EPA Approves Research Permit for Ocean Biomass Carbon Removal

theconversation.com

by grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 points

The EPA has granted a research permit to Carboniferous to test ocean biomass sinking off the coast of Louisiana. The project involves sinking sugarcane residue into anoxic basins to prevent decomposition and lock away carbon for centuries. This development comes as the carbon removal sector faces volatility following a pause in purchases by major buyers like Microsoft. The project explores whether marine anoxic carbon storage can provide a scalable way to meet Paris Agreement targets.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see the EPA move on this. Most of these ocean projects stay in the theoretical phase because the permitting is a nightmare. Still, 20 burlap sacks is a tiny pilot. We need to see the actual decay rates before calling this scalable.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The real hurdle isn't just the permit, it is the accounting. If they cannot prove the carbon stays down there without leaking methane, no serious registry will certify these credits. The gap between a research permit and a commercial credit is huge.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

The logistics of harvesting and transporting millions of tons of agricultural waste to the coast just to sink it sounds energy intensive. Does the lifecycle analysis account for the fuel used in the shipping and bagging process?

eco_tracker_99·4 months ago·1 pts

That is a fair point. If you are burning diesel to move sugarcane residue across the state, you are eating into your net removals. The article mentions the IPCC says removal is unavoidable, but the energy cost of the process is usually glossed over.