With reference to ‘Direct Air Capture’, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration. II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing. III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. I and II only
2. B. III only
3. C. I, II and III
4. D. None of the above statements is correct

Answer: C

Explanation

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that extracts carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the ambient air. Statement I is correct: The captured CO2 can be permanently stored in geological formations, effectively sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Statement II is correct: The captured CO2 can be utilized as a feedstock for various industrial applications. This includes its use in the production of plastics, cement, and carbon fibers, as well as in food processing for carbonation (e.g., beverages) or as a preservative. Statement III is correct: DAC-captured CO2 can be combined with hydrogen (produced from renewable electricity) to synthesize low-carbon fuels, often referred to as Power-to-Liquid (PtL) or e-fuels. These synthetic fuels are being explored as a sustainable alternative for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation. All three statements accurately describe potential applications of Direct Air Capture technology. Emerging climate technologies and their applications are important for UPSC.