A startup in Nova Scotia is currently conducting a trial to enhance carbon capture and storage in the ocean through a new pilot facility to validate the concept. The ocean has been a significant reservoir for excess carbon dioxide, absorbing approximately 30% of human-induced carbon emissions since the 1980s.
pHathom, the company behind this initiative, aims to further reduce atmospheric emissions by capturing carbon dioxide and transforming it into a secure form suitable for long-term storage in the ocean. The 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 of pHathom, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of their approach at a local level, considering the global impact of climate change.
The company’s technique mimics a natural process where raindrops absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, becoming slightly acidic. When these raindrops encounter alkaline rocks like limestone, a chemical reaction occurs, converting carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. This bicarbonate can then be stored in the ocean for thousands of years, effectively sequestering carbon dioxide.
pHathom’s method involves exposing seawater to the emissions of a biomass power plant in a controlled reactor environment, enhancing the water’s acidity level. By mixing this acidic water with limestone particles, carbon dioxide is converted into bicarbonate before reintroduction into the ocean with a balanced pH level.
In addition to pHathom, other companies in Nova Scotia are exploring variations of carbon removal methods, specifically focusing on alkalinity enhancement. These companies, such as Planetary and CarbonRun, are implementing similar approaches to reduce carbon emissions through innovative processes.
The pilot phase of pHathom’s project aims to capture 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day, with a focus on observing the impact on various marine species over a three-month period. The ultimate goal is to scale up the project to a second testing site in Nova Scotia next year, integrating the reactor into a building transitioning to a biomass system.
While the potential of carbon removal technologies is promising, challenges such as energy consumption and scalability remain significant obstacles. The urgency of the climate crisis underscores the necessity of exploring and advancing such technologies while also prioritizing a shift away from fossil fuels.
Despite uncertainties in carbon pricing and policy changes, Gilbert remains hopeful that a collective global effort will drive the adoption of sustainable solutions. As the world increasingly recognizes the need for action, she believes it is crucial for the technology to be proven and readily available when the time for action arrives.