Twelve: Pioneering the Future of Carbon Transformation

Combating climate change is more urgent than ever, leading to innovative solutions emerging from unexpected places. Among the trailblazers in this fight is Twelve, a revolutionary company dedicated to transforming carbon emissions into valuable products. Twelve is not just dreaming of a fossil-free future; it's actively building it.

To reach the 2050 decarbonization milestone, we must reduce and eliminate fossil fuel reliance and remove carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. Twelve is tackling both issues simultaneously and within the same technological framework.

Redefining Carbon Utilization

Founded in 2015 by Etosha Cave, Kendra Kuhl, and Nicholas Flanders, Twelve has developed a breakthrough technology known as the Opus™ Carbon Transformation System. This system is at the heart of the company’s mission to eliminate global emissions. By mimicking the natural process of photosynthesis, Twelve’s technology converts CO₂, water, and renewable energy into hydrocarbons—the essential building blocks for chemicals, materials, and fuels. 

Imagine a world where the carbon in running shoes, sunglasses, car parts, and even jet fuel doesn’t come from fossil fuels but from captured CO₂. Twelve is making this vision a reality. Their innovative technology not only aims to reduce the trillion tons of CO₂ in the atmosphere but also to replace fossil carbon in industrial products with renewable carbon.

By using CO₂ as a feedstock, Twelve not only helps in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes to a circular economy. This approach turns waste CO₂ into a valuable resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing economic benefits. Companies can increase their capacity efficiently without major infrastructure changes, meet sustainability goals, and create new revenue streams, all while minimizing their environmental impact.

Modular Technology Built To Scale

Twelve’s technology is modular, highly scalable, and integrates seamlessly into existing supply chains. As companies scale their Twelve system, no additional footprint is needed as the system stacks vertically on each other. This innovative design allows for effortless expansion, enabling businesses to increase their capacity without additional real estate or significant infrastructure changes. Furthermore, the modular nature of Twelve’s technology ensures that companies can adapt quickly to changing market demands and scale their operations efficiently, maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

Innovative Partnerships and Groundbreaking Projects

Twelve’s technology has attracted the attention and collaboration of some of the world’s leading companies and institutions. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Trinseo, Twelve created the world’s first automotive parts made from CO₂-derived polycarbonate. This milestone demonstrates the practical applications of their technology and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes across industries. 

In the energy sector, Twelve has teamed up with SoCalGas and PG&E to advance CO₂ conversion technology with biogas sourced from landfills and agricultural waste. This collaboration is a significant step towards achieving high conversion efficiency of CO₂ into useful products.

Twelve’s influence extends into consumer goods as well. Their partnership with Procter & Gamble aims to produce carbon-negative ingredients for products like Tide, showcasing how their technology can make everyday items more sustainable.

Fueling the Future of Aviation

One of Twelve’s most ambitious projects is the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company has been working with Boston Consulting Group on its development. This initiative, branded "Fuel for the Long Haul," seeks to set new standards for sustainable aviation and address the challenges of scaling up production and reducing costs.

By converting CO₂ into SAF, Twelve addresses one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize: aviation.

SAF offers a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuels, significantly reducing carbon emissions from air travel. As the aviation industry seeks sustainable solutions to meet global emission reduction targets, Twelve’s SAF presents a viable path forward. Their efforts in this domain underscore the potential of their technology to revolutionize not just ground transportation and industrial processes but also the future of flight.

Securing the Path Forward

The company’s work has not gone unnoticed. In June 2022, Twelve secured $130 million in Series B funding from prominent investors, including DCVC and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. This funding is critical for scaling their technology and expanding their operations to meet global demands.

A Vision for a Fossil-Free World

Twelve’s mission is not just about technology; it's about redefining how we interact with the environment and our resources. By transforming CO₂ into essential products, Twelve sets a new standard for sustainable production and consumption. Their work represents a significant leap towards a fossil-free future, where carbon emissions are not just reduced but repurposed into the very materials that build our modern world. They are tackling the complexities of overhauling an oil-based infrastructure head-on, knowing this is the real pathway to decarbonization. 

In the fight against climate change, Twelve stands out as a beacon of innovation and hope. Their vision of turning CO₂ into a valuable resource could fundamentally change how industries operate and help pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. 

For more information on Twelve and their groundbreaking work, visit their website: twelve.co.