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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Straits Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Singapore is set to launch the world’s largest ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) demonstration facility, Equatic-1, by early 2026
• The US$20 million plant, jointly developed by Singapore’s national water agency PUB and U.S. start-up Equatic, will chemically enhance seawater’s natural ability to absorb CO₂
• When fully operational, the facility in Tuas will remove up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ daily and produce 300kg of green hydrogen as a by-product
🔭 The context: The ocean already absorbs around 30% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, but scalable ocean-based CDR technologies are still nascent
• Equatic’s process builds on successful pilot projects in Singapore and Los Angeles, and is co-funded by PUB, Singapore’s National Research Foundation, and UCLA’s Institute for Carbon Management
• The project supports Singapore’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2045 and is part of broader national efforts to identify and invest in emerging climate technologies
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: If proven viable, Equatic-1 could serve as a model for scalable ocean-based CDR solutions, addressing hard-to-abate emissions while generating clean hydrogen. The dual benefit strengthens the case for integrated climate-tech solutions
• However, scientific caution remains: large-scale manipulation of ocean chemistry raises ecological concerns, including potential impacts on marine biodiversity and seawater pH levels
• Real-time monitoring and strict compliance protocols will be key to mitigating risks
⏭️ What's next: Installation of the facility will begin by end-September 2025, with operations expected in Q1 2026. PUB and NParks will closely monitor environmental impacts, ensuring discharge water meets regulatory and ecological standards
• If performance and safety benchmarks are met, the project could catalyse further investment in ocean CDR, influencing regional climate strategies and innovation funding across Asia and beyond
💬 One quote: “Given that Equatic’s processes do not alter ocean chemistry, the environmental impacts are expected to be minimal if procedures and processes are followed,” — Dr Karenne Tun, Director at Singapore’s National Biodiversity Centre
📈 One stat: When fully operational, the Equatic-1 facility will remove 10 tonnes of CO₂ per day — equivalent to taking 870 cars off the road daily
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