A Water Making Carbon Machine Puts Science to the Test

Avnos launches a water-generating carbon capture project backed by Shell and Mitsubishi

7 Nov 2025

Avnos has secured up to $17mn from Shell US Gas and Power and Mitsubishi Corporation Americas to develop a carbon removal facility that also produces clean water, marking a notable step for emerging capture technologies in the US.

Project Cedar aims to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air using a moisture-driven process that avoids the high heat and heavy water use common in conventional systems. The approach allows the plant to generate water as a secondary output, a feature that has drawn attention from companies facing both emissions and water-supply constraints.

The funding from Shell and Mitsubishi has been viewed within the sector as a sign of growing confidence in lower-cost and more energy-efficient capture methods. A senior Shell representative said meaningful climate progress would depend on cheaper and faster carbon removal, while Mitsubishi described the initiative as a practical move toward scalable tools.

The project’s design differs from earlier large-scale facilities by focusing on modular units that can be deployed in smaller footprints. Avnos argues that this flexibility could suit data centres, industrial sites and energy operators seeking options that fit existing infrastructure.

Rising demand for credible decarbonisation technologies has intensified interest in systems that operate effectively outside controlled laboratory settings. Supporters say the combination of carbon removal and water production could broaden the technology’s appeal in regions experiencing supply pressures.

Project Cedar still faces technical and regulatory hurdles. Its initial removal volumes will remain modest relative to national climate goals, and the system must demonstrate stable performance across seasonal conditions while meeting strict tracking and verification standards. Analysts note, however, that early limitations are typical for first-generation plants.

If the facility performs as expected, it could influence expectations for the next wave of carbon capture designs by showing how energy use, land requirements and water demand might be reduced in tandem. Industry observers expect scrutiny to rise as construction advances, with attention focused on whether the project can serve as a template for more resource-efficient systems.