A startup in Nova Scotia is conducting trials on a technique to capture and sequester more carbon in the ocean, using a new pilot facility to validate the idea. The ocean already serves as a significant reservoir for surplus carbon dioxide, having absorbed approximately 30% of all human-induced carbon emissions since the 1980s.
The company, pHathom, aims to enhance the removal of emissions from the atmosphere by capturing carbon dioxide and transforming it into a form suitable for safe storage in the ocean for thousands of years. The testing of this approach will take place at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
Kimberly Gilbert, the co-founder and CEO, emphasized that demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the local solution is crucial in addressing the global issue of climate change. pHathom’s method replicates a natural process where raindrops absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, becoming slightly acidic. When these raindrops interact with alkaline rock like limestone, the carbon dioxide is converted into bicarbonate, which can be stored in the ocean for an extended period.
The company’s process involves exposing seawater to the emissions from a biomass power plant to increase its acidity. The acidic water is then mixed with small limestone particles in a tank, converting the carbon dioxide into bicarbonate before reintroducing it into the ocean with a pH level similar to regular seawater.
Other companies in Nova Scotia are exploring variations of carbon removal techniques, such as alkalinity enhancement. Planetary and CarbonRun are among the firms testing similar approaches in different locations within the province.
pHathom’s method stands out for its use of concentrated carbon dioxide, enhancing efficiency in the process. The pilot phase aims to capture 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide daily, with the treated water undergoing testing in tanks to assess its impact on various marine species over a three-month period.
If successful, pHathom plans to expand its operations with a second test site in Nova Scotia next year, integrating the reactor into a building transitioning from a fossil-fuel boiler to a biomass system. Despite the significant energy consumption associated with these methods, researchers and industry experts underscore the urgency of exploring promising carbon removal technologies to combat the climate crisis.
While challenges remain in scaling up these technologies, the potential benefits in mitigating climate change are substantial. Canada has been recognized as a leader in ocean alkalinity enhancement research, with calls for international collaboration and regulatory frameworks to support these innovative solutions. Despite uncertainties in the policy landscape, industry players remain optimistic about the future impact of carbon capture and storage initiatives, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reduce emissions and foster sustainable practices.