Start-up harnesses seawater to capture carbon and produce green hydrogen

Imagine harnessing the ocean to fight climate change while producing clean energy. Start-up Equatic is doing just that, using seawater to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and generate green hydrogen.

"We take CO₂ out of the atmosphere and store that permanently. The second thing we do is produce green hydrogen," Edward Sanders, Chief Executive of Equatic, told BBC.

Equatic's innovative system electrolyses seawater, locking CO₂ into stable forms like bicarbonates and producing hydrogen fuel. This approach could store CO₂ for thousands of years, with pilot plants in Los Angeles and Singapore already operational and plans for a larger facility in Quebec by 2026.

Supporters hail ocean carbon capture as cost-effective and stable, but critics worry about its impact on marine ecosystems, high energy demands, and untested long-term effects. Equatic processes 350 tonnes of seawater to remove one tonne of CO₂, consuming electricity but offsetting some costs with hydrogen production.

Environmentalists stress the need for caution, prioritising emissions reductions over unproven fixes. Equatic insists that their process is safe and compliant, with the CEO stating, "Doing nothing is not an answer."

While the technology holds promise, many experts stress the importance of prioritising emissions reductions over speculative solutions.