Request for Information (RFI) - Engineering Solutions to Harvest Biomass Carbon for Durable Removal and Storage (Carbon Harvesting)

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This RFI is not accepting applications for financial assistance. The purpose of this RFI is solely to solicit input for ARPA-E consideration to inform the possible formulation of future programs. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on leveraging the zero-energy carbon dioxide capture process provided by photosynthesis to develop novel, transformational technologies that improve the energy efficiency of the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector. CDR activity within the U.S. and global economies is necessary to reach the net zero targets established by public and private sector actors. To meet the national net zero targets, the U.S. will need to remove approximately 500 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) per annum by 2050. The energy required by CDR technologies today is substantial, in some cases exceeding 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per ton. To achieve 500 million tons of CO2-eq removal at an energy intensity of 1,500 kWh per ton would require approximately 750 terawatt hours (TWh), which is 20% of current U.S. power generation and 100% of current renewable power generation. Improving the efficiency of CDR will reduce the burden that it places on U.S. power generation and will allow renewable power generation to more efficiently decarbonize other sectors. To view the RFI in its entirety, please visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.