Poland is building its first facility to capture carbon dioxide from the air

Poland is preparing to launch its first pilot project for the direct capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (DAC – Direct Air Capture). The facility will operate in the city of Kielce through a partnership between the local municipal government and Warsaw-based technology company Oraquel S.A. The innovative project aims to help protect the climate and serve as a model for other European countries seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The DAC system and its specifications

DAC is a technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the air using special filters or chemical solutions. The captured gas can be safely stored underground or used in industry. The facility in Kielce will have a capacity of 500 tonnes of captured carbon dioxide per year, actively reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The entire facility will be powered exclusively by solar panels. Its operation will produce no emissions.

According to the project’s developers, this is more than a one-off initiative. The aim is to build infrastructure that will enable more units of this type to be deployed in different parts of Poland. The technology uses patented filters from Oraquel S.A., which can be easily replaced as needed, simplifying operation and maintenance.

Key project partners

The project has two main partners. The city of Kielce is providing organisational support and sees the installation as an opportunity to strengthen local environmental policy and develop public awareness initiatives. Oraquel S.A., a technology company specialising in DAC systems, is providing the expertise and equipment required.

"Our stable technology makes it easier to transport and store captured CO₂, which is essential for the long-term deployment of these solutions," said the company’s CEO, Wojciech Mudyna.

Environmental benefits of the project

According to calculations, the system could offset each year the emissions of approximately 70 family homes that still use coal for heating, or the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to driving a diesel car for 2.5 million kilometres. Mayor Agata Wojda emphasised that the project has strong educational potential as well as environmental benefits.

"By demonstrating the effectiveness of this new technology, we can teach people about how cities can adapt to climate change and what each of us can do to keep Kielce a green and welcoming city," she said. The facility will therefore serve not only as a practical tool but also as a platform for promoting sustainable development.

How the project could shape climate policy

The installation in Kielce is part of broader European initiatives on carbon removal technologies (CDR – Carbon Dioxide Removal), such as the Carbon Gap CDR Readiness project, which maps the potential for introducing DAC in other EU member states. For Poland, this is an important step towards meeting the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and strengthening the green economy.

If the project proves successful, a network of similar facilities could become a lasting part of the climate protection strategy not only in Poland but also in other countries in the region.