A startup in Nova Scotia is trialing a method to capture and store more carbon in the ocean, using a new pilot facility to demonstrate the concept. The ocean already serves as a significant repository for excess carbon dioxide, having absorbed approximately 30% of all human-caused carbon emissions since the 1980s.
pHathom, the company behind the initiative, aims to further reduce emissions by capturing carbon dioxide and transforming it into a form suitable for safe storage in the ocean for thousands of years. The testing of this approach 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 proving the safety and effectiveness of their local solution to address the global issue of climate change. The company’s method replicates a natural process where raindrops absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, becoming slightly acidic. When these raindrops interact with alkaline rocks like limestone, the carbon dioxide is converted into bicarbonate, which can be stored in the ocean, thereby keeping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
By utilizing a reactor, pHathom’s method involves exposing seawater to the exhaust of a biomass power plant, leading to the conversion of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate through the interaction with limestone particles. This treated water is then reintroduced into the ocean with the same pH level as regular seawater.
Other companies in Nova Scotia are also exploring variations of carbon removal techniques, known as alkalinity enhancement. pHathom’s approach stands out for its use of highly concentrated carbon dioxide, making the process more efficient and environmentally measurable due to its contained reactor setup.
The pilot phase of pHathom’s project aims to capture 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide daily, with plans to scale up operations in Nova Scotia next year. However, the scalability of carbon removal technologies remains a significant challenge, as highlighted by experts in the field.
Despite the obstacles, the importance of investigating promising carbon removal technologies remains crucial in combating the climate crisis, alongside efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. Canada has been recognized as a leader in ocean alkalinity enhancement research, with calls for international collaboration and regulatory frameworks to support such initiatives.
The evolving landscape of climate policies presents both challenges and opportunities for carbon capture and storage projects. However, with a focus on innovation and environmental stewardship, companies like pHathom are optimistic about eventually driving global action towards sustainable solutions.