13 min read·
Biological vs chemical carbon-negative processes: permanence, cost, and scalability compared
Side-by-side evaluation of biological carbon removal approaches (engineered algae, enhanced weathering microbes, soil carbon biotech) versus chemical processes (DAC, mineral carbonation). Biological pathways offer costs of $50–150 per tonne CO₂ but face permanence challenges, while chemical routes achieve 1,000+ year storage at $250–600 per tonne.