Limestone dust, initially used to combat acid rain, has emerged as a potential solution for capturing CO2. This method helps deacidify oceans, restore rivers, boost biodiversity, and support fish populations.
The Challenges of Decarbonization
Decarbonization is difficult and expensive for some sectors, requiring bulk carbon capture to mitigate climate change impacts. While direct air capture plants play a role, CarbonRun offers an ocean-based solution.
The Ocean’s Role in Carbon Capture
The UN recognizes Earth’s oceans as a crucial ally against climate change, absorbing emissions and excess heat. However, ocean acidification and rising temperatures reduce the ocean’s ability to absorb and sequester carbon.
CarbonRun’s Limestone Dust Solution
CarbonRun aims to enhance seawater’s carbon-capturing ability while restoring river ecosystems and re-balancing pH levels. The technology uses limestone rock-crushing ‘doser’ silos to treat river water with alkaline limestone powder.
This technique has proven effective in restoring rivers uninhabitable to marine life due to acid rain. The alkaline material neutralizes pH, allowing fish and creatures to return. Limestone reacts with CO2, converting it into stable bicarbonate that sinks and stores carbon permanently.
Potential Impact and Challenges
- CarbonRun estimates its system could draw down 10-15% of required CO2 to meet 2050 global needs.
- The process requires significant amounts of limestone (two tons per ton of carbon remediated).
- Challenges include logistics, local acceptance, and regulatory approval.
- Applying this idea to oceans requires proving effectiveness in a chaotic environment.
- Groups attempting ocean-level geoengineering face various trials and tribulations.
Economic Viability and Benefits
CarbonRun has received backing from Frontier for a pilot project expected to capture 55,442 tons of CO2. The cost is around $450 per ton, an improvement over current direct air capture costs. The World Economic Forum suggests carbon capture prices need to fall below $200 for widespread adoption.
Frontier believes the limestone dust solution could reach less than $100 per ton due to limestone availability. The simplicity of limestone dosers and minimal labor costs also contribute to its potential viability.
Conclusion
The limestone dust solution offers a promising approach to carbon capture, with potential economic and ecological benefits. As more research is conducted, this initiative may play a significant role in fighting climate change.
Read More: Navigating the Path to Effective Energy Transition in 2024
