A startup based in Nova Scotia is currently conducting trials to enhance carbon capture and storage in the ocean through a novel pilot facility to validate the concept. The ocean serves as a significant reservoir for excess carbon dioxide, having absorbed approximately 30% of all human-induced carbon emissions since the 1980s.
The company, named pHathom, aims to further reduce emissions from the atmosphere by capturing carbon dioxide and transforming it into a form suitable for secure long-term storage in the ocean. The testing of their method will take place at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
Kimberly Gilbert, the co-founder and CEO of the company, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the approach at a local level, considering the global challenge of climate change. pHathom’s technique emulates a natural process where raindrops absorb carbon dioxide, which becomes slightly acidic, and upon contact with alkaline rock like limestone, converts the carbon dioxide into bicarbonate.
In their method, seawater is exposed to the emissions from a biomass power plant, increasing its acidity. The acidic water is then mixed with small limestone particles in a tank to convert the carbon dioxide into bicarbonate before being reintroduced into the ocean with similar pH levels as regular seawater.
Other companies in Nova Scotia are also exploring variations of carbon removal through alkalinity enhancement methods. pHathom’s approach offers the advantage of using highly concentrated carbon dioxide, enhancing efficiency. The pilot phase aims to capture 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide daily, with plans for scaling up operations in Nova Scotia next year.
Despite the potential benefits, challenges such as energy consumption and scaling up operations remain significant hurdles for carbon removal technologies. Researchers and experts emphasize the need for transitioning away from fossil fuels while exploring promising removal technologies to address the pressing climate crisis effectively.
The Canadian government has been recognized for its leadership in ocean alkalinity enhancement research, with calls for international collaboration and regulatory frameworks. Amid policy uncertainties and economic considerations, the push for proven and viable technologies for carbon capture and storage remains crucial for combating climate change effectively.