Marine carbon dioxide removal by alkalinization should no longer be overlooked

Bibliographic Data

ID15550853
AuthorsKatarzyna A Kowalczyk (0009-0004-3227-0061, Leibniz Association, corresponding author), Thorben Amann (0000-0001-9347-0615, Universität Hamburg), Jessica Strefler (0000-0002-5279-4629, Leibniz Association), Maria-Elena Vorrath (0000-0001-7208-1186, Universität Hamburg), Jens Hartmann (0000-0003-1878-9321, Universität Hamburg), Serena De Marco (0000-0003-1179-1269, Politecnico di Milano), Phil Renforth (0000-0002-1460-9947, Heriot-Watt University), Spyros Foteinis (0000-0003-1471-578X, Heriot-Watt University), Elmar Kriegler (0000-0002-3307-2647, University of Potsdam)
Year2024
Volume19
Issue7
Pages074033-074033
Publication date2024-05-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnvironmental Research Letters (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1748-9326 • E-ISSN: 1748-9326
PublisherIOP Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1088/1748-9326/ad5192
OpenAlexW4399119285
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited50

To achieve the Paris climate target, deep emissions reductions have to be complemented with carbon dioxide removal (CDR). However, a portfolio of CDR options is necessary to reduce risks and potential negative side effects. Despite a large theoretical potential, ocean-based CDR such as ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) has been omitted in climate change mitigation scenarios so far. In this study, we provide a techno-economic assessment of large-scale OAE using hydrated lime (‘ocean liming’). We address key uncertainties that determine the overall cost of ocean liming (OL) such as the CO2 uptake efficiency per unit of material, distribution strategies avoiding carbonate precipitation which would compromise efficiency, and technology availability (e.g., solar calciners). We find that at economic costs of 130–295 $/tCO2 net-removed, ocean liming could be a competitive CDR option which could make a significant contribution towards the Paris climate target. As the techno-economic assessment identified no showstoppers, we argue for more research on ecosystem impacts, governance, monitoring, reporting, and verification, and technology development and assessment to determine whether ocean liming and other OAE should be considered as part of a broader CDR portfolio

Biology · Carbon dioxide · Carbon dioxide removal · Chemistry · Environmental Science · Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses · Ecology · Environmental Chemistry · Geology · Oceanography

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Open DOIOpen Access