Equatic has developed an innovative method of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere by combining the natural properties of seawater with advanced electrolyzer technology. This process not only removes CO₂ but also reduces ocean acidification and generates hydrogen as a valuable clean-energy byproduct.
The system begins by drawing in seawater, which naturally contains dissolved carbon dioxide. Once inside the electrolyzer—a device powered by renewable sources such as solar and wind—the water undergoes a series of reactions. These reactions extract CO₂ from the seawater, converting it into stable mineral carbonates like calcium carbonate, while at the same time altering the seawater’s chemistry so that, once returned to the ocean, it can absorb even more CO₂ from the atmosphere. The captured carbon can then be permanently stored in solid form or safely dissolved in the ocean in ways that prevent it from re-entering the air. Alongside this process, hydrogen gas is produced, adding another layer of value as a clean energy source.
The promise of this approach lies in its ability to operate at scale. With oceans covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and acting as massive carbon reservoirs, Equatic’s technology has the potential to capture significant volumes of CO₂ while simultaneously restoring ocean health by mitigating acidification. By relying on renewable energy, the system ensures that its environmental footprint remains minimal, while hydrogen production provides an important contribution to clean energy infrastructure.
Despite its promise, the technology faces challenges. It requires large amounts of renewable energy to operate effectively, and scaling the process globally would demand the construction of substantial infrastructure along coastlines. In addition, the system remains in the early stages of development and must be further optimized to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Strong policy support and investment from both governments and the private sector will be crucial for large-scale deployment.
Even with these hurdles, the Equatic process represents a powerful dual-purpose solution: it captures and stores atmospheric carbon while also producing clean hydrogen. If successfully scaled, this innovation could become a critical tool in addressing climate change and accelerating the global shift toward sustainable energy systems.