Hero Post 009 | April 23, 2025

Project SeaCURE: Unlocking the Ocean’s Power Against Climate Change

📅 Context

Project SeaCURE, launched on England’s south coast, pioneers the use of seawater carbon extraction to combat climate change, forming part of the UK’s strategy to advance carbon capture technologies.

🔍 Focus

Enhancing the ocean’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) through innovative, scalable, and sustainable carbon capture mechanisms.

📊 Key Themes

• Ocean-based carbon capture
• Sustainable materials and renewable energy integration
• Ocean acidification and ecosystem impacts
• Climate innovation and scalability challenges

💧 Project SeaCURE

• Targets high CO₂ concentrations in seawater for extraction.
• Extracted CO₂ is captured using materials like charred coconut husks.
• Treated seawater is neutralised and returned, enhancing future CO₂ absorption.

⚛️ Mechanism of Operation

• Seawater pumped into a processing facility.
• Acidification induces CO₂ release.
• CO₂ captured and stored securely.
• Neutralised water returned to the ocean.

💚 Potential Benefits

• Processing 1% of global seawater could remove up to 14 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.
• Requires renewable energy deployment like floating solar panels.
• Supports achieving global net-zero targets.

🛠️ Environmental and Technical Challenges

• High energy demands for chemical processes.
• Ecological concerns regarding reintroduced treated water.
• Necessity for entirely renewable energy operation.

🌊 Ocean Acidification

• Increased CO₂ absorption decreases ocean alkalinity.
• Threatens marine species reliant on carbonate processes.
• Highlights the delicate balance of ocean chemistry.

📚 Future Prospects

• One of 15 UK-funded carbon capture pilot initiatives.
• Innovations like SeaCURE crucial for climate mitigation.
• Future depends on addressing energy and ecosystem challenges responsibly.

🧰 GS Paper Mapping

🌟 Reflection

Beneath the restless tides, ancient waters whisper of redemption—if we listen, and act with care, the ocean may yet cradle the earth back into balance.