In a game-changing move for indoor agriculture, Swedish startup Direct Carbon is making CO2 more affordable and accessible for vertical farmers and greenhouse growers. The Västerås-based company, located just 100 km west of Stockholm, aims to address the escalating costs of green CO2 by introducing small-scale direct air capture (DAC) technology, helping farmers boost yields sustainably without heavy financial outlay.
The breakthrough product, the Wunderpumpe, launched this year and is already making waves in the industry. “CO2 has become a critical commodity in indoor agriculture, yet premium green CO2 supplies remain costly and challenging for many growers to afford,” says Ankur Garg, Consultant at Direct Carbon. “We aim to offer a more accessible, sustainable alternative without the high financial burden. Vertical farming, in particular, consumes a lot of energy, and our technology can help reduce costs while keeping production green.”
The Compact Solution for Growing Challenges
Direct Carbon’s first offering, the Wunderpumpe, is a compact carbon capture unit designed specifically for smaller operations, including vertical farms, in-store farms, and container farms up to 1,000 square metres. With the capability to capture up to 5 kg of CO2 per day, the unit integrates seamlessly into existing indoor systems, enriching the air with captured carbon to optimise growing conditions. Since its launch in June 2024, eleven units have already been sold and deployed across research facilities, greenhouses, and showcase farms in several countries, including Canada, the US, and Germany.
“The technology is straightforward,” Garg explains. “We capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere, enrich it, and integrate it with the farm’s indoor airflow. This approach maintains optimal air quality for plants while also providing a practical solution to the challenge of CO2 affordability.”
The company is now developing a larger version of the system, due for launch in early 2025, which will be able to capture up to 150 kg of CO2 per day. This next iteration will target large-scale commercial vertical farms and small greenhouses, expanding the reach of Direct Carbon’s innovative technology.
Subscription Model Revolutionises Adoption
To eliminate financial barriers, Direct Carbon offers the Wunderpumpe on a subscription basis—a strategic decision aimed at supporting growers through cost-effective innovation. For €499 per month, growers can implement the technology with no upfront cost or long-term commitment. “We want as many growers as possible to benefit from this technology,” Garg states. “The subscription model allows them to try it out on their farms, run pilot programmes, and see real results without the pressure of a hefty initial investment. If their needs change, they can easily return or upgrade the system. This flexibility is what many growers are looking for in today’s volatile agricultural market.”
The company has seen strong demand, with the first production batch of Wunderpumpes already oversubscribed. “After successful pilot tests in Sweden, we are now preparing to deploy across Europe,” Garg adds. “We are shipping units to Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and even one to Australia, with interest from North America also growing rapidly.” While current systems are configured for the European market, Direct Carbon is already making adjustments to meet the requirements of North American growers.
The Growing Need for Affordable Green CO2
The need for affordable CO2 is urgent as many smaller vertical farms have struggled with fluctuating and rising prices for compressed CO2—in some cases, paying as much as €25 per kilogram to enhance yields. “While the Netherlands currently benefits from relatively low CO2 costs, this won’t last forever,” Garg warns. “Across southern Europe, CO2 prices are skyrocketing, forcing many to look for sustainable, economically viable alternatives.”
Direct Carbon’s innovative approach and flexible model come at a pivotal moment for the sector, offering a solution that meets both environmental and economic needs. The Wunderpumpe is not just a technological leap forward; it represents a significant stride towards making sustainable farming practices viable for operations of all sizes, allowing growers to continue thriving in a market where green solutions are often priced beyond their reach.
