Articles tagged with "carbon-sequestration"
Seaweed Blooms Suggest The Ocean Is Geoengineering Itself - CleanTechnica
A 2026 study led by researchers at the University of South Florida used AI-driven analysis of 20 years of satellite data to reveal a significant global increase in floating macroalgae (seaweed) blooms, with rapid expansion starting around 2008–2010. This marks a notable shift from a previously macroalgae-poor ocean to one increasingly rich in floating seaweed, such as sargassum, which forms massive blooms like the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt visible from space. While these blooms can support marine life offshore, their arrival on coastlines poses threats to ecosystems, tourism, and local economies. The study provides the first comprehensive global picture of floating algae, showing that macroalgae coverage increased by about 13.4% annually between 2003 and 2022, far outpacing the modest 1% annual rise in microalgae like phytoplankton. The researchers identified key tipping points in bloom growth around 2008–2012 and
energymaterialsgeoengineeringseaweedcarbon-sequestrationoceanographyAI-analysis100,000 Mangrove Trees Planted In One Day? - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Tom Chi’s TED Talk showcasing an innovative method of replanting mangrove trees using drones, where just four people can plant over 100,000 mangrove trees in a single day. Impressively, about 90% of these seeds germinate, and 85% become established plants. Mangrove forests play a critical role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon, yet many were destroyed for commercial shrimp farming—a practice criticized for its environmental harm and inefficiency. Restoring these ecosystems is presented as a vital and just action to support biodiversity and reduce atmospheric carbon. Chi also discusses the potential use of underwater drones to restore coral reefs and seagrass beds, which similarly help remove carbon from the atmosphere. He challenges the common “jobs vs. environment” narrative by framing human economic activity as a subset of the environment, emphasizing that the environment is primary and that humans are just one of millions of species. The article further critiques regenerative agriculture and hybrid vehicles, arguing that partial improvements
dronesmangrove-reforestationenvironmental-technologycarbon-sequestrationunderwater-dronesclimate-change-mitigationregenerative-agricultureNew Carbon Negative Super Bricks Sucks Up Carbon
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts has developed a bio-inspired concrete alternative that is carbon-negative, sequestering 6.1 kilograms of carbon per cubic meter during production compared to the roughly 330 kilograms of carbon emitted by conventional concrete. This breakthrough addresses the significant carbon footprint of traditional cement production, largely driven by the heating of limestone—a process responsible for about 66% of cement-related emissions. The WPI team’s innovation focuses on reducing reliance on limestone and lowering the energy-intensive steps involved in cement manufacturing. Earlier efforts by the team involved growing minerals on a polymer scaffold using the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to catalyze the formation of calcite, resulting in a material with moderate compressive strength (12 MPa) and some self-healing properties. However, this material’s strength diminished significantly under humid conditions due to its hydrophilic polymer base, a common issue in bio-based construction materials. To overcome this, the researchers developed a new approach using
carbon-negative-materialssustainable-constructionbio-inspired-concretecarbon-sequestrationgreen-building-materialscement-alternativesdecarbonization-technologyAustrian Resort Inaugurates Its Climate-Positive Syncraft Powerplant - CleanTechnica
The Austrian resort Stanglwirt, located in Going am Wilden Kaiser, has inaugurated a climate-positive powerplant developed by Syncraft that converts regional wood residues into electricity, heat, and biochar, a stable form of carbon. Unlike conventional biomass plants that release most carbon back into the atmosphere, this system sequesters carbon long-term, resulting in a net-negative emissions balance. The powerplant supplies renewable energy to the hotel while removing CO₂ from the atmosphere, replacing fossil-based energy imports with a closed-loop system that supports local wood suppliers and responsible forest management. Stanglwirt, a heritage hotel with over four centuries of tradition, is known for its commitment to sustainability, including running an organic farm and horse stables. This installation marks a significant step in integrating renewable energy and permanent carbon sequestration into mainstream hospitality infrastructure, demonstrating that energy-intensive hotels can adopt carbon-removal technologies. Syncraft has already deployed over 45 such systems, with several more under construction, highlighting the growing adoption
energyrenewable-energybiomass-powerplantcarbon-sequestrationclimate-positive-technologysustainable-energybiocharSequestering All That CO2 ... In Macroalgae - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the urgent need to not only transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles but also actively remove the excess CO2 already in the atmosphere to prevent catastrophic climate change. Hans-Josef Fell, former German parliament member and energy expert, highlights research compiled by the Energy Watch Group showing that floating macroalgae (seaweed) farms in subtropical ocean gyres could sequester vast amounts of carbon dioxide within decades. These seaweed farms grow rapidly when nourished by nutrient-rich deep water, offering a promising natural carbon sink that could help bring atmospheric CO2 levels below critical planetary limits. Beyond carbon removal, the biomass from these large-scale seaweed farms could replace fossil fuels and fossil-based raw materials, while also enhancing global food security and creating sustainable marine economies—especially benefiting countries in the Global South. While the concept of ocean farming for carbon sequestration is compelling, the article acknowledges the complexity and challenges of safely and effectively implementing such solutions at scale. It encourages further exploration of the Energy Watch
energyrenewable-energycarbon-sequestrationmacroalgaeclimate-changesustainable-marine-economycarbon-removalUS scientists use 'Battleship' model to plan nuclear waste storage
Stanford University researchers have developed a novel mathematical model inspired by the game Battleship to improve the evaluation of geological materials for long-term nuclear waste and carbon dioxide storage. Using a Poisson statistical model, the approach predicts the microscopic structure of porous rock and soil by identifying components at random points and mapping their distribution. This breakthrough enables more accurate predictions of how substances move through heterogeneous materials over extended periods, addressing a longstanding challenge in modeling such complex systems. Beyond nuclear waste disposal, the model has broad applications in materials science and engineering. It can reveal microstructural properties like hardness, elasticity, and conductivity, which are critical for optimizing materials such as concrete. For example, engineers could use the model to better fill air pockets in concrete with supplementary materials, reducing cement use and associated carbon emissions while enhancing strength and lowering costs. Experts highlight the model’s potential to design composite materials with tailored properties and to improve understanding in fields like groundwater management and geothermal energy. This advancement complements other global efforts in nuclear waste management,
energymaterials-sciencenuclear-waste-storagecarbon-sequestrationgeological-materialscomposite-materialsconcrete-optimizationBio-oil tested as way to seal orphaned oil wells and store carbon
A recent study led by Iowa State University explores using bio-oil derived from farm and forest waste—such as corn stalks and wood debris—to both seal orphaned oil wells in the US and sequester carbon underground. The process involves fast pyrolysis, where dried organic matter is rapidly heated in an oxygen-free environment to produce a dense, carbon-rich liquid bio-oil. Injecting this bio-oil into abandoned wells not only permanently stores carbon dioxide but also safely plugs wells that otherwise pose environmental risks like methane leaks and water contamination. This dual-purpose approach addresses two pressing challenges: reducing atmospheric carbon and managing the estimated 300,000 to 800,000 undocumented orphaned wells in the US, which are costly to cap. The researchers propose deploying a network of 200 mobile fast pyrolysis units, each processing about 10 tons of biomass daily near agricultural and forested areas. The study estimates the cost of carbon sequestration via this method at approximately $152 per ton, with potential reductions
energycarbon-sequestrationbio-oilabandoned-oil-wellspyrolysisrenewable-energyenvironmental-technologyWhy Canada Must Align Sequestered Carbon Accounting With Global Markets - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the critical need for Canada to align its accounting of sequestered carbon in mass timber construction with global market standards. It uses the example of Lytton, British Columbia, which suffered devastating heat in 2021, to highlight the urgency of climate-resilient building practices. The town’s rebuild is serving as a pilot project for integrating carbon sequestration into building design, particularly through the use of mass timber products like cross-laminated timber (CLT). These wood products lock away carbon absorbed during tree growth, effectively acting as carbon banks that can reduce a building’s overall carbon footprint if the wood is reused or disposed of in ways that prevent decay. Scientifically, mass timber has a significant advantage over conventional materials like concrete and steel in terms of embodied carbon emissions. While producing a cubic meter of CLT can store about one ton of CO₂ equivalent, concrete and steel production emit hundreds to over a thousand kilograms of CO₂ per cubic meter. Studies show timber buildings can reduce
energymaterialscarbon-sequestrationmass-timbercross-laminated-timbersustainable-constructionembodied-carbonThink How Much Climate Progress We Could Make If We Protected The World's Forests - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica emphasizes the critical role that the world’s forests play in mitigating climate change. Forests absorb billions of tons of carbon dioxide annually, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon in their biomass and releasing water vapor that increases cloud cover and cools the planet. Beyond climate regulation, forests prevent soil erosion, protect communities from natural disasters like landslides and floods, and maintain fertile topsoil essential for agriculture. As integral components of terrestrial ecosystems—which cover about 28% of the Earth’s surface—trees contribute to ecosystem health and resilience through complex biological interactions. A key focus of the article is agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees with crops, either by planting trees in agricultural fields or growing crops beneath forest canopies. Agroforestry enhances forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration while providing economic benefits to local communities through sustainable harvesting of forest products. This practice aligns with Indigenous land stewardship traditions and supports climate mitigation by increasing carbon storage and promoting ecosystem health. The article notes
energyclimate-changecarbon-sequestrationforestsagroforestryecosystemsustainabilityTerraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar
Terraton aims to revolutionize the biochar industry by applying a franchise-style "business-in-a-box" model similar to McDonald’s approach to burger restaurants. Biochar is a carbon-sequestering fertilizer produced by burning agricultural waste in the absence of oxygen, which stores carbon in soil for centuries while enhancing soil health. The company recently raised $11.5 million in seed funding led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale Capital, with participation from notable investors including Google’s Jeff Dean and OpenAI board member Bret Taylor. Terraton plans to help partners build biochar facilities, replicate successful models, and develop a SaaS platform to operate plants, verify carbon credits, and facilitate sales to large corporate buyers like Microsoft and Google. Terraton’s co-founders highlight that biochar production is currently supply-constrained due to the need for facilities to be located near agricultural waste sources to reduce transportation costs. Each facility can capture roughly 10,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is significant but
energybiocharcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-agriculturecarbon-creditsclimate-technologyrenewable-resourcesTax Credits Drive Carbon Capture Deployment in US EIA Annual Energy Outlook - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025) introduces a new Carbon Capture, Allocation, Transportation, and Sequestration (CCATS) module to model carbon capture deployment through the coming decades. The report projects that CO2 capture at electric power and industrial facilities will increase through the 2030s, primarily driven by enhanced tax credits established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These tax credits, which can be claimed for projects beginning construction before 2033 and last for up to 12 years after service, significantly incentivize carbon capture, with projected peak capture rates reaching between 1.5% and 3.5% of energy emissions in the late 2030s. However, CO2 capture is expected to decline after these credits expire by mid-century. The AEO2025 scenarios show variation in peak CO2 capture amounts, ranging from about 56 million metric tons (MMmt) in the Alternative Electricity case
energycarbon-capturetax-creditscarbon-sequestrationCO2-emissionsclean-energyclimate-policyFrontier is helping Arbor build a “vegetarian rocket engine” to power data centers
Arbor, supported by a $41 million deal with Frontier, is developing its first commercial-scale power plant in southern Louisiana that uses waste biomass to generate electricity for data centers while capturing and sequestering the resulting CO2 underground. This technology, called BiCRS (biomass carbon removal and storage), produces carbon-free base load energy and achieves net carbon removals by burning biomass and capturing 99% of the CO2 emissions. The process involves converting biomass into syngas using a proprietary gasifier that employs supercritical CO2, then combusting the syngas with pure oxygen to generate electricity via turbomachinery, while diverting most CO2 for permanent storage. The approach leverages sustainable biomass sources, with Frontier emphasizing careful vetting to ensure biomass use does not disrupt natural cycles or soil health. Although biomass availability varies, estimates suggest 1 to 5 gigatons of waste biomass could be sustainably utilized annually, offering significant potential for BiCRS and related bioenergy with
energybiomass-energycarbon-capturecarbon-sequestrationrenewable-energypower-plantclean-energy-technologyDirect Air Carbon Capture Is Scaling Up, With Mineralization
The article discusses the evolving landscape of carbon capture technologies, with a particular focus on direct air capture (DAC) and mineralization as promising approaches for long-term carbon sequestration. While federal support for carbon capture in the US is declining—highlighted by the Department of Energy’s recent cancellation of a $3.7 billion decarbonization demonstration program—global efforts continue to advance. The article contrasts various carbon capture methods, noting that biofuels and electrofuels recirculate carbon but depend heavily on supportive public policies. More durable sequestration options include reforestation and reforming captured carbon into solid products, such as incorporating it into cement. Mineralization emerges as a key solution for sustainable, long-term carbon storage by chemically locking carbon dioxide into stable carbonate minerals through reactions with reactive igneous or metamorphic rocks. This method offers advantages over traditional underground sequestration in porous sedimentary rock, where carbon can potentially escape. The US Geological Survey estimates significant underground sequestration capacity, but
energycarbon-capturedirect-air-capturemineralizationdecarbonizationcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-technology