Project SeaCURE

April 22, 2025

Project SeaCURE is a pioneering initiative based on England’s south coast, aimed at enhancing the ocean’s role in combating climate change. Launched in Weymouth, this pilot project seeks to extract carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from seawater. Funded by the UK government, it explores innovative technologies to improve the ocean’s capacity as a carbon sink.

Project SeaCURE

Project SeaCURE targets the ocean, where CO₂ concentrations are higher than in the atmosphere. By extracting carbon from seawater, the project aims to develop a cost-effective and scalable solution to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels. The initiative is part of the UK’s broader strategy to develop technologies that capture and store greenhouse gases.

Mechanism of Operation

The project operates by pumping seawater into a facility where it undergoes a process of acidification. This treatment encourages dissolved carbon to convert into gas, which is then captured before it escapes into the atmosphere. The CO₂ is concentrated using sustainable materials, such as charred coconut husks, for secure storage. The treated seawater is then neutralised and returned to the ocean, ready to absorb more CO₂.

Potential Benefits

SeaCURE has the potential to remove substantial amounts of CO₂. If 1% of the world’s surface seawater could be processed, estimates suggest up to 14 billion tonnes of CO₂ could be removed annually. This would require the entire operation to be powered by renewable energy sources, such as floating solar panels.

Environmental and Technical Challenges

Despite its promise, SeaCURE faces challenges. The energy required to generate the acidic and alkaline materials for carbon extraction is substantial. If the energy is not sourced sustainably, the environmental benefits may be negated. Furthermore, concerns exist regarding the ecological impact of releasing large volumes of low-carbon water back into the ocean.

Ocean Acidification

The project marks the critical issue of ocean acidification. As oceans absorb increasing amounts of CO₂, their alkalinity decreases, impacting marine life that relies on carbon for essential processes. Changes in the ocean’s carbon balance could have unpredictable effects on ecosystems.

Future Prospects

Project SeaCURE is one of 15 pilot initiatives funded by the UK’s carbon capture programme. Experts believe that innovative solutions like this are crucial for achieving net-zero emissions. The ocean’s natural processes may become a deliberate tool for climate action, provided that challenges are addressed responsibly.

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