This Is CDR Ep. 92: Banyu Carbon with Dr. Alex Gagnon.

The episode introduces 'This is CDR', a series presented by Open Air that explores carbon removal solutions. Open Air is a volunteer network aiming for responsible CDR advancement in policies globally. The introduction includes information about Open Air, its missions, and a current project focused on Massachusetts' CDR procurement bill. CDR is defined and emphasized as necessary for climate solutions but not replacing emission reductions.

Dr. Alex Gagnon from Vanu Carbon introduces an innovative photochemical process for CO2 removal from seawater using sunlight instead of electrochemical reactions, presenting a sustainable method with potential for electricity generation. The process uses seawater, capitalizing on its natural CO2 concentration, and can result in carbon-neutral fuel production while offering straightforward MRV due to the technology's direct CO2 removal capabilities.

Dr. Gagnon explains the basics of ocean-based CO2 capture, drawing parallels with direct air capture (DAC). Both methods involve capturing CO2 from interconnected systems—the atmosphere and surface oceans. By removing CO2 from the ocean, Vanu Carbon's method effectively reduces atmospheric CO2 as well. The ocean's fast mixing properties aid in sustaining this CO2 balance, making the process comparable to DAC in atmospheric impact.

The process leverages seawater’s natural CO2 concentration, eliminating the need for large contactor farms like those in DAC. It uses available technology for large-scale seawater processing, presenting an opportunity to repurpose waste streams from facilities such as power plants. The method aims to avoid the challenges faced in air-based systems by focusing on the ocean’s higher CO2 concentration for more efficient capture.

Seawater, containing a higher concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon compared to air, presents a less energy-intensive method for CO2 removal. Unlike challenging air unmixing, temporary seawater acidification using Vanu Carbon’s method can effectively liberate CO2. This method, avoiding electrochemical processes that require extensive energy, innovates by using reversible photoacids, offering a sustainable and low-energy CO2 extraction technique.

Vanu Carbon’s innovation uses reversible photoacids that become highly acidic when exposed to light, temporarily acidifying seawater to release CO2. When light is removed, these photoacids revert to their original form and absorb protons, returning the seawater to a decarbonated, non-acidified state. This process, separating photoacid use from seawater, aims for repeated cycles with minimal degradation, promising a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

The system is shown to be industrially scalable, with demonstrated successful lab tests using natural sunlight and seawater. Vanu Carbon capitalizes on the absorption properties of photoacids mainly absorbing blue light, leaving other spectral parts to generate electricity through integrated photovoltaics. This dual use not only meets the energy demands of the process but also allows for net electricity production, enhancing the method’s sustainability credentials.

The projected energy efficiency of Vanu's process is detailed as significantly better than traditional DAC methods, with potential net energy production when integrating photovoltaics. A comparative analysis highlights the advantages of their system over existing carbon capture technologies in terms of energy use and cost-effectiveness, supporting their aim to achieve carbon removal at lower costs and high carbon efficiency rates.

Vanu Carbon projects significant cost reductions by optimizing their process, aiming for $200 per ton initially, with future reductions to $100 per ton at larger scales. Their low-energy approach, capable of generating net green electricity, is evaluated with a high LCA efficiency, translating captured carbon into retained carbon far more effectively than many existing methods, further validating their innovative approach to carbon capture.

The presentation outlines Vanu Carbon's rapid development and deployment goals, supported by investments and partnerships, with a plan to reach demonstration and market scales. The timeline includes near-term pilot projects aimed at refining technology and expanding capacity, aiming towards the scalability necessary for real climate impact. Their focus on industrial collaboration highlights a strategy to leverage existing infrastructures for faster implementation.

Challenges regarding rapid scalability and technical improvements around photoacid longevity and efficiency are addressed. The company discusses strategies to manage growth, technology development, and potential social issues surrounding deployment. Vanu Carbon emphasizes the ongoing need for innovation in extending the lifespan of materials and ensuring environmentally and socially responsible scaling of their technology.