Planetary Technologies Delivers First Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Carbon Removals

Planetary Technologies has achieved a major milestone by delivering the world’s first net Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) carbon removals. This breakthrough represents the removal of 138 tonnes of carbon dioxide and showcases the potential of collaboration across academia, industry, and communities. The delivery demonstrates the feasibility of ocean-based carbon removal at scale and marks a significant step forward in the fight against climate change.

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Behind the Scenes: Bringing Ocean Alkalinity Credits to Life

A few years ago, ocean-based carbon removal was merely a concept. Today, Planetary’s Halifax project has turned this vision into reality through the tireless efforts of its science and operations teams. The initial release included 96 tonnes delivered to Shopify and 42 tonnes to Stripe, under a prepurchase agreement facilitated by Frontier’s advance market commitment. This collaboration reflects the immense trust these partners have in OAE technology and its transformative potential.

"Delivering the first net OAE credits is a monumental step, not only for Planetary but for the entire field of ocean-based carbon removal," said MIKE KELLAND, CEO of Planetary Technologies. "Thanks to our pioneering partners, we’ve shown that this is both safe and effective at this small scale and responsibly cleared the way for the next set of credit deliveries."

The Power of Collaboration

OAE is more than just a carbon removal method; it’s a science developed through collaboration with leading institutions like Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Power. These partnerships have been vital in advancing and validating OAE at its current scale, ensuring it is both safe and effective. Through their work, Planetary has contributed to crucial frameworks for verification and validation, laying the groundwork for the future of carbon removal.

Over the next year, a series of academic publications will further disseminate the results of this project. Early findings include:

Key Insights From the Project

1. Environmental SafetyNo measurable impacts on local ecosystems were observed, and no accumulation of metals or toxins was detected in the sediments.

2. Breakthrough Measurement TechniquesInnovative high-resolution local ocean modeling and advanced observation approaches refined the ability to monitor and assess OAE’s effectiveness.

3. Scalable Carbon Dioxide Removal InsightsCutting-edge ocean models guided monitoring efforts and quantified near-field carbon dioxide removal outcomes.

"Every success has involved teams of Principal Investigators, scientists, and engineers working toward a shared goal of scaling ocean-based carbon removal in ways that are trustworthy and scientifically sound," Planetary stated.

Why This Matters for the Planet

This achievement goes beyond Planetary Technologies’ innovation. It signals progress for the entire carbon removal field, providing a scalable, ocean-based solution to combat climate change. Each tonne of CO2 removed contributes to healthier oceans and a more stable climate, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to addressing complex global challenges.

Planetary is committed to scaling the potential of OAE for carbon removal while maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship. "This is just the beginning of our journey to unlock the full potential of ocean alkalinity for carbon removal," said Planetary in a statement.

Scaling Up and Scaling Out

Planetary’s vision extends beyond simply scaling up. The company focuses on a holistic approach that includes collaboration with local communities, scientific rigor, and environmental stewardship. By fostering trust and partnerships, Planetary aims to create a model that delivers significant climate impact while preserving ocean health and supporting the well-being of communities that rely on these ecosystems.

As Planetary builds on this success, the company invites everyone to follow their journey. Together, they aim to restore and protect the ocean and climate for future generations.