UCLA and Equatic, in collaboration with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, are embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to combat climate change. Building upon successful pilot projects in Los Angeles and Singapore, Equatic-1, a full-scale demonstration plant, will be constructed at PUB’s research and development facility in Tuas, Singapore. With a substantial investment of USD 20 million, co-funded by PUB, the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, and UCLA’s Institute for Carbon Management (ICM), Equatic-1 aims to be the world’s largest ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) plant, capable of removing 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide per day while producing carbon-negative hydrogen.
Equatic’s innovative process harnesses electrolysis to enhance the ocean’s natural capacity to store carbon dioxide. By leveraging seawater sourced from adjacent desalination plants, Equatic-1 will induce chemical reactions to extract dissolved carbon dioxide while simultaneously producing carbon-negative hydrogen and oxygen. The captured carbon dioxide will be securely stored in solid calcium and magnesium-based materials for thousands of years, contributing significantly to Singapore’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Furthermore, Equatic-1’s modular design and use of selective anodes promise scalability and efficiency, positioning it as a key player in global carbon mitigation strategies.
This initiative underscores a collaborative approach to addressing climate change, bringing together academia, industry, and governmental organizations. With support from various entities, including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Grantham Foundation, and Boeing, Equatic’s rapid evolution from bench-scale prototypes to a full-scale demonstration plant exemplifies innovation in climate technology. Equatic-1’s potential to remove carbon dioxide equivalent to nearly 850 individuals’ annual emissions highlights its pivotal role in the transition toward a sustainable and decarbonized future.
(Source: Smart Water Magazin)
