The Short Course Certification Program: Introduction to Direct Air Capture (DAC) was held on May 28–29, 2024, at the East Campus Center Auditorium, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). The program was attended by 111 participants from various institutions, including academics, students, researchers, and professionals from the energy and industrial sectors.

The certification was officially opened by Prof. Taufan Marhaendrajana, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Ir. Sanggono Adisasmito, Ph.D., who respectively serve as the Director of DPITM and the Head of the Center for Carbon Dioxide and Flare Gas Utilization (PPKDGS) at ITB.

The opening session was followed by an introduction to the importance of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology in supporting the 2060 Net Zero Emission (NZE) target, delivered by Dr. rer. nat. Ir. R. Mohammad Rachmat Sule, M.T.

Group photo of certification participants at Bandung Institute of Technology. (Photo by Farhan)

The program was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of DAC technology as a carbon emission mitigation solution. Participants gained insights into the working principles of DAC, its application in CCS/CCUS systems, and its relevance in the energy sector.

Esteemed speakers from both academia and international industry, including Doug Rae (1PointFive, Canada), Sylvia Low Li Fern (1PointFive, Singapore), and Adam Baylin-Stern (Carbon Engineering, Canada), shared their experiences and global perspectives on the implementation of this technology.

Over the course of two days, the program included sessions on the fundamentals of DAC, international case studies, discussions on implementation challenges, and presentations on development opportunities for DAC in Indonesia.

The first day focused on the basic principles of DAC and its applications in developed countries such as Canada and the United States. The second day highlighted the challenges of implementing this technology in Indonesia, including policy, economic, and infrastructure aspects.

Participants attending the Short Course: Introduction to Direct Air Capture (DAC). (Photo by Farhan)

The outcomes of the program showed improved understanding among participants regarding DAC, including its potential application in Indonesia. The discussions generated many constructive suggestions on the steps needed to implement DAC technology in the energy, industrial, and transportation sectors.

Participants also emphasized the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate the adoption of this technology. The program successfully fostered a strong collaborative network among academics, practitioners, and government representatives. This collaboration is expected to drive the development of the necessary infrastructure for DAC implementation in Indonesia. Moreover, the event laid a crucial foundation for building long-term decarbonization strategies.

Overall, the Short Course: Introduction to Direct Air Capture (DAC) program made a significant contribution to supporting Indonesia’s carbon emission reduction goals. With support from various stakeholders, DAC technology is expected to become a key solution for climate change mitigation.