Direct Ocean Capture: The quest for cleaner waters

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 7, 2025

Insight summary

Capturing carbon dioxide from seawater is sparking debates about new approaches to address rising emissions while balancing costs and environmental safeguards. This method relies on extracting dissolved gases from the ocean, then channeling them into storage or reuse, opening doors for business and research activity. Policymakers, scientists, and investors are showing interest in scaling it up, which may reshape local economies and climate strategies worldwide.

Direct Ocean Capture context

Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) is a method that extracts dissolved carbon dioxide from seawater and either stores it or channels it into commercial applications. Researchers are increasingly interested in this approach because the ocean holds approximately 150 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere, according to the World Economic Forum. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has emphasized the importance of negative emissions to complement ongoing decarbonization efforts worldwide. This perspective has led several carbon capture companies, such as Brineworks, Captura, Sea02, and Ebb Carbon, to focus on developing approaches for large-scale ocean-based carbon removal.

The fundamental process behind DOC often involves electrochemical methods to separate carbon dioxide from seawater, then compress the purified gas for sequestration or reuse. One example is Captura’s electrodialysis facility in Newport Beach, established in 2022, which filters ocean water and extracts carbon dioxide with minimal by-products before returning the treated water to the sea. Meanwhile, Brineworks relies on electrolysis to produce hydrogen in tandem with carbon removal, indicating possible revenue streams from clean energy sources. As the technology matures, pilot projects backed by institutions like Norway’s Equinor, the US Department of Energy, and coastal research labs are providing critical data on feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Additional ventures have emerged to demonstrate practical applications of DOC under different conditions. Sea02 aims to scale operations from an initial 250-ton carbon removal target to reach a million tons annually by 2045, while Ebb Carbon designs systems that lower the acidity of seawater at aquaculture and desalination plants. In 2023, carbon capture costs for direct air capture methods still range around USD $600 to 1,000 per ton, driving interest in alternative pathways like DOC that could achieve lower expenses. 

Disruptive impact

Individuals may see changing energy prices or new taxes aimed at funding ocean-based carbon removal efforts. Additionally, homeowners in coastal regions could be encouraged to install small-scale systems that support local marine initiatives. Some families might invest in personal carbon offsets tied to sea-based projects, viewing them as a way to balance their emissions more directly. Meanwhile, a new wave of educational programs could emerge, informing people on how ocean-focused solutions link to daily habits and long-term environmental health.

Companies may need to adapt product offerings or partner with ocean removal firms to expand green portfolios. Businesses could also explore new revenue models, such as subscription-based services that align with climate targets. Moreover, organizations may invest in specialized research teams focused on scaling low-carbon operations that function in marine settings. Such measures can help corporations maintain a competitive edge as sustainability becomes more ingrained in consumer preferences.

Governments may update local laws to incentivize coastal facilities or research institutions that boost DOC projects. Policymakers could issue grants or carbon credits to spur private investment and align international treaties around ocean protection. Some regions might also install shared public infrastructure for carbon storage or develop guidelines for transporting removed carbon dioxide. In addition, intergovernmental cooperation can streamline global efforts, leading to coordinated strategies that address the planet’s climate goals.

Implications of Direct Ocean Capture

Wider implications of DOC may include: 

• Private partnerships building large floating capture units, prompting revised maritime regulations for remote carbon removal activities.
• Coastal property owners adding docking stations for DOC operations, creating niche real estate markets near major ports.
• Engineers and technicians expanding their skills to maintain maritime carbon removal systems, fueling demand for specialized maritime training.
• Marine conservation groups forming local committees to monitor DOC projects, pushing for transparent ecosystem impact studies.
• Banks introducing ocean-linked bonds with certified carbon removal credits, attracting investors seeking measurable environmental returns.
• Technological offshoots developing from DOC processes, resulting in ancillary growth in water processing and chemical industries.
• Landlocked regions partnering with coastal states for shared carbon storage rights, reshaping resource alliances and budgets.
• Political forums debating ownership of captured carbon, influencing international agreements on maritime boundaries and asset claims.
• Research labs exploring methods to turn extracted carbon into marketable products, stimulating new value chains and commercial opportunities.
• Cities integrating ocean capture metrics into climate goals, driving local measures to address pollution from both land-based and marine sources.

Questions to consider

• How could your community foster economic opportunities tied to DOC technologies?
• What policies and resources might local governments develop to protect marine life while encouraging large-scale carbon removal?