Carbon Removal Startup Equatic to Build Large-Scale Demonstration Plant for Carbon Capture in Singapore
Equatic, a carbon removal startup, has unveiled plans to construct a groundbreaking large-scale demonstration plant for carbon capture in Singapore. The company’s innovative process involves electrolysing seawater without producing chlorine. This approach, developed by scientists at UCLA, has already undergone successful pilots in Los Angeles and Singapore and has now partnered with Singapore’s National Water Agency.
The new facility aims to capture an impressive 3,650 metric tonnes of carbon each year, positioning it as one of the largest carbon dioxide removal facilities globally. The plant is set to commence operations in the summer of 2024 and has ambitious plans to eventually capture 10 metric tonnes of CO2 per day.
Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is a technology that involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from sources such as industrial facilities or directly from the atmosphere. Once captured, the carbon can be stored geologically for the long term or put to use in various sectors, including agriculture and construction. Despite the technology’s controversial nature due to concerns about scaling, capital costs, and implications for fossil fuel use, CCUS is recognized as a vital tool for addressing emissions from hard-to-abate industries and alleviating accumulated atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Equatic’s solution leverages the chemical properties of seawater, harnessing its natural carbon storage capacity. The company uses renewable energy to electrolyse ocean water, splitting it into green hydrogen and oxygen. As air passes through the processed seawater, it captures CO2 in dissolved bicarbonate ions and forms solid mineral carbonates. The water’s neutral composition is maintained by alkaline rocks, ensuring the seawater can be safely released back into the ocean. This environmentally friendly approach not only removes carbon but also produces valuable green hydrogen.
To finance the high capital cost of its technology, Equatic has employed multiple revenue streams, including pre-selling carbon credits and hydrogen. The company aims to drive down the cost of removal to below $100 per tonne before 2030 through the sale and pre-sale of carbon credits and hydrogen to companies like aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Prices for these sales range between $400 and $1,300 per tonne. With plans to construct a significantly larger plant by 2026, Equatic is actively seeking partnerships and investment to scale up its groundbreaking solution.
Equatic’s efforts represent a significant step towards combating climate change and addressing the urgent need for carbon dioxide removal. By capitalizing on the unique characteristics of seawater and storing carbon in the ocean, Equatic’s approach is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, offering valuable carbon removal services while generating green hydrogen. As the company continues to expand and refine its solution, thrilling possibilities emerge for a cleaner and greener future.
Analyst comment
Positive news.
As a carbon removal startup, Equatic’s plans to build a large-scale demonstration plant for carbon capture in Singapore are expected to have a positive impact on the market. The company’s innovative process, using seawater without producing chlorine, has already undergone successful pilots and has now partnered with Singapore’s National Water Agency. With plans to capture a significant amount of carbon and produce green hydrogen, Equatic’s environmentally friendly approach positions them as a key player in addressing emissions and driving a cleaner future.
