Lowestoft project pioneers climate change technology

And the truth is actually stranger than many of the suggestions.

For the peculiar, rocket-like tower nearing completion at the town's port is actually one of the world's first Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities.

These devices use pioneering technology to extract carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, allowing the greenhouse gas to be stored.

Construction of the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft is nearing completion. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The one being built at Lowestoft is a pilot project involving a consortium led by Sizewell C and Associated British Ports, which was awarded £3m to construct the plant.Construction of the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft is nearing completion. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Plans for the site - which includes a 45m air column, an office, storage cabin and control room - were lodged with East Suffolk Council in May last year and approved under delegated powers in July.

Work under way back in May this year for the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Construction started earlier this year on port land - not far from the North Quay Retail Park - and the plant has grown in stature ever since.

Work under way back in May this year for the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Also involved in the project are the University of Birmingham, Helical Energy, AtkinsRéalis and Altrad Babcock.

Once the plant is operational by the end of this year, the team say it will be capable of extracting 100 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

Work under way back in May this year for the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Direct air capture is an emerging technology which its backers believe could play a significant role in combating climate change.

It is different from carbon capture and storage (CCS), which removes CO2 from a specific source, like a power station, because it involves extracting the gas directly from the air.

The Lowestoft facility - powered by heat - is a demonstrator model which will help scientists learn more about the technology.

It is expected to be decommissioned after two years.

Construction of the demonstrator DAC facility located at the Port of Lowestoft is nearing completion. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

If the trial is successful, however, a future scaled-up version could be built at Sizewell.