ARKANSAS, Sept 5 (Future Headlines)- As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, innovative technologies are emerging as potential game-changers in the quest to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere. One such groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in Singapore, where the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is spearheading a project that aims to expand the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 emissions. This pilot project leverages cutting-edge technology to extract CO2 from seawater, offering a glimpse of the promising future of ocean carbon dioxide removal (OCDR).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that addressing climate change requires not only reducing emissions but also actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. OCDR has emerged as a crucial aspect of this strategy, representing the unsung hero in the battle against global warming. While reducing emissions remains paramount, the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is gaining recognition as equally critical in curbing temperature rises.

  • Singapore’s pioneering initiative

Singapore’s PUB has taken a bold step by embarking on a pilot project to harness OCDR technology. Located at a desalination facility on the western coast of Singapore, this project employs a unique method to capture CO2 from seawater. Developed in collaboration with U.S.-based Equatic, a company founded by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the technology harnesses electricity to facilitate the extraction process.

At the heart of the plant is an electrolyzer that converts dissolved CO2 into calcium carbonate while generating hydrogen as a byproduct. Currently, the plant extracts 100 kilograms of CO2 per day, demonstrating the feasibility of the technology. PUB envisions scaling up this initiative, with plans to secure funding by the end of the year for a demonstration plant boasting a daily capacity of 10 tons. This ambitious goal signifies Singapore’s commitment to exploring OCDR as a viable climate solution.

  • The Equatic technology: A commercial opportunity

Gaurav Sant, the founder of Equatic, emphasizes the commercial potential of their technology. He highlights the versatility of the equipment, which can simultaneously yield carbon credits and hydrogen. This dual-product approach not only enhances its economic viability but also underscores its resilience as a commercial opportunity.

Furthermore, Sant points out the possibility of profiting from the sale of calcium carbonate to the local building industry. This multifaceted revenue stream could make OCDR ventures economically sustainable, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of carbon reduction efforts.

  • Global perspectives on OCDR

Singapore’s OCDR project is just one of several pioneering ventures worldwide. Various approaches are being explored, including stimulating seaweed growth by bringing nutrient-rich deep-sea water to the surface and addressing ocean acidification to enhance CO2 absorption. These diverse initiatives underscore the global commitment to advancing OCDR technologies. However, experts and environmental groups have raised concerns regarding the ecological impact of these technologies. With the potential to alter marine ecosystems and disrupt natural processes, the consequences of large-scale OCDR deployment remain uncertain.

  • The call for prioritized research

In an open letter signed by over 200 scientists, a call to prioritize OCDR research is sounded. The objective is not only to maximize the potential benefits but also to proactively address potential risks. Sir David King, head of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, advocates for nature-based approaches and expresses skepticism about energy-intensive OCDR technologies, like the Equatic venture. The costs associated with pumping vast quantities of water in and out of plants raise economic and environmental concerns. However, the urgency of the climate crisis necessitates immediate action. King emphasizes the need for increased funding to expedite OCDR research programs. With billions of tons of CO2 requiring removal from the atmosphere, significant investments are vital to accelerate the development and deployment of these crucial technologies.

While the ecological impacts and scalability of OCDR technologies remain subjects of debate and research, their potential cannot be underestimated. The IPCC’s recognition of CO2 removal as a crucial component of climate action underscores the importance of initiatives like Singapore’s. As nations and scientists continue to explore and refine OCDR technologies, the imperative remains clear: the world must invest in research, innovation, and sustainable solutions to address the urgent climate crisis. Singapore’s pioneering initiative serves as an inspiration for the global community, showcasing the potential of science and technology to reshape our approach to climate change mitigation.

Reporting by Emad Martin