A startup in Nova Scotia is currently conducting trials on a technique to capture and retain more carbon in the ocean through a new pilot facility to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. The ocean has been a significant repository for excess carbon dioxide, absorbing approximately 30% of all human-induced carbon emissions since the 1980s.
The company, pHathom, is striving to enhance the removal of emissions from the atmosphere by trapping carbon dioxide and transforming it into a form that can be securely stored in the ocean for thousands of years. The initial testing of this method will take place at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B.
Kimberly Gilbert, the co-founder and CEO, emphasized that showcasing the safety and efficacy of their approach during the pilot phase is crucial, especially since climate change is a global issue but implementing solutions in local oceans presents local challenges that demand proof of safety.
The company’s technique mirrors a natural process where raindrops absorb carbon dioxide from the air, becoming slightly acidic. When these raindrops encounter alkaline rocks like limestone, a portion of the rock dissolves, diminishing the water’s acidity and converting the carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. Ultimately, this bicarbonate reaches the ocean, where it can be stored for thousands of years, effectively keeping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
pHathom’s method involves a reactor where seawater is treated with the emissions from a biomass power plant, making the water more acidic. This acidic water is then combined with small limestone particles in a tank, converting the carbon dioxide into bicarbonate before being released back into the ocean with the same pH level as regular seawater.
In Nova Scotia, several companies are exploring variations of carbon removal techniques, with a focus on alkalinity enhancement. pHathom’s method stands out for its utilization of concentrated carbon dioxide, enhancing efficiency. The pilot project aims to capture 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day, a small but important step towards larger-scale carbon capture initiatives.
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. However, challenges like energy consumption and scalability remain significant hurdles for any carbon removal technology.
Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about the future, believing that economic and environmental imperatives will eventually drive global action towards sustainable solutions. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, the need for innovative carbon removal technologies becomes increasingly urgent.
