Vycarb: Unlocking Oceanic Carbon Removal Potential with Precision Alkalinity Enhancement
The Problem
Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 is leading to ocean acidification, outpacing the natural dissipation process and threatening marine ecosystems on both US coasts. Current solutions for CO2 sequestration may not be viable for long, necessitating urgent action to reverse these effects.
Vycarb, a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage technology company, focuses on creating solutions to measure, remove, and store CO2 using water, primarily for producing carbon offsets. The company seeks to mitigate CO2 emissions from coastal waters, converting them into stable forms of carbon that remain sequestered for thousands of years.
The Technology
Vycarb’s approach involves a novel ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) technology designed to convert CO2 in high-CO2 coastal waters into stable bicarbonate (HCO3) and carbonate (CO3) ions. This is achieved through a direct-measurement-driven, continuous flow alkalinization system. By reacting minerals with water and CO2, Vycarb’s system locks away CO2 in a dissolved form, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.
The technology is energy-efficient, relying on natural water flow and minimal energy inputs, which can be fully solar-powered. Vycarb’s system operates by adding controlled amounts of pre-dissolved mineral alkalinity (containing calcium and/or magnesium) into water bodies, where sensors measure the levels of CO2, HCO3, and CO3 both before and after treatment. This ensures precise control and verification of the CO2 removal process. The system’s efficiency and minimal energy requirements make it a scalable solution for global carbon removal efforts.
Boundless’s Data-Driven Solution – The Industry Calculator
To optimize their operations, Vycarb turned to Boundless for a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This analysis provided a quantitative evaluation of Vycarb’s technology, focusing on identifying the most effective and low-carbon inputs and conditions for maximizing CO2 removal and storage.
By analyzing different inputs and scenarios, Boundless’ Environmental Impact Report guided Vycarb in selecting the most efficient materials and locations for their technology, directly informing their product roadmap and scale-up strategy. It was able to show that Vycarb performs favorably in GHG and eutrophication potential compared to competitors and recommended transportation and infrastructure improvements that can further improve Vycarb’s environmental footprint.
“Environmental impact is not just our product; it’s our mission,” said Garrett Boudinot, Founder and CEO of Vycarb. “Boundless provided the granularity we needed to make informed decisions that align with our goal of optimizing CO2 removal while minimizing our environmental footprint.”
The Outcome
Armed with the insights from Boundless’s LCA report, Vycarb has successfully scaled up its technology and secured additional investment and offset customers. The report has been a critical component of Vycarb’s data room for investors, offering independent validation and showcasing the company’s unique approach and potential for impact.
The technology has also attracted interest from key stakeholders, including ocean-climate investors like Tynam Earth Fund and Katapult Ocean, who are supporting Vycarb’s commercial growth. With pilots already deployed and plans for further expansion, Vycarb is well on its way to becoming a leader in the field of ocean-based carbon removal.
“Environmental impact is not just our product; it’s our mission. Boundless provided the granularity we needed to make informed decisions that align with our goal of optimizing CO2 removal while minimizing our environmental footprint.”
Vycarb plans to continue leveraging Boundless’s expertise for future reports, expanding their impact assessment to include economic metrics and exploring new projects and geographies. Their mission-driven approach and data-informed strategy position them to play a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change.