gulf Coast area. EDFR chose Return Carbon for their expertise in project development and connecting partners in the carbon value chain, and Skytree for their ready-to-scale DAC technology in the form of their Skytree Stratus DAC units.

The Term Sheet that Return Carbon and EDFR have now executed targets energy optimization through flexible use of the wind energy generated by EDFR's facilities. The partnership leverages a unique Behind-The-Meter Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) structure that ensures price stability while retaining upside potential during peak electricity pricing, resulting in significant revenue optimization for EDFR's operating renewable energy parks and competitive access to energy for the DAC park.

"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," said Gabe Messercola, Associate Director Capital Improvements at EDF Renewables.

"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," said Martijn Verwoerd (Managing Director of Return Carbon).

"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," said Elena Nikonova (VP Strategy North America & APAC at Skytree).