How Reducing Ocean Acidity Can Combat Climate Change

Planetary Technologies, a Halifax-based company co-founded by Mike Kelland, focuses on innovative methods to combat climate change through ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). Inspired by his love for nature and heightened concern for the planet's well-being after his software company's acquisition in 2016, Kelland partnered with marine scientist Greg Rau and sustainable energy engineer Brock Battochio to develop a carbon capture method that is both effective and straightforward.

Kelland emphasizes that action against climate change requires a business foundation. Planetary Technologies employs OAE to enhance the oceans' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), as the seas currently absorb approximately a quarter of human emissions. This process reduces water acidity, which is detrimental to marine life, while crucially working toward achieving net-zero emissions, as indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Through simple chemistry, Planetary Technologies raises the pH level of ocean water by introducing alkaline materials to targeted sites, allowing the water to transform dissolved CO2 into bicarbonate—a more stable form that enables further absorption. The company has conducted pilot projects in locations including England, the U.S., Halifax, and Vancouver, with goals to scale their technology to sell carbon-removal credits to businesses aiming to offset their emissions.

Building strong community relationships is essential for the success of OAE projects. Planetary Technologies collaborates with various stakeholders, including Indigenous organizations and environmental groups, to ensure transparency and public understanding of their methods. They strive to simplify the science, likening their processes to administering an “antacid” for the ocean, which makes it relatable and accessible to the general populace.

The OAE system consists of a dosing mechanism to introduce alkalinity into the ocean, along with a robust monitoring system to track efficiency and safety while quantifying the carbon removed. The technology involves fundamental components such as mixers and pumps, but also relies on sophisticated sensors and software to optimize performance.

Halifax serves as an ideal testing ground due to its rich scientific research history, particularly by Dalhousie University, where water samples have been regularly analyzed. The unique oceanographic conditions, including deep water zones suitable for rigorous ocean research, enhance the project’s validity and scientific foundation.

The materials used for alkalinization are sourced from industrial byproducts, specifically kiln dust generated from magnesium oxide production. This innovative approach minimizes environmental impact by using waste materials, thus contributing to the circular economy. By processing these materials safely, the company can harness their alkalinity without introducing contaminants.

The scalability of the OAE approach is significant, as it can utilize various industrial byproducts across multiple sites that release water back into the ocean. Global research recognizes OAE as a highly scalable method for carbon removal, potentially achieving reductions between 20 to 100 gigatons of CO2 annually.

Concerns about the ecological safety of this method are addressed by the company’s thorough research, which shows minimal impact on the ocean’s natural state. The process has demonstrated that once operations cease, the environmental effects reverse, underscoring the efficiency and safety of the technology.

Since its inception, Planetary Technologies has successfully removed over 1,000 net tonnes of CO2—a noteworthy milestone in carbon capture efforts. Beyond addressing CO2 levels, the alkalinization process can enhance marine ecosystems by improving conditions for key marine species, supporting a healthier marine food web.

Planetary Technologies is recognized as part of the Carbon Management initiative by MaRS, designed to accelerate the adoption of carbon removal solutions in Canada, furthering the nation's net-zero ambitions. This innovative approach, through its focus on sustainability and community engagement, exemplifies a promising path towards mitigating climate change.