Thor Gutierrez (Sirona): Is Direct Air Capture a Distraction?

Thor Gutierrez (Sirona): Is Direct Air Capture a Distraction?

Author: Hugo Rauch February 26, 2026 Duration: 52:00

Subscribe to the newsletter:

New Wave | Hugo Rauch | Substack

****

🌊 Removing CO₂ at 420 ppm

Is direct air capture a distraction, or a necessity for net zero?

We’re joined by Thor Gutierrez, Founder & CEO of Sirona Technologies, former Tesla engineer now building one of Europe’s most ambitious direct air capture (DAC) companies.

Direct air capture fascinates as much as it divides.Some see it as essential for net zero.Others call it an expensive distraction.

In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to scale DAC, economically, technically, and politically, and why starting now might be non-negotiable.

In our conversation, we covered:

→ Why we’ll need to remove ~10 gigatons per year

→ Why DAC should likely represent only ~1–2% of climate capital

→ Who’s actually buying carbon removal credits

→ Why voluntary markets are the “bootloader” for compliance markets

→ The Tesla playbook: speed of iteration > scale too early

→ Why modular, containerized plants outperform mega-projects

→ The real cost today: ~$800–900 per ton, and the roadmap to $250 by 2030

→ Why buyers demand a visible cost curve before signing contracts

→ Solid sorbents vs liquid solvents, and why modularity wins

→ Energy reality: DAC only works with abundant clean power

→ Why Kenya, the Middle East, and Norway make geographic sense

→ The 90% removal efficiency debate, and what the LCA actually shows

Thor makes a clear argument:

If you don’t believe in regulation, you don’t believe in solving climate.

Voluntary markets fund learning.

Compliance markets unlock scale.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newwavenewsletter.substack.com

Hugo Rauch hosts New Wave, a podcast that lives at the intersection of business ambition and scientific reality. This isn't about distant predictions or abstract science; it's a grounded exploration of the technologies and companies being built right now to address our environmental future. Each episode focuses on the practical journey, dissecting the models, the breakthroughs, and the hard decisions that define the climate tech landscape. You'll hear from founders, researchers, and investors who are actively shaping this space, getting into the specifics of what works, what doesn't, and why. The conversations move beyond hype to examine the tangible mechanics of creating viable solutions, from energy storage and sustainable materials to carbon removal and regenerative agriculture. It’s for anyone who thinks about the climate challenge not just as a crisis, but as a complex and urgent field of innovation. By tuning into this podcast, you gain a clearer understanding of the economic forces and scientific principles driving the next generation of environmental solutions. New Wave connects the dots between the lab, the boardroom, and the impact we need to see in the world, offering a sober yet optimistic look at where substantive progress is truly being made.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 89

New Wave.
Podcast Episodes
Bridging the funding gap in biotech - Annick Verween (Biotope by VIB) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:33
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***This week, we’re joined by Annick Verween, Head of Biotope at VIB, where she backs early-stage biotech startups working to improve planetary health. With Biotope recently name…
USA vs Europe: Who Wins In Climate? - Matthew Blain (Voyager Ventures) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:32
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***Thank you to BioEsol for sponsoring this episode. 💚BioEsol is an AI-powered energy company bringing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) to industrial and SME clients, enabling energy a…
How to Exit a Deep Tech Startup - Matt Jones (Syensqo) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:10
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***This week, we’re joined by Matt Jones, Managing Partner at Syensqo, to break down one of the toughest challenges in climate tech: how to exit.With 25 years of experience and a…
Climate Change Is a Social Issue - Alina Klarner (Impact Shakers) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:14
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***Thank you to BioEsol for sponsoring this episode. 💚BioEsol is an AI-powered energy company bringing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) to industrial and SME clients, enabling energy a…
No One Pays for Green Anymore - Yair Reem (Extantia) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:45
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***This week, we’re joined by Yair Reem, Partner at Extantia Capital, to break down why the green premium is dead, and what’s next for climate-tech startups. In this episode, we…
When VC Meets Nonprofit - Marion Schuppe (makesense) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:49
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.***While traditional VC prioritizes financial returns, makesense invest is proving that social and environmental impact can be at the core of investing, without sacrificing perfo…