This study explores the techno-economic and environmental aspects of solar-powered liquid solvent direct air capture (L-DAC) for CO₂ removal. L-DAC, which uses a liquid alkali solution to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere, is a promising technology but is hindered by the presence of fossil CO₂ in the output stream, making it difficult to utilize in carbon-neutral applications. The research proposes a solar-powered L-DAC approach, utilizing solar thermal energy to provide high-temperature heat for the calcination process, which is typically achieved through fossil fuel combustion. However, solar thermal energy is more suitable for arid regions, where environmental conditions are often unfavorable for L-DAC. The study develops a model to assess the impact of location and plant capacity on capture costs, using life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare technologies based on net CO₂ removal. The results show that solar-powered L-DAC is not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective than conventional L-DAC. The techno-economic analysis considers equipment costs, operational expenses, and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), while the LCA evaluates climate change, metal depletion, and fossil fuel depletion impacts. Key findings include: - **Environmental Conditions**: The study identifies the impact of local physical and meteorological features on performance indicators such as electricity consumption, water losses, and solar field size. - **Cost Breakdown**: The levelized cost of produced CO₂ (LCOP) is influenced by capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and WACC. Solar L-DAC shows higher CAPEX but lower LCOP due to reduced fossil CO₂ generation. - **Scale Impact**: Increasing CO₂ capture capacity generally reduces specific CAPEX, but solar L-DAC experiences a sawtooth pattern due to the need for additional solar towers. - **Associated Emissions**: The LCA reveals significant indirect emissions from conventional L-DAC, primarily from natural gas extraction and transportation. Solar L-DAC has lower indirect emissions, making it more cost-effective. Overall, the study concludes that solar thermal energy is a promising alternative for decarbonizing L-DAC, offering a valuable opportunity to decouple carbon capture from fossil fuels.This study explores the techno-economic and environmental aspects of solar-powered liquid solvent direct air capture (L-DAC) for CO₂ removal. L-DAC, which uses a liquid alkali solution to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere, is a promising technology but is hindered by the presence of fossil CO₂ in the output stream, making it difficult to utilize in carbon-neutral applications. The research proposes a solar-powered L-DAC approach, utilizing solar thermal energy to provide high-temperature heat for the calcination process, which is typically achieved through fossil fuel combustion. However, solar thermal energy is more suitable for arid regions, where environmental conditions are often unfavorable for L-DAC. The study develops a model to assess the impact of location and plant capacity on capture costs, using life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare technologies based on net CO₂ removal. The results show that solar-powered L-DAC is not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective than conventional L-DAC. The techno-economic analysis considers equipment costs, operational expenses, and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), while the LCA evaluates climate change, metal depletion, and fossil fuel depletion impacts. Key findings include: - **Environmental Conditions**: The study identifies the impact of local physical and meteorological features on performance indicators such as electricity consumption, water losses, and solar field size. - **Cost Breakdown**: The levelized cost of produced CO₂ (LCOP) is influenced by capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and WACC. Solar L-DAC shows higher CAPEX but lower LCOP due to reduced fossil CO₂ generation. - **Scale Impact**: Increasing CO₂ capture capacity generally reduces specific CAPEX, but solar L-DAC experiences a sawtooth pattern due to the need for additional solar towers. - **Associated Emissions**: The LCA reveals significant indirect emissions from conventional L-DAC, primarily from natural gas extraction and transportation. Solar L-DAC has lower indirect emissions, making it more cost-effective. Overall, the study concludes that solar thermal energy is a promising alternative for decarbonizing L-DAC, offering a valuable opportunity to decouple carbon capture from fossil fuels.