REYKJAVIK – An Inspiring Tale of Environmental Tenacity

39-year-old Terence Tham from Singapore is breaking barriers in the battle against climate change as the senior plant manager at Mammoth, the world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) plant located in Iceland.

Mammoth Facility

Sprawled across a vast area equivalent to seven football fields, the Mammoth facility has the capacity to capture an impressive 36,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually – which is akin to removing 8,000 cars from our roads for a year. This emerging technology, which utilizes large fans to draw air through filters, is instrumental in addressing the ongoing climate crisis by sequestering harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Global Carbon Emissions

Mammoth stands out as one of just about 20 operational DAC plants globally. Despite its remarkable capabilities, this carbon reduction represents only a tiny fraction of the more than 37.4 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted worldwide each year as of 2023. Scientific experts assert that to mitigate climate control effectively, we must aim to extract as much as 10 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050, as urged by the World Resources Institute.

Ongoing Operations and Community Engagement

At Mammoth, the operations are modifying and refining as the facility currently deploys only 12 out of the planned 72 collector containers. Under Mr. Tham’s leadership, the team is diligently working with stakeholders to enhance productivity and expedite the deployment of the remaining devices. They ensure plant operations run smoothly 24/7, undertaking crucial maintenance and collaborations with Carbfix, an innovative Icelandic company specializing in carbon-mineralization to safely store captured CO2 underground.

In a bid to foster local community understanding, Mr. Tham frequently leads educational tours of the facility, addressing concerns regarding its operational noise and the impact on Iceland's stunning natural landscapes. It’s a complex challenge, but Tham, inspired by the local culture and its 'can-do' mindset, finds a shared spirit among residents who believe that 'petta reddast'—it will work out.

Mr. Tham’s Journey

Mr. Tham’s journey has seen him traverse continents. After completing his national service in 2005, he furthered his education in natural sciences in France and obtained a master's degree in chemical engineering from Ensta Paris. His professional trajectory included positions at Solvay, a multinational chemical company, where he honed his expertise in production and management across France, Italy, and the U.S.

Driven by an urge to make a tangible impact on the environment, he transitioned to climate technology after earning an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His landmark move in January 2024 saw him relocate his family to Iceland to join the team at Climeworks, the Swiss company behind the Mammoth initiative. His wife, Gwendolyn Cham, also holds an influential career as an executive director at a research institute and is pursuing a master’s degree in public health.

Living in Iceland

Despite the breathtaking beauty surrounding him, Mr. Tham faces the unpredictable weather conditions of Iceland, often described as experiencing 'four seasons in a day.' His team’s responsibilities extend to ensuring snow does not obstruct the giant fans during harsh winter months.

Exciting Advancements Ahead

Exciting advancements are on the horizon. Climeworks plans to launch its new 'Generation Three technology' which promises to double CO2 capture capabilities while halving energy costs. The first deployment of this upgraded tech is slated for a commercial plant in Louisiana, projected to capture one million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030. Mr. Tham and his team are keen to explore how these innovations can be integrated into the Mammoth operations.

Commitment to Sustainability

But Mr. Tham's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the workplace. As a father, he strives to instill eco-conscious habits in his three daughters, focusing on composting food waste and minimizing air conditioning use. His girls have adopted the mantra of repurposing, transforming old boxes into toys and using yogurt containers for planting.

In his words, 'Every small gesture counts. By making conscious decisions, we can significantly lessen our environmental footprint.'

Looking Ahead

With challenges ahead, Mr. Tham succeeds in his passionate commitment to driving Mammoth’s mission. 'We’re trying our best here, but we know it’s just the beginning,' he asserts. 'Scaling up this technology to truly make a difference in the fight against climate change is our ultimate goal.'

As the world watches in anticipation, Mr. Tham’s work embodies a hopeful step towards cleaner air and a sustainable future, and it all begins in the rugged landscapes of Iceland.