Green Sequest: Reducing CO2 emissions is not enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement

Green Sequest is a startup engaged in the advancement of a technique for extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through the utilization of Enhanced Rock Weathering technology. In an interview, Mirosław Kotowski (CEO) and Adrian Podgórny (COO) provided insights into the technology’s evolution and delved into the distinct attributes of the market.

What are Carbon Dioxide Removal solutions?

MK: Simply reducing CO2 emissions won’t be sufficient to achieve the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit the global temperature rise to below 2°C. This calls for addressing the CO2 that has already been released into the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies encompass a range of methods designed to address this challenge. These methods involve processes that extract CO2 from the atmosphere and securely store it, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon removal approaches encompass natural tactics like reforestation and agricultural land management, technological strategies like Direct Air Capture, and innovative methods like Enhanced Rock Weathering.

AP: The technique employed by Green Sequest is known as Enhanced Rock Weathering or accelerated rock weathering. This approach finds its inspiration in natural processes. How does it work? CO2 combines with rainfall to create carbonic acid, which subsequently interacts with minerals present in specific rock types, such as serpentinite. Through this reaction, the carbon undergoes a transformation into different compounds and becomes effectively “captured” for thousands of years. However, without our intervention, this process naturally takes millennia. That’s why our efforts are dedicated to hastening and refining this process.

serpentinite

How do they differ from a Carbon Capture and Storage solution?

MK: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) are distinct technologies. While CCS focuses on capturing greenhouse gas emissions directly at the source, like in industrial facilities, CDR methods target the removal of CO2 that has already been released into the atmosphere. Both approaches are meant to work in tandem. As the pace of emission reduction remains insufficient, the significance of Carbon Dioxide Removal is on the rise. The current decade is pivotal for advancing such methods. Despite relatively limited awareness of CDR, the volume of research, development, and successful applications in this domain is steadily expanding.

Where did the idea for this activity come from?

AP: Our team is composed of experts hailing from the mineral extraction sector, bringing a wealth of experience in executing business ventures of diverse magnitudes. We’ve long recognized the potential of serpentinite in curtailing and eliminating CO2. We’ve closely monitored research on serpentinite in relation to Carbon Capture and Storage, as well as endeavors utilizing olivine derived from serpentinite for the purposes of Enhanced Rock Weathering processes.

MK: Several months ago, we made the pivotal decision to embark on a venture aimed at devising a solution for efficiently and promptly absorbing and permanently storing substantial quantities of atmospheric CO2 using serpentinite. In this endeavor, we’ve forged partnerships with Polish researchers from esteemed institutions such as the Oil and Gas Institute, AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, and the Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials in Warsaw. Our ongoing research is oriented towards accelerating the processes of CO2 sequestration by serpentinite and establishing its practical applications on a commercial scale. Additionally, we’ve developed techniques for creating mineral fertilizers based on serpentinite.

Where can your solution be used?

AP: At Green Sequest, we are actively crafting an approach to extract CO2 from the atmosphere through the application of Enhanced Rock Weathering technology. The rock integral to this process is serpentinite, renowned for its remarkable capacity to absorb CO2. Accelerated rock weathering is notably among the safest and most ecologically sound methodologies, as the removal of CO2 remains effective for an extensive period surpassing 10,000 years. Interestingly, just one ton of serpentinite can successfully eliminate up to 500 kilograms of CO2.

MK: Our meticulously processed serpentinite will serve a dual purpose as a fertilizer in the realm of agriculture. It serves as a rich source of elements that profoundly influence the optimal growth and caliber of plants. This mineral finds prominent application in the cultivation of diverse crops like corn, potatoes, wheat, oats, barley, as well as various vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Simultaneously, we’re advancing robust methodologies for quantifying, authenticating, and documenting carbon dioxide removal. This endeavor will enable us to produce and trade what’s known as CO2 removal certificates.

Accelerated rock weathering is one of the safest and most sustainable methods: CO2 is removed for over 10,000 years. acc. 1 ton of serpentinite can remove up to 500 kg of CO2.

What is the market and demand for such solutions?

AP: The sector encompassing the extraction and enduring storage of CO2 from the atmosphere is emerging as one of the most rapidly expanding markets within the Climate Tech industry. In 2021, the market witnessed a remarkable surge, with transaction values soaring by 337%, followed by an even more remarkable 533% surge in 2022.

MK: Thorough market assessments highlight a projected 100-fold surge in the demand for atmospheric CO2 removal solutions by the year 2050, shaping a market valued at a trillion dollars. Despite the substantial expansion and traction the market has gained, the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) sector is still at an early developmental stage. Presently, the total market size for 2022 stands at roughly a quarter of a billion USD. Predictions suggest that this figure will undergo a tenfold growth by the year 2030.

What is the landscape of such solutions in Central and Eastern Europe?

AP: Green Sequest currently stands as one of the relatively few entities in our region engaging in this particular sphere. In Poland, a startup is working on advancing the Direct Air Capture solution, and there are several Carbon Capture and Storage installations in operation, including those affiliated with cement plants under the Lafarge and Heidelberg groups. Comparable circumstances are observed in neighboring countries within our region. Notably, the CDR technologies are witnessing the most rapid advancement in Western Europe and North America.

What is the limiting factor for the use of accelerated weathering of serpentinite on a larger scale?

MK: One of the potential challenges lies in the possibility that the CO2 absorption process might not perform as effectively in real-world conditions as indicated by lab tests. This could potentially impact the overall project’s profitability. Additionally, we must meticulously factor in the carbon footprint associated with the entire operation, particularly concerning the transportation of serpentinite. This mineral is conveyed from its extraction and processing site to be transformed into fertilizer, and then transported to the locations where it’s applied. Depending on the mode of transportation, the CO2 emissions from transporting it to fields situated hundreds of kilometers away could surpass levels that could render the entire endeavor unprofitable both in economic and carbon-related terms.

Antigorite serpentinite

To conduct this type of activity, an interdisciplinary team is a must have?

AP: Absolutely! Our undertaking necessitates a seamless amalgamation of numerous disciplines: encompassing geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, soil science, agricultural science, and a deep understanding of CO2 emissions and the associated regulations. Additionally, navigating the evolution of the company within the ever-changing landscape of this emerging market entails a constant vigilance on our part. This market exhibits remarkable dynamism. And, naturally, the entrepreneurial and marketing facets of the startup endeavor also come into play.

What stage of product development are you at? What will be the next steps?

MK: Our company is currently in its initial phases of growth. Our foremost emphasis is on enhancing the technical and scientific aspects of our solution. Concurrently, we’re advancing a method for measurement, verification, and reporting (MRV). This MRV framework will facilitate the issuance of certificates attesting to CO2 absorption, paving the way for their subsequent trade and sale.

AP: In the early months of 2023, we achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the second phase of the Carbon Removal ClimAccelerator. This program is a collaborative effort involving TU Delft, Sustainability in Business Lab – ETHZ, PANNON Pro Innovations, in conjunction with EIT Climate-KIC and Stichting DOEN. Our inclusion in this program positions us within a vibrant ecosystem comprised of companies and institutions dedicated to the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide.