Equatic, a leading carbon removal company, has partnered with Canadian carbon removal project developer Deep Sky to initiate engineering on North America’s first commercial-scale ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) plant. This state-of-the-art facility aims to eliminate 109,500 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere annually while producing 3,600 tonnes of green hydrogen, marking a significant milestone in ocean-based carbon removal technology. This project aligns with Equatic’s goal of achieving CDR at under $100 per tonne by 2030.
Project Highlights
- Location: Quebec, Canada
- Carbon Removal Capacity: 109,500 tonnes CO2/year
- Green Hydrogen Production: 3,600 tonnes/year
- Operational Timeline: Target operational by 2026-2027
- Cost Efficiency Goal: Achieve CDR at less than $100 per tonne by 2030
Background and Significance
This initiative builds on the success of Equatic’s demonstration project, Equatic-1, launched in Tuas, Singapore, in May 2024. Equatic has also been recognized as a semifinalist in the U.S. Department of Energy Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize, which seeks to identify high-integrity CDR companies and establish pathways for carbon removal credit procurement.
Leadership Insights
Edward Muller, Chairman of Equatic, emphasized the significance of this project: “Governing bodies around the world emphatically assert the need for accessible, cost-effective, and permanent carbon removal solutions, at low cost, and with low energy requirements. Our commercial-scale development speaks directly to that need. Quebec is the perfect location for commercial launch given the access to non-fossil electricity and the use of hydrogen to decarbonize the province’s well-established industrial base. Just as important, Deep Sky’s experience, coupled with its local relationships, will keep us on track to be operational by 2026-2027.”
Damien Steel, CEO of Deep Sky, underscored the urgency: “As climate urgency grows, we need to accelerate the development of commercial facilities. We’re thrilled to begin the engineering phase of a commercial-scale plant with Equatic, moving closer to removing billions of tons of CO2 using the oceans to reverse global warming. The planet isn’t waiting, so we must meet the moment.”
Project Specifications and Benefits
Global sustainable development firm Arup will oversee the assessment and planning of the commercial-scale plant, managing siting, permitting, and stakeholder governance. The design will utilize modular electrolyzers based on technology used at Equatic-1, allowing for systematic and rapid expansion. The plant’s net energy requirement is projected to be less than 1.4 megawatt-hours per tonne of CO2 removed, utilizing Equatic’s oxygen-selective anodes to produce green hydrogen without chlorine byproducts during seawater electrolysis.
Adherence to Standards and Verification
Equatic’s plant and future projects will adhere to ISO 14064-2:2019 standards for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). This methodology, developed with EcoEngineers and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides a comprehensive framework for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals. The produced carbon credits and green hydrogen have been pre-sold to companies like Boeing, with further sales ongoing.
Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Equatic Advisory Board member, emphasized environmental and social responsibility: “Climate innovators must prioritize environmental well-being and a just transition in the regions where they operate. By safeguarding local ecosystems and existing industries with its industry-leading MRV and environmental monitoring, Equatic will set the standard of community acceptance of essential climate technology.”
Conclusion
The partnership between Equatic and Deep Sky represents a significant advancement in combating climate change through innovative ocean-based solutions. By combining advanced technology with stringent environmental standards, this project not only aims to reduce atmospheric CO2 but also to produce sustainable green hydrogen, contributing to a low-carbon future.