As the fight against climate change intensifies, startups are turning to innovative ocean-based carbon capture technologies to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Unlike traditional air-based capture methods, these ventures leverage the ocean's natural CO2 concentration to extract the greenhouse gas more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Captura, a Los Angeles-based startup, leads the charge with its barge-mounted system deployed at the Port of Los Angeles. Designed to capture 100 tons of CO2 annually, Captura plans to scale up with a 1000-ton-per-year facility in Norway. Equatic, another Los Angeles startup, is set to launch a 3650-ton-per-year plant in Singapore, with similar projects on the horizon.
Utilizing renewable electricity, these ventures extract CO2 from seawater through various chemical processes. By leveraging the ocean's high CO2 concentration—nearly 150 times that of the air—these methods offer a promising alternative to traditional air capture, potentially reducing costs to $100 per ton, or less, by 2032.
While some companies deploy alkaline rocks or organic matter to promote CO2 conversion, ocean capture stands out for its scalability and compatibility with existing water-processing infrastructure. However, challenges remain in accurately measuring CO2 absorption rates and selecting optimal discharge sites to maximize efficiency.
Advocates call for government support to incentivize ocean-based carbon capture efforts, as they play a crucial role in achieving global emission reduction targets. Despite the immense challenge of scaling up to meet climate goals, these startups represent a promising step towards a more sustainable future.
