Ebb Carbon's Project Macoma has successfully deployed its marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) system in Port Angeles, Washington, marking a significant step forward for this innovative climate technology. The project, a collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), aims to extract carbon dioxide from seawater, thereby increasing its capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere without negatively impacting ocean acidification.
The Ebb system works by electrochemically extracting acid from seawater. The treated water is then returned to the ocean, facilitating a direct drawdown of atmospheric CO2. Notably, the system has been integrated with a local wastewater treatment facility, showcasing its potential for integration within existing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Initial findings from the deployment have highlighted the effective mixing and dilution of the treated seawater in the marine environment, with no adverse effects observed on water quality parameters. A comprehensive monitoring toolkit is also in place to gather data for the future verification and refinement of mCDR technologies.
Project Macoma's progress includes securing a first-of-its-kind National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, a crucial regulatory milestone for the mCDR field. This permit sets a precedent for future projects operating under stringent environmental protections. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to explore the ocean's potential as a carbon sink, with mCDR encompassing various approaches like ocean alkalinity enhancement and direct ocean capture.
PNNL plays a vital role as a testbed for mCDR research, fostering collaborations across industry, academia, and government. Ebb Carbon's technology, partially developed at PNNL, not only aims to remove CO2 but also to improve local water quality by mitigating acidification. The project's success is crucial for gathering data on the scalability, effectiveness, and ecological implications of these emerging climate solutions, with geochemical solutions like ocean alkalinity enhancement showing minimal impact on oxygen levels compared to other methods.
The project is designed to operate for up to two years, with the goal of removing up to 1,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Ebb Carbon has engaged with local stakeholders and regulators throughout the development process, ensuring the project aligns with local environmental needs and climate priorities. The company aims to scale its mCDR operations responsibly, contributing to climate solutions while enhancing ocean health.