Climeworks’ Orca plant in Iceland has become the first carbon capture project to receive an AAA rating from BeZero Carbon, a London-based agency specializing in carbon credit assessments. This top rating marks a significant achievement for Climeworks, a company based in Zurich, Switzerland, and confirms the quality and effectiveness of its carbon capture technology.

Orca, located near Reykjavik, has been operational since September 2021 and is composed of eight collection containers with an annual capacity to capture 500 tons of CO2 each. The plant is powered by the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant, allowing for remote operation and sustainable energy use.

Climeworks’ success is also credited to its collaboration with Icelandic partner Carbfix, which stores the captured CO2 underground securely and permanently. Additionally, the company recognizes the role of Puro.earth, a Helsinki-based certifier, for its rigorous validation standards that contributed to this milestone.

This AAA rating highlights Climeworks’ commitment to scaling its carbon capture technology without compromising quality. As the highest industry rating ever given, it underscores the importance of independent third-party verification in advancing sustainable solutions for climate change.

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