# WIA-ENE-050: Direct Air Capture Standard ## PHASE 1: FOUNDATION **Version:** 1.0 **Status:** Draft **Date:** 2025-12-25 **Category:** Energy (ENE) --- ## 1. Introduction ### 1.1 Purpose This specification defines the World Internet Alliance (WIA) standard for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. WIA-ENE-050 establishes standardized data formats, protocols, and integration methods for DAC facilities that remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. ### 1.2 Scope This standard covers: - DAC facility data structures and metadata - CO2 capture measurement and reporting - Sorbent efficiency tracking - Energy consumption metrics - Storage and sequestration protocols - Verification and certification processes - Carbon credit generation and tracking - Integration with CCS infrastructure ### 1.3 Background Direct Air Capture is a critical carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology that extracts CO2 directly from ambient air. Unlike point-source capture at industrial facilities, DAC can be deployed anywhere and addresses legacy emissions. As DAC technology scales globally, standardization becomes essential for: - **Transparency:** Verifiable reporting of captured CO2 - **Interoperability:** Integration between facilities and storage sites - **Credibility:** Standardized verification for carbon credits - **Efficiency:** Sharing of best practices and optimization methods ### 1.4 Philosophy 弘益人間 (Hongik Ingan) - Benefit All Humanity This standard embodies WIA's commitment to creating technologies that serve humanity and the planet. By standardizing DAC systems, we enable a global network of carbon removal facilities working together to reverse climate change. --- ## 2. Terminology ### 2.1 Key Terms **Direct Air Capture (DAC):** Technology that removes CO2 directly from ambient air using chemical processes. **Sorbent:** Material that captures CO2 through chemical or physical adsorption. Can be solid (e.g., amine-functionalized materials) or liquid (e.g., alkaline solutions). **Adsorption:** The capture phase where CO2 binds to the sorbent material. **Regeneration:** The release phase where heat or other processes free the CO2 from the sorbent, producing a concentrated CO2 stream. **Specific Energy:** Energy required per ton of CO2 captured, measured in MWh/ton CO2 or GJ/ton CO2. **Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR):** Activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and durably store it. **CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage):** The process of capturing CO2 and storing it underground or in other permanent reservoirs. **Mineralization:** Converting CO2 into solid carbonate minerals through chemical reactions with rocks (e.g., basalt). **MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification):** Framework for tracking and verifying carbon removal claims. ### 2.2 DAC Technology Types **Solid Sorbent DAC:** - Uses solid materials (typically amine-based) on porous supports - Lower temperature regeneration (80-120°C) - Examples: Climeworks, Global Thermostat - Advantages: Modular, lower energy requirements **Liquid Solvent DAC:** - Uses liquid alkaline solutions (e.g., potassium hydroxide) - Higher temperature regeneration (>900°C for calcination) - Examples: Carbon Engineering - Advantages: Higher throughput, mature chemistry **Electrochemical DAC:** - Uses electrochemical cells to capture and release CO2 - Voltage-driven process - Examples: Emerging technologies - Advantages: Potentially lower energy, no thermal swing ### 2.3 Abbreviations - **DAC:** Direct Air Capture - **CDR:** Carbon Dioxide Removal - **CCS:** Carbon Capture and Storage - **MRV:** Monitoring, Reporting, Verification - **VC:** Verifiable Credential - **DID:** Decentralized Identifier - **API:** Application Programming Interface - **IoT:** Internet of Things - **GHG:** Greenhouse Gas --- ## 3. System Architecture ### 3.1 Overview ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ WIA-ENE-050 ECOSYSTEM │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │ DAC Facility │ │ Storage │ │ Verification │ │ │ │ Data │──│ Systems │──│ Services │ │ │ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────────┴──────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ ┌────────▼────────┐ │ │ │ WIA-ENE-050 │ │ │ │ Data Layer │ │ │ └────────┬────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ ┌─────────────────┼─────────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────▼──────┐ ┌──────▼──────┐ ┌──────▼──────┐ │ │ │ Monitoring │ │ Carbon │ │ Public │ │ │ │ Dashboard │ │ Credit │ │ Registry │ │ │ │ │ │ Registry │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ### 3.2 Core Components #### 3.2.1 DAC Facility Layer - **Sensors & IoT Devices:** Measure CO2, temperature, humidity, airflow, energy - **Process Control Systems:** Manage adsorption/regeneration cycles - **Data Collection:** Real-time capture metrics and operational data - **Local Storage:** Time-series database for historical data #### 3.2.2 Data Standardization Layer - **Data Formatters:** Convert proprietary formats to WIA-ENE-050 schema - **Validation Services:** Ensure data integrity and completeness - **Aggregation Services:** Combine data from multiple modules/facilities - **API Gateways:** Expose standardized data endpoints #### 3.2.3 Integration Layer - **Storage Integration:** Connect to geological storage, mineralization sites - **Pipeline Networks:** Coordinate CO2 transport infrastructure - **Energy Systems:** Interface with renewable energy providers - **MRV Systems:** Submit data for verification #### 3.2.4 Verification Layer - **Third-Party Auditors:** Independent verification of capture claims - **Blockchain/DLT:** Immutable record of verified captures - **Credential Issuance:** Generate verifiable credentials (VCs) - **Registry Integration:** Submit to carbon credit registries #### 3.2.5 Application Layer - **Public Dashboards:** Real-time transparency of capture operations - **Carbon Markets:** Trading platforms for carbon removal credits - **Compliance Reporting:** Regulatory and voluntary reporting - **Research Data:** Anonymized data for scientific research ### 3.3 Data Flow ``` 1. CAPTURE DAC Facility → Sensors → Process Data ↓ 2. STANDARDIZE Raw Data → WIA-ENE-050 Format → Validation ↓ 3. STORE Validated Data → Time-Series DB → Historical Archive ↓ 4. VERIFY Capture Data → MRV System → Third-Party Audit ↓ 5. CERTIFY Verified Data → VC Issuance → Blockchain Record ↓ 6. REGISTER Certificate → Carbon Registry → Credits Issued ↓ 7. PUBLISH Aggregated Data → Public API → Dashboards/Apps ``` --- ## 4. Core Principles ### 4.1 Transparency All DAC operations must be transparently reported using standardized formats. This includes: - Real-time capture rates - Energy consumption per ton CO2 - Sorbent efficiency and degradation - Storage method and location - Verification status ### 4.2 Verifiability All carbon removal claims must be independently verifiable through: - Third-party audits (ISO 27916, ISO 14064-2) - Continuous monitoring systems - Blockchain-based immutable records - Open data APIs for public scrutiny ### 4.3 Interoperability WIA-ENE-050 systems must integrate seamlessly with: - Other DAC facilities (data sharing, best practices) - Storage infrastructure (geological, mineralization, utilization) - Carbon registries (Verra, Gold Standard, Puro.earth) - Energy systems (renewable energy coordination) - Climate accounting (national inventories, corporate reporting) ### 4.4 Accuracy Measurements must meet strict accuracy requirements: - CO2 capture: ±5% uncertainty - Energy consumption: ±3% uncertainty - Storage verification: >95% confidence - Temporal resolution: Hourly or better ### 4.5 Permanence Carbon removal must be durable: - Geological storage: >1000 years permanence - Mineralization: Permanent (>10,000 years) - Utilization: Case-by-case assessment - Monitoring: Long-term verification plans ### 4.6 Additionality DAC operations must demonstrate: - Removal beyond business-as-usual - Project would not occur without carbon revenue - No double-counting with other programs - Clear baseline and project scenarios --- ## 5. Technical Requirements ### 5.1 Data Collection Requirements #### 5.1.1 Temporal Resolution - **Operational Data:** Collected every 1-5 minutes - **Aggregated Data:** Reported hourly - **Verification Data:** Daily summaries required - **Public Reporting:** Monthly aggregates #### 5.1.2 Measurement Accuracy | Parameter | Accuracy | Uncertainty | |-----------|----------|-------------| | CO2 Captured | ±5% | 95% confidence | | Energy Consumption | ±3% | 95% confidence | | Sorbent Mass | ±2% | 99% confidence | | Ambient CO2 | ±10 ppm | 90% confidence | | Temperature | ±1°C | 95% confidence | | Pressure | ±5% | 95% confidence | #### 5.1.3 Data Retention - **Raw Data:** 7 years minimum - **Aggregated Data:** 30 years minimum - **Verification Records:** Permanent - **Blockchain Hashes:** Permanent (immutable) ### 5.2 Communication Requirements #### 5.2.1 API Standards - **Protocol:** RESTful HTTP/HTTPS, GraphQL - **Authentication:** OAuth 2.0, API keys - **Data Format:** JSON, JSON-LD - **Rate Limiting:** Configurable per client - **Versioning:** Semantic versioning (v1.0, v1.1, etc.) #### 5.2.2 Real-Time Data - **WebSocket Support:** For live monitoring - **Update Frequency:** 1-60 seconds (configurable) - **Latency:** <5 seconds from measurement to API - **Availability:** 99.9% uptime SLA #### 5.2.3 Data Security - **Encryption:** TLS 1.3 for all communications - **Authentication:** Multi-factor authentication for admin - **Authorization:** Role-based access control (RBAC) - **Audit Logs:** All API access logged ### 5.3 Storage Requirements #### 5.3.1 Database - **Type:** Time-series database (e.g., InfluxDB, TimescaleDB) - **Backup:** Daily incremental, weekly full - **Redundancy:** Geographic replication - **Retention:** As per data retention policy #### 5.3.2 Blockchain Integration - **Networks:** Ethereum, Polygon, or permissioned chains - **Data Stored:** Hashes of verified capture events - **Smart Contracts:** Carbon credit issuance logic - **Verification:** Merkle proofs for data integrity --- ## 6. Compliance & Standards ### 6.1 International Standards #### 6.1.1 Carbon Capture & Storage - **ISO 27916:** Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage - **ISO 27914:** Geological storage of CO2 - **ISO 27913:** Pipeline transportation systems #### 6.1.2 GHG Accounting - **ISO 14064-1:** GHG emissions and removals at organizational level - **ISO 14064-2:** GHG emissions and removals at project level - **ISO 14064-3:** Validation and verification of GHG statements #### 6.1.3 Life Cycle Assessment - **ISO 14040:** LCA principles and framework - **ISO 14044:** LCA requirements and guidelines ### 6.2 Carbon Crediting Standards #### 6.2.1 Registries - **Puro.earth:** CO2 Removal Certificate (CORC) methodology - **Verra:** VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) - **Gold Standard:** Renewable energy and climate security - **American Carbon Registry (ACR):** Carbon offset projects #### 6.2.2 Methodology Requirements - Baseline scenario definition - Additionality demonstration - Leakage assessment - Permanence guarantee - Monitoring plan - Verification frequency (annual minimum) ### 6.3 Regulatory Compliance #### 6.3.1 Environmental Regulations - Clean Air Act (USA) - EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) - National carbon pricing mechanisms - Local air quality standards #### 6.3.2 Safety Regulations - Occupational safety (OSHA, EU-OSHA) - Chemical handling (REACH, TSCA) - Pressure vessel codes (ASME, PED) - Emergency response plans --- ## 7. Security & Privacy ### 7.1 Data Security #### 7.1.1 Confidentiality - Proprietary operational details protected - Trade secrets (e.g., sorbent formulations) encrypted - Competitive information access-controlled - Public data clearly designated #### 7.1.2 Integrity - Cryptographic hashing of all records - Blockchain anchoring for immutability - Version control for data updates - Audit trails for all modifications #### 7.1.3 Availability - Redundant systems and backups - DDoS protection for public APIs - Disaster recovery procedures - 99.9% uptime guarantee ### 7.2 Privacy #### 7.2.1 Personal Data - Minimize collection of personal information - GDPR/CCPA compliance for employee data - Anonymization of research datasets - Clear privacy policies #### 7.2.2 Commercial Sensitivity - Tiered access levels (public, partner, private) - Non-disclosure agreements for detailed data - Aggregation to protect individual facility data - Competitive benchmarking anonymized --- ## 8. Governance ### 8.1 Standard Governance **Maintainer:** World Internet Alliance (WIA) **Technical Committee:** WIA-ENE-050 Working Group **Review Cycle:** Annual **Amendment Process:** RFC (Request for Comments) → Community Review → Vote → Update ### 8.2 Certification #### 8.2.1 Facility Certification - Self-assessment questionnaire - Documentation review - Third-party audit - Annual recertification #### 8.2.2 Software Certification - API conformance testing - Data format validation - Security audit - Interoperability testing ### 8.3 Dispute Resolution - Technical disputes → Technical Committee review - Certification disputes → Independent arbitration - Data disputes → Third-party verification - Appeal process clearly defined --- ## 9. Roadmap ### Phase 1: Foundation (Current) - Core data schema definition - Basic API specification - Pilot implementations - Community feedback ### Phase 2: Data Formats (Next) - Detailed data models - Validation rules - Reference implementations - Conformance test suite ### Phase 3: Protocols - Capture protocols - Storage protocols - Verification workflows - MRV integration ### Phase 4: Integration - CCS infrastructure integration - Carbon registry connectors - Energy system coordination - Global network deployment ### Phase 5: Ecosystem - Public dashboards - Carbon markets integration - Research data platform - Policy integration --- ## 10. References ### 10.1 Technical References 1. National Academies (2019). *Negative Emissions Technologies and Reliable Sequestration* 2. IEA (2022). *Direct Air Capture: A key technology for net zero* 3. Climeworks (2020). *Technical Specifications - Orca Plant* 4. Carbon Engineering (2018). *A Process for Capturing CO2 from the Atmosphere* ### 10.2 Standards References 1. ISO 27916:2019 - Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage 2. ISO 14064-2:2019 - Greenhouse gases, Part 2: Project level 3. IPCC (2018). *Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C* 4. Puro.earth (2021). *CO2 Removal Certificate Methodology* ### 10.3 Related WIA Standards - **WIA-INTENT:** Intent representation (foundation for DAC goals) - **WIA-OMNI-API:** Universal API framework - **WIA-SOCIAL:** Social integration for transparency - **WIA-ENE-XXX:** Other energy standards --- ## 11. Contact & Support **Website:** https://wia.org/standards/ene-050 **Email:** ene-050@wia.org **GitHub:** https://github.com/WIA-Official/wia-standards/direct-air-capture **Forum:** https://forum.wia.org/c/ene-050 --- ## License This specification is licensed under **CC BY 4.0** (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International). You are free to: - Share: copy and redistribute the material - Adapt: remix, transform, and build upon the material Under the following terms: - Attribution: You must give appropriate credit to WIA --- **弘益人間 (홍익인간) - Benefit All Humanity** © 2025 SmileStory Inc. / World Internet Alliance (WIA)