Exploring the full potential of CO2 removal using alkaline mineral additions: From theory to implementation

Ocean alkalinity enhancement increases the natural potential of the ocean to take up CO2 using alkaline minerals. Our research identified a best practice for this technique and what minerals to use. However, we lack the technical solutions to upgrade and implement this technique. Thus, we aim to develop a technical solution for automated mineral additions mountable to, e.g., windmills or other platforms. This allows for a sensor-informed and machine learning-based regulation of mineral additions to maximize CO2 removal.

Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and alkalinization of rivers are considered a promising nature-based solution to combat climate change. It allows for the removal of CO2 for thousands of years. A Villum Young Investigator group from CL has tested the method and established best practices. By using our model predictions, we anticipate that it is possible to remove between five and ten million tons of CO2. This removal would eliminate 6-14% of all Danish CO2 emissions (74 million tons, CONCITO) annually. This could significantly contribute to Denmark's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The deployment of this technology can be useful worldwide and feed into Denmark's global climate strategy. To achieve this level of CO2 removal, we need to upscale by developing and testing autonomous devices that can be applied in different settings. This project will demonstrate how intelligent sensor systems can take measurements and make autonomous decisions on real-time alkalinization by allowing precise mineral additions along coasts and rivers.