Deep Sky has begun operations at its new carbon removal facility in Innisfail, Alberta, marking North America’s first sequestration of carbon dioxide captured directly from the atmosphere.
The project, known as Deep Sky Alpha, was completed in 12 months and brings together multiple direct air capture (DAC) technologies. The company said the facility will allow for real-world testing and optimisation of different approaches under identical conditions.
“This is a defining moment, not just for Deep Sky, but for the global carbon removal industry,” said Alex Petre, chief executive of Deep Sky. “In just one year, we went from breaking ground to pulling carbon from the sky and locking it underground for good. Companies around the world are looking for high-quality, durable carbon removal to offset carbon footprints. With Deep Sky Alpha, we’re proving that it’s not only possible, it’s here.”
Captured carbon at the site is stored permanently in deep geological formations known as saline aquifers, which are abundant in Alberta. The province’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, welcomed the development. “Alberta continues to lead the way in attracting world-class innovation and this is an example of another company that has chosen Alberta because of our skilled workforce, strong regulatory system, and commitment to responsible development,” she said.
The five-acre site is designed to accommodate up to ten DAC units, with several already being commissioned, including technologies from UK-based Airhive and Mission Zero Technologies, as well as Quebec’s Skyrenu. Additional units are expected to be installed later this year.
Powered entirely by solar energy, the facility has the capacity to capture 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The project created more than 100 construction jobs and will employ around 15 full-time operators. Data on its capture and storage performance will be monitored continuously and made publicly available.
Deep Sky Alpha forms part of the company’s broader plans for large-scale carbon removal projects in Alberta, Quebec and other regions. The project follows Deep Sky’s recent $40 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and carbon removal credit purchase agreements with Microsoft and the Royal Bank of Canada.
