English 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
Bizarre innovation: device converts CO2 into reusable fuel, offering an unusual solution to reduce greenhouse gases
A new technology developed by the startup SpiralWave is gaining attention in the climate innovation sector. The company recently presented at the event TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 a unique device: a tall, translucent column that uses plasma to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert it into green methanol, a renewable fuel with low carbon emissions.
How does the device work?
The device uses plasma, a state of matter often seen in fluorescent lights and old televisions, to capture and transform the CO2. As the plasma moves through the column of the device, it breaks down the CO2 molecules present in the ar.
According to SpiralWave CEO Abed Bukhari, each plasma pulse acts as a molecular “speed bump,” breaking down carbon dioxide into basic compounds.
- INTERNET disconnection: Russia successfully tests blocking millions of users and prepares a global alternative system
- How quantum entanglement is creating a NEW type of engine that is 25% more efficient and burns no fuel
- Drivers Can't Stop Crashing On This Simple Curve In The United States
- More than 11 mysterious drones in the United States fly over military installations and put the population on full alert
To achieve this transformation, the equipment uses three distinct microwave pulses, each at a specific frequency. This innovative process results in the formation of methanol, a type of fuel that releases 95% less carbon compared to traditional fossil fuels.
CO2 device prototypes and energy efficiency
So far, SpiralWave has created two prototypes of the device. One is the Nanobeam, a smaller, more compact version. The other is the Microbeam, a larger structure that stands about two meters tall and has been demonstrated publicly.
Both use approximately 10.000 kWh to produce one metric ton of methanol, which may seem high, but with renewable energy sources, the environmental impact is considerably reduced.
With a higher CO2 concentration, the device becomes even more efficient. According to SpiralWave, it can operate with just 7.000 kWh under these conditions, which represents significant energy savings.
However, to produce fuel sustainably on a large scale, SpiralWave will need to optimize energy consumption and adapt to new energy sources.
The dream of giant scale
For Bukhari, the goal is ambitious: to build a giant version of the device, more than 90 meters tall. Such a structure would have the potential to remove up to a gigaton of CO2 per year from the atmosphere, making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
It is worth remembering that, to control global warming, scientists estimate that it is necessary to remove around 10 gigatons of CO2 annually.
However, achieving this level of operation is a colossal challenge. SpiralWave still needs to overcome issues related to energy supply, operational costs and, most importantly, the economic impact of large-scale production.
According to Bukhari, the success of this project depends on strategic partnerships and progress in the development of renewable energy sources to meet the device's demand without harming the environment.
Environmental impact and feasibility considerations
While the concept behind the device is innovative, it remains to be seen whether it can actually make a difference on a global scale. Many carbon capture technologies have been developed over the years, but have struggled to become viable on a large scale. SpiralWave believes its device could be an exception, as it not only captures CO2 but also turns the gas into a usable fuel.
However, critics point out that even with improved energy efficiency, the device still consumes a considerable amount of power to operate. This concern is compounded when you consider that SpiralWave intends to build larger versions, which would require a substantial power infrastructure to support them.
Another important point is that, even with the potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, the technology does not replace the need to reduce carbon emissions at their sources. This means that, in addition to investing in capture devices, the world needs to adopt measures to prevent greenhouse gas emissions from their source, such as in industries and transportation systems.
Perspectives for the Future
SpiralWave’s device exemplifies the growing innovation in the climate technology sector. The search for practical solutions to the climate crisis is urgent, and transformation of CO2 in fuel may be one of the viable alternatives to reduce the concentration of this gas in the atmosphere.
However, the real impact of technologies like SpiralWave’s will only be visible in the long term. Climate technology still faces challenges in gaining market traction and reaching the scale needed to significantly reduce global emissions.
