UK Launches Innovative Project to Capture Carbon from the Ocean: A Game-Changer for Climate Action

A new project called SeaCURE has launched on the south coast of England. This pilot program aims to remove carbon from the seawater, providing a fresh approach in the fight against climate change. Funded by the UK government, SeaCURE is part of an ongoing effort to develop effective technologies for reducing greenhouse gases.

Climate scientists widely agree that cutting greenhouse gas emissions is crucial. However, capturing carbon that has already been released is also necessary. Traditional carbon capture methods usually focus on emissions from factories or directly from the air. SeaCURE, however, is investigating whether it’s more efficient to extract carbon from seawater since it has a higher concentration of carbon compared to air—about 150 times more.

To understand the process, one must first head to Weymouth, where the SeaCURE facility is located. Here, seawater is drawn in through a pipeline buried under the beach. Once onshore, the water is treated to make it acidic, which helps release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. Professor Tom Bell from Plymouth Marine Laboratory explains that the goal is to maximize the contact between seawater and air, similar to how opening a fizzy drink causes it to fizz and release gas.

The removed CO2 is concentrated using materials like charred coconut husks, preparing it for storage. Meanwhile, the treated water is alkalized to counteract the initial acidity and is pumped back into the ocean where it can absorb more CO2, contributing in a small way to reducing atmospheric carbon.

While SeaCURE currently removes only about 100 metric tonnes of CO2 annually—equivalent to the carbon footprint of 100 transatlantic flights—the project’s leaders believe it has big potential. If scaled up, they estimate it could potentially remove 14 billion tonnes of CO2 each year, provided renewable energy powers the entire operation. Dr. Paul Halloran, who leads the SeaCURE project, highlights the energy demands of this process as a significant challenge.

The need for carbon removal technologies is becoming increasingly critical. Dr. Oliver Geden, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, points out that reaching net-zero emissions is essential to curb global warming. He emphasizes that while SeaCURE’s approach—capturing CO2 from seawater—is one of many options, all solutions must be evaluated based on cost and efficiency.

Administrative support for projects like SeaCURE reflects a broader commitment to innovate in carbon capture technology. Energy minister Kerry McCarthy noted the importance of such initiatives for achieving net-zero goals while creating job opportunities and economic growth.

However, the environmental impact of releasing large quantities of low-carbon seawater into the ocean remains an area of concern. Guy Hooper, a PhD student researching this aspect, warns that marine life relies on carbon for various functions. For instance, phytoplankton use carbon for photosynthesis, while mussels extract it to build their shells. Early experiments indicate that introducing high amounts of low-carbon water could alter ocean ecosystems. Hooper suggests discussions about pre-diluting the low-carbon water could help mitigate any potential harm.

As climate change continues to be a pressing global issue, innovative projects like SeaCURE could provide critical insights into the future of carbon management, balancing environmental needs with technological advancements.

For more information, you can visit the UK Government’s summary of carbon capture initiatives.

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