WEEKLY SUMMARY (10 JULY-16 JULY 2023)-WEEK#21
Links to recent scientific papers, web posts, upcoming events, job opportunities, podcasts, and event recordings, etc. on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology.
DEADLINES
A start-up competition organized by SOSV for early-stage companies focused on CO2 capture and removal | Application Deadline: 28 July 2023
(NEW) Call for Abstract | CM003 - Marine Based Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)- the science, engineering, ethics, social and governance needs | Deadline: 2 August 2023
Call for Abstract | B067 - Science-based Carbon Removal: Strategies, Monitoring, Measurements, Reporting and Verification across Terrestrial, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Societal Dimensions | Deadline: 2 August 2023
Call for Abstract Submission—V002 - Advancing Carbon Mineral Storage | Deadline: 2 August 2023
Call for Abstract Submission—Session ID 65255: Toward a Unified Monitoring, Measurements, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) Framework for GHG Mitigation and Carbon Removal | Deadline 24 Aug 2023
COMMERCIAL NEWS
Avnos Inc. Secures Funding and Strategic Partnerships From ConocoPhillips, JetBlue Ventures, and Shell Ventures, Totaling Over $80M
CarbonCure Secures $80M USD In New Equity Round Led By Blue Earth Capital
Carbon Lockdown Sells First 1,000 Tons Of Wood Harvesting Carbon Removal To Kinnevik
Little Green Pharma Secures Tender For French Medical Pilot, MGC Receives Second $1m Order, & Cellular Goods Updates On Recent Acquisition
Over $420M North American Forest Fund from Japanese Investors Kicks Off
US Department of Agriculture to Invest $300M to Boost Carbon Data in Agriculture and Forestry
Cary-based Sustaera raises $750,000; aims for another $500k
Capture6 Receives the Largest Grant from the California Energy Commission in the Round
RESEARCH PAPERS
The cost of direct air capture and storage can be reduced via strategic deployment but is unlikely to fall below stated cost targets
How to make climate-neutral aviation fly
Modeling Considerations for Research on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE)
The social value of offsets
Comparing Kelp Conveyance Strategies for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal with Farmed Macroalgae
Demystifying Carbon Removals in the Context of Sub-Global Net-Zero Targets
Climate targets, carbon dioxide removal and the potential role of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement
Optimization of a combined power plant CO2 capture and direct air capture concept for flexible power plant operation
The Application of Biochar for CO2 Capture: Influence of Biochar Preparation and CO2 Capture Reactors
Carbon dioxide sequestration and wastewater treatment via an innovative self-sustaining algal microbial fuel cell
Quantifying the effect of grain size on weathering of basaltic powders: Implications for negative emission technologies via soil carbon sequestration
WEB POSTS
AirMiners Launches Fund to Close the Financing Gap for Carbon Removal Startups
Captura and Deep Sky partner to fight climate change by deploying ocean carbon removal in Canada
Insights into Direct Air Capture by IEA
Oil companies want to remove carbon from the air — using taxpayer dollars
Governments should invest now to cut the cost of air carbon capture
National Carbon Capture Center announces first direct air capture testing
Climate Breakthrough: Brimstone’s Decarbonized Portland Cement First to Meet Essential Building Industry Standard, Unlocking the Potential of Net-Zero Construction
THESIS
Structure design of fiber sorbents for maximizing direct air capture efficiency
A geological investigation on bedrock suitability for mineral carbonation conducted in the south central part of Sweden
A Financial Model of Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Removal from Seawater for Geological Sequestration—Thesis
The effects of land-use changes on forest carbon storage - The case of new building scenario 2016-2050 for the Uusimaa region
Solving the BECCS Puzzle The Role of Knowledge Brokers in the Science-Policy Interface around BECCS in Sweden
REPORTS
AlliedOffsets CDR Report Summer 2023
DISCUSSIONS
Making forest soil carbon count: Tree diversity increases decadal forest soil carbon and nitrogen accrual
Comparing Kelp Conveyance Strategies for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal with Farmed Macroalgae
OIF may amplify climate change pressures
Civil Society cross-constituency open letter regarding Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement
CDR FIRMS
Avnos
Mati
Skyrenu
Deep Sky
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mati: Enhanced Weathering with Smallholder Farmers in the Global South by OpenAir | 18 July 2023
Nori's Carbon Removal Blended Tonne -- Radhika Moolgavkar and Rick Berg by OpenAir | 20 July 2023
Ideas, Needs, and Leads (on biochar, biomass storage, or BiCRS in a land or aquatic environment ) by Airminers | 20 July 2023
Dr. Holly Jean Buck: Residual Emissions and the Climate Role of CDR by OpenAir | 25 July 2023
(NEW) Climate Action Deep dive | Exploring Carbon Removals: Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities by South Pole | 26 July 2023
Ocean acidification indicators and NOAA’s Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal draft strategy by GOA-ON | 2 August 2023
(NEW) Meet Climeworks at Climate Week NYC 2023 | 17-24 September 2023
Third Annual Carbon Dioxide Removal Law & Policy Conference, Carbon Removal Deployment: Law and Policy from Planning to Project by the Institute for Carbon Removal Law & Policy | 26 September 2023
The Carbon Removal Business Summit Comes to London by Carbon Unbound London | 03 & 04 October 2023
First educational conference on CO₂ removal by CDRterra | 10-11 October 2023
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Associate Director of Policy at Carbon Removal Alliance
“Carbon Removal Alliance is charting the next generation of carbon removal policy. We’re committed to being one of the best places to work on climate policy — that means generous compensation and benefits, strong work-life balance, and outstanding company culture.”
Various job openings at Carbon180:
“Carbon180 designs and champions science-based, equitable policies that can remove carbon from the atmosphere — at the gigaton scale.”
Associate at Carbon Business Council | Deadline: 4 August 2023
“The Carbon Business Council is a nonprofit trade association of more than 100 companies unified to restore the climate. Our coalition members are innovators focused on solutions to remove, commercialize, and manage carbon dioxide. Companies work together to protect our planet, stimulate the economy, and grow the carbon management industry.”
Research Associate | Faculty of Science, School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield
Open positions at Carbon Removal Canada:
“Carbon Removal Canada is an independent policy non-profit with an ambitious goal: to make Canada a world leader in responsibly scaling up carbon removal to reach net zero and beyond. We are just getting started and are looking for talented individuals committed to our mission.”
Research Intern at BeZero Carbon
“BeZero Carbon is a global ratings agency for the Voluntary Carbon Market. We distribute our ratings via our SaaS Product, BeZero Carbon Markets, informing all market participants on how to price and manage risk. Our ratings and research tools support buyers, intermediaries, investors and carbon project developers.”
Head of Ocean Modelling at Planetary | Canada
“Planetary Technologies’ vision is to protect and restore the ocean and climate for generations to come. We do this by enhancing the ocean’s natural ability to fight climate change through ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), leading to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage.”
Carbon Quantification Analyst at Nori | Seattle
“Nori is on a mission to scale the carbon removal industry and ultimately reverse climate change.”
Open positions at Deep Sky:
“Deep Sky is a state-backed venture aiming to remove gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere at an unprecedented rate. Our belief is that with the right people and resources, we can make a lasting impact.”
PODCASTS
African farms & rock weathering - Boudinot | Reviewer 2 does geoengineering
“Garrett Boudinot of @vycarb schools @geoengineering1 on the challenges and opportunities of deploying ERW in Africa and India. Paper: "Enhanced Rock Weathering in the Global South: Exploring Potential for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Carbon dioxide Drawdown" https://precisiondev.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IGSDPxD-ERW-Enhanced-Rock-Weathering-in-the-Global-South-26-02-23.pdf”
Enhanced Rock Weathering related podcasts by Reviewer 2 does geoengineering
Carbon180 and Xprize on Environmental Justice | Nori
“The Xprize’s Carbon Removal prize has been one of the most exciting stories in CDR. As it seeks to pump $100 million towards carbon removal projects, the organization is also taking steps to ensure that funding supports companies that benefit, rather than harm, the communities they work in.
This is no small detail, but in fact a main question about the future of carbon removal: can it become embraced by local communities who will host projects? We’ve been focusing on that very question on this show because we feel it is just as important as funding news and scientific advancements.
In order to help build an environmentally just industry, Xprize has partnered with Carbon180 to write a comprehensive report on environmental justice in the context of carbon removal projects.
This report discusses the importance of environmental justice for carbon removal companies, the concept of climate justice, and the need for fair distribution of project benefits.
In this episode we’re joined by two of the authors of this report, who are leading the effort build environmental justice into the CDR industry: Nikki Batchelor, the Executive Director of the Carbon Removal Prize, and Ugbaad Kosar, the Director of Environmental Justice for Carbon180.”
Scaling Up Carbon Removal: A Deep Dive with Ben Rubin of the Carbon Business Council | Saving Tomorrows Planet
“Ready to debunk some myths about carbon removal and scale up your knowledge to a gigaton level? Strap in for a transformative conversation with Ben Rubin, the visionary Executive Director of the Carbon Business Council.
With a mission as ambitious as the climate change challenge we face, Ben is here to guide us through the intricate world of carbon removal and management. He regales us with tales of the birth of the Carbon Business Council and elaborates on how collaboration is the key to making a large-scale climate impact. We also tackle the often misunderstood concept of carbon removal, demonstrating the scale and scope of the challenge we face, while highlighting the importance of communicating science effectively to ensure progress.
As we navigate the complexities of our carbon-clad world, we delve into the role of the public and private sectors in scaling up carbon removal. We spotlight recent examples of corporate purchases and investments, painting a clear picture of the relationship between understanding and action in carbon management. Plus, we dissect the concept of twin targets for net zero pledges. With the Carbon Business Council's global reach and bipartisan support in the U.S., we explore their strategies for engaging with climate change skeptics and harmonizing efforts to scale up carbon removal.
It's a powerful conversation that emphasizes the importance of communication in addressing climate change, and how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Greg Nemet on the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal | The Carbon Cure
“In this episode, Na’im and Greg discuss:
-Past emerging technologies such as ammonia and solar PV that can serve as useful analogues to carbon removal;
-The varying magnitudes of carbon removal needed by midcentury as they correspond to different decarbonization scenarios;
-The gap between the amount of carbon removal needed and the amount countries are planning to deploy;
-The urgency of investing in carbon removal in the next 10-15 years to ensure that we reach the needed scale by midcentury;
-Trends and gaps across academic literature on carbon removal;
-The importance of public perception and acceptance of carbon removal;
-What comes next after the State of CDR Report.”
Conversations in GGR by Terri Lyne Pugh
“Carbon Removal Consultant, Terri Pugh, is proud to present her podcast series featuring interviews with leading experts in Greenhouse Gas Removal. Listeners can tune in to hear from pioneering innovators and learn more about the latest happenings in greenhouse gas removal and climate solutions. Terri will also discuss the opportunities and potential of carbon removal, as well as the challenges that could arise. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this rapidly evolving field.”
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
S. 2096 (Carbon Removal) Sponsor Statement - Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem | OpenAir
“Massachusetts State Senator offers a statement on the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act (S. 2096), new legislation that she has sponsored in 2023 to create a state carbon removal procurement program in Commonwealth.”
Cellular Goods provides an update on King Tide Carbon integration | Proactive Investors
“Cellular Goods PLC (LSE:CBX) chairman and interim CEO Darcy Taylor speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive about how the acquisition of biosynthetic algae & seaweed carbon sequestration as-a-service company King Tide Carbon (KTC) has been proceeding since it completed back in May.”
Launching The Robot Army -- Our Autonomous Fluxmeters Move Into The Carbdown Greenhouse | Dirk Paessler
“Last week we have finished the building process for our 50 custom-built, autonomous flux meters for our Project Carbdown greenhouse project. With these we will be measuering the CO2 fluxes of 350 enhanced rock weathering eperiments in our greenhouse where we try to measure ERW in short timescales (sub decade time scale).
Here is a short video that documents the systems and their installation. Created by @beyond-content und @PatrickNiedermayer
For the last 3 years the goal of project Carbdown has been to measure the speed of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) in agricultural settings. From geological and geo-chemical science we know that the dissolution products (e.g. cations of Mg, Ca) of rock weathering will eventually end up in the ocean as alkalinity that balances bicarbonates in the water. This works against ocean acidification and keeps CO₂ molecules out of the atmosphere for ages. The process requires little energy (e.g. compared to DAC) and provides various co-benefits to the farms/farmers (like increased yield, healthier crops and livestock). It is a perfect tool to fight against climate change.
This reasoning works well on the time scale of decades and centuries and makes ERW at least the perfect antagonist for lifetime footprint emissions of organizations and individuals which will become a focus of GHG-neutrality projects sometime in the future. In contrast today many organizations are looking for ways to offset their current emissions and need negative emissions that can be accounted for on a time scale of years.
Showing the effectiveness of ERW in the first years after applying the rock to fields has proven to be quite a challenge. In our recent working paper we have shown that we have not been able to see “a signal” of enhanced weathering in various field experiments using traditional geochemical methods that look at chemical fingerprints in the leachate waters (other scientists have shown similar experiences). We can quantify how much of the rock has been dissolved (using the Lithos method based on ICP-MS), but the whereabouts of the dissolution products/cations in our soils is unknown, they have at least not shown up in the leachate waters together with bicarbonate.
One thing to keep in mind is the fact that the abiotic C-cycle in the soil (which we usually think of for ERW) is about an order of magnitude smaller (~100s of grams per year and m²) than the biotic C cycle (~kilograms per year and m²). Nature runs a considerable C-party in the soil with microbes, plants/roots, fungi, worms, etc. which create a lot of noise and make ERW measurements really hard! From our current understanding the abiotic part is the slow one with the desired high permanence (millenia plus). It is also the ultimate outcome for the rock’s elements. But there also seems to be a faster biotic component that might fix C on shorter timescales, too, which could make selling fast-paced ERW certificates easier. On the other hand in our early experiments we also found rock amended variations that had a higher CO₂ efflux than their respective controls. This means that we created CO₂ sources by adding rock instead of CO₂ sinks (day 90-110 after experiment setup). Only time will tell if this is a transient phenomenon or an ongoing issue.”
Briefing: S. 2096 (Creem): The Massachusetts Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act | OpenAir
“This briefing webinar hosted by OpenAir for Massachusetts legislators and the general public provides a survey of:
- S 2096, the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act (Creem), new legislation to catalyze CDR in Massachusetts, in alignment with the state's 2050 net zero target.
- Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) science, concepts and methods.
- Massachusetts' nascent CDR ecosystem; its potential growth and future economic impact.”
CCS+ Initiative: Developing Scalable C02 Accounting Infra - Christiaan Gevers Deynoot, South Pole | OpenAir
“Carbon accounting approaches for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are a patchwork. A combination of project-specific protocols, project-level due diligence and bespoke verification is the dominant approach. This characterizes a market that is still nascent with a limited variety of both buyers and suppliers of carbon removal credits.
In this webinar OpenAir hosts Christiaan Gevers Deynoot of South Pole to present the work of the CCS+ Initiative, a unique multi-stakeholder initiative established in 2021 with the mission to scale cutting edge climate technologies by developing a scalable carbon accounting infrastructure. The approach it takes departs from common practice to cater to the needs of a fully-fledged carbon management economy. The CCS+ Initiative is expected to issue its first methodologies for public consultation by the end of June.”
This is CDR Ep. 74: Holy Grail - Modular Electrochemical DAC with Mineral Storage with Nuno Pereira | OpenAir
“This week on This Is CDR we are pleased to welcome Holy Grail CEO Nuno Pereira and CTO Sophie Griggs to present and discuss the company's modular electrochemical DAC process with mineral storage.”
How We Found A Job in Carbon Removal | Airminers
“Finding a job can be tough, especially in a new industry. Fortunately, there are success stories out there that we can learn from about how people successfully navigated the career pathways to find a job in CDR!”
Nori’s Carbon Removal Blended Tonne Whitepaper | Institute for Carbon Removal Law & Policy
“Nature-based carbon removal is available today at a low cost but has durability challenges. At the same time, permanent CO2 removal is nascent and higher cost. A new whitepaper by Nori proposes a ‘blended tonne’ approach that it argues would wed the strengths of both options —immediacy and durability — to offer a net-zero solution. This webinar, held on June 29, 2023, featured two of the architects of this proposal where they discussed both the rationale for this proposal, as well as technical and governance considerations for operationalization.”
This Super Concrete Could Revolutionize the Climate Crisis | XPRIZE
“ZS2 Technologies, a Canadian-based manufacturer, wants to revolutionize the world of cement production. Cement, a widely-used material, contributes significantly to environmental emissions. However, ZS2 is on a mission to change that by developing a new type of cement that maintains its strength and resilience while significantly reducing its carbon footprint, all through the incorporation of carbon capture technology.
Drawing inspiration from the ocean's ability to absorb carbon, ZS2 employs an innovative process to create precast cement products that can play a vital role in combating the climate crisis by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in their product by two thirds, compared to traditional Portland cement. Their approach focuses on utilizing local materials as they scale their technology in the coming years, effectively reducing costs and facilitating widespread adoption of their eco-friendly product.”
There's a playlist with videos on the Carbon Dioxide Removal topic, you can check it out here:
