Japan Airlines forges carbon capture partnership
December 9, 2024
Japan Airlines (JAL) has deepened its commitment to achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 with an investment in California-based Heirloom Carbon Technologies, a leader in direct air capture (DAC) technology.
This marks another major step in diversifying its decarbonisation strategies, following its earlier investment in Direct Ocean Capture technology via Captura.
Heirloom specialises in a novel approach that leverages limestone’s natural ability to absorb CO₂.
The process involves heating limestone using renewable energy to release stored CO₂, after which the material reabsorbs atmospheric carbon like a sponge.
This technique allows for large-scale CO₂ removal from the atmosphere at a relatively low cost.
By supporting Heirloom, JAL aims to advance the development of critical carbon capture technologies and promote the adoption of carbon credits generated through CO₂ removal.
In tandem with its own operational improvements, such as fleet modernisation and fuel efficiency upgrades, JAL’s engagement with cutting-edge climate technologies reflects a multi-faceted approach to tackling aviation’s environmental impact, the company said.
Yasushi Noda, SVP, General Affairs Division, Japan Airlines, said: “We recognise this partnership as an important milestone in the development of global decarbonisation solutions. Through Heirloom’s innovative Direct Air Capture technology, we aim to significantly advance our efforts towards Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050.”
Shashank Samala, CEO of Heirloom Carbon Technologies, added: “We’re honoured to receive this investment from JAL and look forward to working with them as a strategic partner to rapidly scale our CO2 removal technology to make meaningful progress in the fight against global temperature rise.”
