Singapore's national water agency, PUB, is joining forces with the University of California in Los Angeles and the startup Equatic to construct a $20 million plant. This plant is designed to remove 3,650 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the ocean annually using the Equatic Process.
This innovative method involves electrolysis to transform carbon dioxide in seawater into stable solid forms, similar to natural seashell formation, ensuring the carbon is securely stored for millennia.
The Equatic Process: A Potential Climate Game Changer
The new facility, dubbed Equatic-1, builds on successful pilot programs in Singapore and Los Angeles, showcasing the technology's potential on a smaller scale.
Equatic's global ambition doesn't stop here, with plans to expand and commercialize this carbon removal technology worldwide. At its peak, Equatic-1 could offset the carbon footprint of 850 individuals annually.
A Promising Yet Cautious Path
While the Equatic Process offers promising advances in the battle against climate change, it has also sparked debates about potential ecological impacts. PUB assures that treated seawater will be neutralized to preserve ocean chemistry, with ongoing monitoring of the plant's environmental effects.
Diverse Environmental Benefits
The operation of Equatic-1 will not only contribute to PUB's net-zero emissions target by 2045 but also explore integrating this technology with desalination processes.
Additionally, the solid carbonates produced could find uses in construction, while hydrogen, another byproduct, might serve as a clean energy source.
