American Airlines Inks Groundbreaking Deal with Graphyte to Tackle Carbon Emissions

American Airlines has sealed a groundbreaking deal with Graphyte, a Bill Gates-backed startup, to sequester 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide underground. This initiative is part of American Airlines’ broader strategy to curb pollution and contribute to the global fight against climate change. The deal not only represents a major milestone for Graphyte but also signals a potential shift in the effectiveness and affordability of carbon capture technology.

Graphyte, supported by the influential climate investment firm Breakthrough Energy Ventures, employs a unique method known as “carbon casting” to permanently store carbon underground. This approach distinguishes itself by its simplicity and affordability compared to other technologies in the market. With American Airlines as its inaugural client, Graphyte has a significant opportunity to demonstrate the viability of its technology on a larger scale.

The startup claims an astonishingly low cost of $100 per ton for capturing carbon, a figure industry insiders have identified as a crucial threshold for making carbon removal technology economically viable on a broad scale. This cost efficiency is attributed to Graphyte’s innovative process, which utilizes significantly less energy compared to its counterparts in the field.

Graphyte’s carbon casting involves the preservation of plant matter by preventing decay, which would otherwise release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The company collects biomass from agricultural and timber waste, then dries the plant material to eliminate moisture and microbes. The treated biomass is compacted into bricks, wrapped in an impermeable barrier, and buried underground. According to Graphyte, this method can securely store the absorbed carbon dioxide for up to a thousand years.

The first commercial deployment of this technology for American Airlines will occur at Graphyte’s facility in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The partnership aims to capture and store 10,000 tons of carbon by 2025, with carbon removal credits issued for each ton removed. These credits, akin to traditional carbon offsets, will play a critical role in establishing the credibility of emerging credit markets for carbon removal methods.

While this deal marks a significant step forward, experts emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to combat climate change. Carbon capture, even at a reduced cost, remains a supplementary measure. The primary solution lies in preventing pollution at its source by transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing clean energy alternatives.

American Airlines, recognizing the broader picture, is actively working on multiple fronts to reduce its environmental impact. In addition to carbon capture, the airline is investing in sustainable aviation fuels and exploring ways to minimize airplane contrails, which contribute to global warming. As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, partnerships like the one forged between American Airlines and Graphyte may pave the way for innovative and scalable solutions to address the climate crisis.