California-based company Captura Corporation, in collaboration with the renowned California Institute of Technology, has introduced a groundbreaking solution to combat carbon emissions. Their pioneering Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology aims to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean, presenting a promising avenue for mitigating the effects of climate change. With an ambitious plan to establish an aquatic purification facility in the open sea, Captura intends to revolutionize carbon removal on a large scale.
Revolutionizing Carbon Capture at Sea
Captura’s DOC process utilizes their patented electrodialysis technology to extract carbon dioxide from ocean water. By leveraging renewable electricity and ocean water as inputs, the company aims to minimize any potential environmental impact. The process begins by filtering a stream of ocean water, which is then introduced into the facility. Through electrodialysis, the water is transformed into acid, triggering a chemical reaction that effectively extracts CO2 from the water.
To neutralize the ocean water flow and facilitate the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide, Captura adds an alkaline base. The decarbonized water is then reintroduced into the ocean, where it reacts with the atmosphere, drawing down an equivalent amount of CO2. Notably, filtered seawater has the remarkable ability to reabsorb the same quantity of CO2 from the atmosphere that was initially removed. This natural capacity positions it as an invaluable tool for combating climate change.
Promising Results and Future Expansion
In 2022, Captura successfully established its first pilot facility in Newport Beach, California. Through continuous testing and system improvements, the company measured the performance of their DOC technology and achieved promising results. Building on this success, Captura, in collaboration with AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, is now preparing to deploy its second direct ocean capture system. This advanced system has the capacity to cleanse 100 tons (90.7 tonnes) of carbon dioxide from the ocean each year.
“Captura’s technology is progressing rapidly through our piloting program towards large-scale commercial deployment,” said Captura CEO Steve Oldham. “Now, our work with AltaSea means we can further accelerate our technology and monitor how our system interacts with the ocean, and we couldn’t think of a better partner to help us take our progress to the next level. Alongside the support from SoCalGas, this really is a great example of California companies working together to take a leading role in the fight against climate change.”
