The ocean and atmosphere are in carbon dioxide equilibrium. That means “if you remove CO2 from seawater, the oceans absorb more from the atmosphere,” explains Gaurav Sant, founder of carbon-removal startup Equatic. The company uses a process called electrolysis, which involves sending an electrical current through sea water, to remove carbon and turn it into solid mineral form. From there, the water has the capacity to absorb more carbon from the air. This process also creates hydrogen, a highly coveted clean fuel. Equatic has two pilot plants in Los Angeles and Singapore, with plans for a full-scale operation by 2026. It’s also signed a hydrogen-purchase deal with Boeing.
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