I had the privilege of testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, sharing the immense potential of marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. I was joined by some distinguished leaders in the field: Noah Deich from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Sarah Kapnick from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Scott Doney from the University of Virginia. Together, we had the opportunity to highlight some of the most promising strategies for tackling climate change.
The focus of my testimony was the pioneering work that Ebb Carbon is doing in the field of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE)—a promising form of marine CDR that has the potential to scale globally and play a significant role in mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. The challenge ahead is immense, but the opportunity is even greater, and I am excited to share how we are working alongside federal agencies, researchers, and industry leaders to unlock the potential of these cutting-edge technologies.
The Power of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
We founded Ebb because we saw the immense potential of marine CDR to mitigate climate change. The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and plays a vital role in regulating our climate—in fact, it’s already removed billions of tonnes of excess atmospheric CO2. Our approach is to speed up what nature already does by removing acid from seawater, which in turn, enables the ocean to absorb and safely store more CO2 from the atmosphere.
Our first demonstration, conducted in partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has already shown that Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement is both feasible and effective. The potential of marine CDR is immense, but to unlock it, we need to move from proof-of-concept to large-scale deployment. This is where collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking policies come into play.
Ebb Carbon’s Unique Role in Scaling Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement
At Ebb Carbon, we are focused on making Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement a reality. But this is not just about the technology; it’s about a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of climate change. As we shared during the hearing, we are already planning a pilot project in Port Angeles, Washington, which will serve as a crucial next step in scaling this solution. This pilot will provide us with invaluable data to refine the technology and demonstrate its commercial viability.
We are committed to being part of the solution. However, we know that to truly scale this technology, it requires more than just innovation. It requires strong public-private partnerships, community engagement, and the development of federal policies that support the growth of these technologies. Much like solar energy in its early days, marine CDR will need an ecosystem of support—from research funding to regulatory frameworks—that can help accelerate its development and adoption.
The Importance of Public-Private Partnerships and Federal Support
One of the key points I emphasized during my testimony was the need for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. In the case of marine CDR, the federal government plays a vital role in setting policies that can guide the growth of these technologies, fund early-stage research, and facilitate the necessary regulatory pathways to enable large-scale deployment.
We have seen how government support has been crucial to scaling other clean energy technologies. The solar industry, for example, didn’t become the global powerhouse it is today without federal investment, policy incentives, and a clear regulatory pathway. The same is true for marine CDR. Policies that encourage innovation, investment, and public-private partnerships will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement and other marine-based carbon removal solutions.
Beyond policy, federal agencies such as the DOE and NOAA are key players in advancing the research and development of these technologies. By working with these agencies, we can accelerate the pace of innovation and build a broader coalition of stakeholders who are invested in tackling climate change. At Ebb, we are excited to work closely with these agencies and other partners to bring marine CDR technologies into the mainstream.
A Call to Action: From Possibility to Reality
Now is the time for action. The window to address climate change is narrowing, and the next decade will be crucial in determining the trajectory of global temperatures. If we are to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement and limit warming to 1.5°C, we need to accelerate the deployment of carbon removal technologies—especially those that can scale quickly and sustainably.
Marine CDR technologies like Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement hold immense promise, but they need to move from the lab to the ocean, from concept to deployment. This requires continued investment in research, clear regulatory frameworks, and the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders, from researchers to industry leaders to community groups.
As I reflect on my testimony, I am filled with hope and optimism. The momentum is building, and with the right policies, partnerships, and investment, we can scale marine carbon dioxide removal to the levels needed to make a meaningful impact. It’s an exciting time to be part of this journey. We have the tools. Now, we just need the will to make it happen.
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