Squamish-based cleantech darling Carbon Engineering (CE) is growing again.
This week, the company announced the purchase of 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres) in the Business Park area of Squamish.
The plan is to build Direct Air Capture (DAC) research and technology development facilities on the land to complement its existing Innovation Centre, which is located about 4.5 kilometres away from the new site on Squamish's oceanfront.
"The additional facilities will continue the company’s focus on creating an optimal environment for both innovation and the people who drive this important work," a news release stated.
For the uninitiated, Carbon Engineering is developing technology capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly out of the atmosphere, with the aim of helping slow down the impacts of climate change.
The firm was founded in 2009 and built its first pilot plant on the east side of the Squamish oceanfront property in 2015.
The current Carbon Engineering Innovation Centre was built in 2021 and is now located on the southwest portion of Oceanfront Squamish's property.
In 2023, Carbon Engineering was bought for US$1.1 billion, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, which is owned by Occidental Petroleum.
“At the core of Oxy and CE’s decision to join forces less than a year ago was the commitment to invest in the team and technology here in Canada. Today, this land purchase and subsequent development plans are evidence of that commitment put into action locally as we approach our 10th anniversary in Squamish next year," said Rick Ritter, general manager of Carbon Engineering, in a news release.
According to Ritter, the two newly purchased lots are along Queens Way in the Business Park, north of downtown Squamish. The exact lots are 1091 and 38939 Queens Way.
"We plan to build a multi-bay warehouse-type structure for research and development activities. The new location is also designed to provide additional office and lab space for our growing team," said Ritter, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
CE currently boasts about 170 employees.
"Our operations at the Innovation Centre in the oceanfront area will supplement learning at this new site by providing an open-air fully integrated plant to test new improvements."
With expanded research and development facilities, CE will be adding to the company's technology development team, bringing engineers, scientists and other technical experts to the area.
"We're early in the process, having recently completed due diligence and closing on the property," Ritter said, adding that the company is working with the District of Squamish.
Go to Carbon Engineering's careers page for more on the specific jobs available.
“As Squamish continues to lead the world in dedicated Direct Air Capture research and development, our team and technology activities are growing, and we find ourselves in need of more space,” said Dr. Andrew Ostericher, CE director of technology development. “These expanded facilities will complement existing activities while also making room for exploring new pathways for this critically important technology.”
