We all hope to live a successful and better life, which may involve the development of CO2 technology. As the infamous climate crisis accelerates, this dream looks a little bleak. This is why American scientists have turned to carbon removal technologies to curb the dangerous temperature increase. A Los Angeles startup came up with a promising innovation involving carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen. Their dual-purpose approach is attracting significant attention, and we’re about to tell you why.
The promising innovation involving CO2 and hydrogen
Equatic recently stated that they have an ocean-based carbon removal system that captures carbon and produces green hydrogen. Too good to be true? Not if you understand how it works.
How the electrolyzer works
Seawater is pumped into an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources like wind or solar. The electrolyzer separates the water into hydrogen, oxygen, acid, and alkaline sludge. The alkaline sludge encapsulates atmospheric CO2, transforming it into stable bicarbonates and carbonates. The latter are released back into the ocean. Rocks neutralize the acid waste stream before discharge, which ensures minimal environmental impact.
The technology employs an oxygen-selective anode, which eliminates the need for seawater desalination, often required in similar processes to avoid producing harmful chlorine gas. According to Equatic’s senior scientist and co-founder, Xin Chen, this breakthrough allows direct electrolysis of raw seawater, a “holy grail” for electrochemists.
The ocean carbon removal strategy has led to some debate
The company is scaling its technology through Los Angeles and Singapore pilot plants, each removing 30-40 tonnes of CO2 annually. A larger plant in Singapore would be capable of capturing 4,000 tonnes of CO2 and producing 100 tonnes of hydrogen annually. A Quebec plant, planned for 2026, aims to remove over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Supporters emphasize the vast storage potential of oceans, which naturally absorb 25% of global CO2 emissions. Marine carbon removal could complement land-based methods while requiring less infrastructure. Critics remain unconvinced. They warn of potential “dead water” zones and state that large-scale marine CO2 removal could jeopardize food security and biodiversity. The Center for International Environmental Law warns of risks to ocean chemistry and ecosystems.
The future Equatic envisions
James Kerry, a marine scientist, stated that even advanced ocean technologies may play a marginal role in reducing global emissions. Despite this, Equatic maintains that its latest innovation is environmentally sound, adhering to globalized standards and conducting ongoing monitoring. They also plan to study marine ecosystems for future projects.
The company plans to legitimize its efforts through carbon credits, which allow companies to offset emissions by purchasing verified CO2 removal. The company has pre-purchase agreements with Boeing and is in talks to sell credits to the U.S. government at $460 per tonne. Equatic diversifies its revenue streams by producing hydrogen, adding value to its technology.
Many may be skeptical and highly critical, arguing that companies such as Equatic overpromise and underdeliver, especially regarding the carbon credits. It seems that Equatic is ready for anything. They shifted to a closed-loop system, enabling the precise measurement of CO2 captured, essential for verifying credits’ effectiveness.
“No removal solution later is as good as mitigation now.” – Xin Chen
Carbon removal might still be in its infancy phase, with significant gaps in knowledge and uncertain impacts. Many hurdles lie ahead, but Equatic envisions a future where its plants can remove millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. The ocean’s role in combating climate change is increasingly recognized, and should they be able to meet the need for rigorous governance and monitoring, their technology will surely make a lasting impact, ensuring a better, greener future. Who knows, the American Dream might not look so bleak after all.