We Advise Companies on Their Carbon Removal Strategies and Provide Tailored Portfolios of Nature-Based and Engineered Approaches, Offering End-to-End Services to Help Achieve Net-Zero Goals: Christoph Gebald of Climeworks AG

Climeworks AG is a Swiss-based company specializing in direct air capture technology to address climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Founded by Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher, the company designs and operates highly efficient systems that capture CO2, which is then permanently stored underground or repurposed for sustainable industrial applications. Powered by renewable energy, the process ensures minimal environmental impact while offering a scalable solution to reduce global emissions. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and customer engagement, Climeworks is making carbon removal an integral part of the transition to a sustainable future.

SME Business Review reached out to Christoph Gebald, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks AG, for an interview, and here’s what Mr. Gebald had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to start Climeworks AG?

Jan and I founded Climeworks because we believed there was a way to directly address the carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere. As mechanical engineers, we were deeply motivated by the need to find a scalable solution to climate change. The idea of removing CO2 from the air, storing it safely, or putting it to good use was both a challenge and an opportunity. We wanted to create something tangible that could make a measurable impact on the planet’s future.

Could you explain how your direct air capture technology works?

At its core, our technology uses highly efficient filters to capture CO2 directly from the air. Air passes through our direct air capture units, where CO2 is chemically trapped on the surface of the filter material. Once the filters are saturated, we apply heat to release the CO2 in a pure and concentrated form. That captured CO2 can then be permanently stored underground or repurposed for various industrial applications. It’s a clean, precise, and scalable process that we are constantly improving.

What sets Climeworks apart from other carbon removal solutions?

Our focus is on permanence and scalability. The CO2 we capture can be stored underground for thousands of years, providing a long-term solution that directly addresses the root of the problem. We’ve also designed our technology to be powered by renewable energy, ensuring that the entire process is as sustainable as possible. By combining innovation with environmental responsibility, we’re creating a solution that goes beyond temporary fixes.

How do you ensure the captured carbon dioxide is permanently stored?

We work with specialized partners who manage the geological storage of CO2. Once the CO2 is injected underground, it reacts with basalt rock and mineralizes over time, becoming solid rock. This ensures that the CO2 is removed from the atmosphere for thousands of years. We prioritize robust monitoring and verification to ensure the integrity of the storage process.

What role do your customers and partners play in Climeworks’ mission?

Collaboration is key to our success. Our customers, ranging from individuals to corporations, support carbon removal by subscribing to our service. Their contributions help fund operations and signal a growing demand for sustainable solutions. At the same time, our partnerships with governments, industries, and storage providers enable us to scale our technology and expand its impact. We couldn’t achieve this mission without the shared commitment of those who support our work.

How does Climeworks help reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare, agriculture, and other industries?

Many industries are exploring ways to use the CO2 we capture for practical applications. For example, CO2 can be repurposed in agriculture to improve crop yields or in manufacturing to create sustainable building materials. By integrating carbon removal into industrial processes, we’re helping businesses reduce emissions and adopt circular practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.

Tell us about the Orca plant and its significance in your operations.

Orca is a flagship project that showcases what is possible with direct air capture technology. Located in Iceland, it is the world’s largest operational plant of its kind and runs entirely on renewable energy. Orca has the capacity to remove thousands of tons of CO2 from the air each year, demonstrating that our technology is ready for commercial-scale deployment. It’s a tangible step toward achieving net-zero emissions globally.

What role does research and development play in Climeworks’ growth?

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We are constantly refining our technology to make it more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective. This includes optimizing materials, improving energy use, and streamlining the capture process. Our research team works closely with partners and academic institutions to stay ahead of the curve and ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge.

How does Climeworks address the economic challenges of direct air capture?

Scaling up direct air capture technology is expensive, but we are confident that costs will decrease as we refine our processes and increase production capacity. Much like solar and wind energy, direct air capture has a learning curve that drives efficiencies over time. With support from customers, investors, and governments, we’re building the foundation for this technology to become more accessible and affordable.

What role do individuals play in supporting your mission?

Individuals have a significant role to play. Through our subscription model, anyone can support carbon removal by funding the capture and storage of CO2. This creates an opportunity for people to take meaningful climate action on a personal level. Every contribution helps us expand our operations and sends a clear message that people care about sustainable solutions.

How do you see Climeworks evolving in the next decade?

Our goal is to scale our technology to remove millions of tons of CO2 from the air annually. We are focusing on expanding our operational capacity, building new plants, and strengthening our partnerships with governments and industries. Over the next decade, we aim to make direct air capture an integral part of the global effort to combat climate change.

How do you balance innovation with environmental responsibility?

Environmental responsibility is embedded in every aspect of our work. From using renewable energy to designing systems that minimize waste, we ensure our solutions align with the principles of sustainability. Our focus on permanence and reducing the carbon footprint of our operations reflects our commitment to creating technology that serves the planet and future generations.

What message would you like to share with those looking to support climate action?

Climate action is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a policymaker, your actions matter. By supporting solutions like direct air capture, you contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future. The time to act is now, and together, we can make a difference.

Christoph Gebald, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Climeworks AG

We run the world's first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating our core commitment to high-quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.