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Dynamic Identification and Phased Deployment of Direct Air Capture Demand at Chinese Airports: Evidence from 52 Civil Transport Airports

Author(s)

Chen Jiayin1,*, Ding Wenhui1, Zhang Chengrui1, Shi Muyang2

Affiliation(s)

1College of Mining Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China 2College of Architectural Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study develops a dynamic framework to identify Direct Air Capture (DAC) demand and phased deployment priorities across Chinese airports. Using panel data for 52 civil transport airports from 2006 to 2025, we construct a DAC demand index combining aviation carbon pressure, traffic growth, and post-pandemic recovery, and assess deployment readiness with airport grade and regional electricity prices. Results show marked heterogeneity in DAC demand. Major hubs, including Shenzhen Bao’an, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shanghai Pudong, rank highest, while some medium-sized airports also exhibit strong medium-term demand due to rapid growth and recovery. However, high demand does not guarantee near-term deployability. Beijing Daxing and Zhengzhou Xinzheng show a better demand-readiness match, whereas Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai Pudong face stronger short-term constraints. Airport DAC planning should therefore follow a phased, differentiated strategy.

Keywords

Direct Air Capture; Airport Decarbonization; Dac Demand Index; Deployment Readiness; Phased Deploymen

References

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