The world’s largest ocean-based CO2 removal plant is being constructed in Singapore.

On February 27th, Singapore unveiled plans to build the world’s largest ocean-based CO2 removal plant, aiming to contribute to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The plant, named Equatic-1, is the result of a unique collaboration between Singapore’s National Water Agency (PUB), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the startup company Equatic.

1. Technological Achievement

• Equatic-1 is deemed the world’s first ocean CO2 removal plant, with a value of USD 20 million.
• This new technology promises to remove 10 tons of CO2 per day from seawater and the atmosphere, surpassing current removal rates.

2. International Collaboration and Funding

• The partnership between PUB, UCLA, and Equatic is a result of funding from PUB, the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF), and UCLA’s Institute of Carbon Management (ICM).
• Equatic-1 is a product of the successful outcomes from two pilot projects in Los Angeles and Singapore in 2023.

3. Goals and Future Plans

• Equatic-1 aims to expand the ocean’s natural CO2 storage capacity by removing dissolved CO2 and enhancing the absorption of more greenhouse gases.
• If successful, Equatic plans to commercialize the technology for deploying commercial plants capable of removing nearly 110,000 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to Singapore’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

4. Impact on Climate Change and Global Efforts

• PUB and Equatic hope that this technology will play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• If successful, Equatic-1 could help reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that of 850 individuals annually, according to the World Bank’s estimates.

5. Commercialization and Industry Collaboration

• Equatic has signed agreements with partners like Boeing to purchase carbon credits from future commercial plants.
• This technology has the potential for commercialization, offering advanced solutions for CO2 removal and dynamic storage in the ocean.

This marks a significant step in the global effort to address climate change, ushering in a new era of green technology.

Note: This article utilizes information, images from CAN and Equatic.