Carbon Removal Startups Pave the Way for Emissions Reduction
In a bid to combat climate change, innovative startups like Equatic and Climeworks are developing groundbreaking technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These advancements are crucial for businesses striving to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and offset emissions through carbon credits.
Equatic, a startup born from research at UCLA, employs a unique sea electrolysis process to remove CO2. The method involves running seawater through an electrolyzer, separating it into acid and base. Minerals neutralize the acid, while the base absorbs atmospheric CO2. The resulting carbonates are then safely returned to the ocean.
Dr. Gaurav Sant, Equatic’s cofounder, and a cement chemistry expert, led the development of this low-carbon technology. The company is now focused on scaling its ocean carbon removal process, which has been in use for decades but only recently expanded for larger applications.
Emphasizing measurable results, Equatic quantifies its carbon removal at its Los Angeles plant and publishes findings in peer-reviewed journals. The company plans to develop a large-scale plant in Singapore, aiming to remove 4,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Meanwhile, Zurich-based Climeworks takes a different approach, using direct air capture to remove CO2 and mineralize it into solid rock for storage. Over 15 years, the company has gradually scaled its operations, offering businesses a way to grow without climate-impact barriers.
Both startups sell carbon credits to offset emissions, with clients including major corporations like Boeing and Stripe. However, the unregulated carbon credits market faces challenges, including instances of incomplete actions and scams. Critics argue that carbon credits allow continued pollution, though they are often seen as a necessary step towards emissions reduction.
Economic hurdles persist, with carbon removal costs ranging between $600-$1,000 per ton of CO2. Equatic’s process also produces hydrogen, potentially lowering costs by providing clean energy. The voluntary nature of carbon removal purchases is influenced by price elasticity and demand.
Despite challenges, both Climeworks and Equatic have received grants to support expansion and technology scaling. Climeworks offers alternative solutions like reforestation for cases where direct air capture is too costly.
As the political landscape evolves, questions arise about future motivations for emissions reduction. However, the adaptability of carbon removal technologies allows for global implementation, offering hope for continued progress in the fight against climate change.
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