Equatic’s Groundbreaking Seawater Carbon Capture Technology

Equatic, a carbon removal startup, has unveiled its intentions to construct a sizeable demonstration facility for carbon capture in Singapore using an innovative method that involves electrolyzing seawater without generating chlorine. This technology, developed by scientists at UCLA, has already undergone successful trials in Los Angeles and Singapore. Equatic has joined forces with Singapore’s National Water Agency to establish a facility capable of capturing an impressive 3,650 metric tonnes of carbon annually, positioning it as one of the largest carbon dioxide removal facilities worldwide. The facility is set to commence operations in the summer of 2024, with the capacity to capture 1 metric tonne of CO2 daily, and aims to eventually reach 10 metric tonnes per day.

Francesca Gregory, a senior transition analyst at GlobalData, and Equatic’s COO Edward Sanders, shared insights into the functionality of the process and the carbon capture market in a recent discussion with Energy Monitor. They shed light on the significance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from point sources such as industrial plants and utilizing the captured carbon in various sectors. This process has the potential to play a critical role in our efforts to combat climate change and pursue a net-zero future.

Despite its potential, CCUS has faced criticism due to concerns about scaling, high capital costs, and its impact on the use of fossil fuels. However, the necessity of reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries and removing accumulated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is undeniable. The International Energy Agency anticipates CCUS to contribute significantly to reducing emissions, highlighting its importance in the quest to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Equatic’s technology stands out due to its unique approach of using seawater and green hydrogen to capture and store carbon. By leveraging renewable energy to split seawater into green hydrogen and oxygen, and subsequently capturing carbon dioxide in the form of dissolved bicarbonate ions and solid mineral carbonates, Equatic ensures the neutral composition of the water before it is discharged back into the ocean. This approach differs from conventional methods and presents a cost-effective solution that provides both low-carbon hydrogen and a carbon removal service.

In terms of funding, Equatic has secured pre-sold carbon credits and hydrogen from future plants to companies like Boeing, with prices ranging from $400 to $1,300 per tonne. The company is also exploring various financing options to support the deployment and scaling of its innovative carbon capture technology.

Equatic’s pioneering approach to carbon capture offers promise in the global efforts to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable future. With the construction of their large-scale plant in Singapore and plans for future expansion, Equatic is poised to make a significant impact in the field of carbon capture and contribute to the collective goal of achieving a net-zero world.