Pilot Energy has entered a binding joint development agreement (JDA) with Capture6, setting the stage for a transformative project that integrates direct air capture (DAC) technology with advanced water treatment at the Mid West Clean Energy Project (MWCEP). This collaboration has the potential to redefine carbon capture, water management, and sustainability in Western Australia.
A Groundbreaking Joint Development Agreement
The partnership between Pilot Energy and Capture6 will kick off with a demonstration of Capture6’s proprietary DAC technology at the existing Arrowsmith site in 2025. This marks the first step in the multi-phase “Project Wallaby,” supported by a $6.5 million grant from the Commonwealth Carbon Capture Technologies Program.
Brad Lingo, Pilot Energy’s chairman, described the partnership as a milestone for MWCEP:
“The world-leading technology Capture6 brings to the MWCEP can materially reduce costs and environmental impacts while generating revenue through carbon removal credits and by-products.”
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Phased Development for Scalable Impact
Project Wallaby will unfold in four phases, demonstrating both technological scalability and economic potential:
- Phase 1 (2025): A demonstration of DAC and water processing at Arrowsmith.
- Phase 1a (2026): Expansion to facilitate revenue generation through water sales, low-carbon chemicals, and high-purity carbon dioxide.
- Phase 2 (2028-2029): Full-scale deployment managing approximately two gigalitres of water and removing up to 80,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Phase 3 (Post-2029): Targeted scaling to remove up to 350,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, with room for further growth.
A Dual Purpose: Carbon Capture and Water Production
Capture6’s DAC technology mimics nature by extracting CO2 directly from the air, acting as a “sponge” for atmospheric carbon. Unlike traditional methods, which are energy-intensive, Capture6’s system uses electrochemical processes at ambient temperatures, significantly reducing energy consumption.
A critical by-product of the technology is fresh water—an invaluable resource in Western Australia’s dry Mid West region. Ethan Cole, co-founder and CEO of Capture6, highlighted the dual benefits:
“Capture6 is excited to partner with Pilot Energy to scale carbon removal while addressing water insecurity in Western Australia.”
Strong Momentum for MWCEP
The MWCEP has gained significant traction, bolstered by partnerships with international stakeholders like South Korea’s K-Consortium. This consortium, which includes major industrial players such as Korea Southern Power and Samsung C&T, recently secured $2.2 million to support MWCEP’s ongoing development.
The MWCEP is poised to become one of the largest carbon capture and storage facilities globally, with a permanent storage capacity exceeding 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2027-28. By 2029, the project aims to produce clean ammonia for export to APAC markets, including South Korea and Japan.
The Future of DAC Technology
Direct air capture is emerging as a pivotal technology in the fight against climate change. Backed by global heavyweights like Microsoft, Amazon, and the US Department of Energy, DAC has gained traction as a scalable solution for carbon removal. However, Capture6’s advancements in efficiency and water co-production set it apart from other DAC technologies.
Pilot Energy’s MWCEP integration represents a promising step in combining environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. By reducing the environmental footprint of carbon storage operations and generating revenue from carbon credits and by-products, this partnership exemplifies how innovation can drive sustainable growth.