Deep Sky, a carbon removal project developer based in Montreal, and Carbfix, the world’s first operator of CO2 mineralization, have joined forces to explore the potential of CO2 mineral storage in Canada. The partnership aims to conduct a pre-feasibility study on potential reservoirs in Quebec for CO2 mineral storage, with the study set to conclude in June.
At the forefront of this groundbreaking project is Deep Sky, known for its dedication to advancing environmental technologies. Phil De Luna, Chief Carbon Scientist and Head of Engineering at Deep Sky, highlighted the company’s ongoing pursuit of innovative technologies for capturing carbon dioxide from the air or the ocean. The concept of engineered carbon dioxide removal (CDR) involves separating CO2 from other gases at very low concentrations, presenting a range of methods and chemistries to achieve this goal.
CO2 mineralization, also referred to as carbon capture and storage (CCS) through mineralization, entails converting CO2 into stable mineral forms through chemical reactions with specific rocks. This process emulates and expedites the natural geological carbon sequestration process, effectively locking away CO2 for thousands of years. Carbfix, a trailblazer in this field, specializes in converting CO2 into stone by injecting it into basaltic rock formations, where it reacts with minerals to form stable carbonates, securely sequestering the CO2 underground.
Carbfix has already injected over 103,273.5 metric tons of CO2 since 2014 and envisions vast potential for CO2 storage in rocks, with Europe theoretically capable of storing at least 4,000 billion tons and the United States at least 7,500 billion tons. The collaboration between Deep Sky and Carbfix aims to leverage this expertise and experience to implement CO2 mineralization on a larger scale, particularly in Quebec, Canada.
The joint venture between Deep Sky and Carbfix will involve analyzing geological and geochemical data of selected subsurface areas, conducting laboratory work on ultramafic rock formations across various regions in Quebec, and implementing key steps in the CO2 mineralization storage project. These steps include site selection, injection of captured CO2 into basaltic reservoirs, monitoring and verification protocols to ensure the effectiveness of mineralization, and scaling up the project for widespread deployment across industries and regions.
The successful implementation of the Deep Sky-Carbfix CO2 mineralization storage project could have a significant impact on addressing the global climate crisis. Anticipated benefits include a reduction in carbon emissions from industrial sources, contributing to emission reduction targets outlined in international climate agreements, mitigating climate change effects by removing CO2 from the atmosphere, and promoting the adoption of CO2 mineralization technology as a sustainable CCS solution across industries.
Edda Aradottir, CEO of Carbfix, emphasized the partnership’s dedication to pioneering sustainable solutions for carbon storage and global climate recovery. By combining Deep Sky’s innovative approach with Carbfix’s advanced CO2 mineralization technology, the collaboration aims to play a pivotal role in achieving global net-zero ambitions and combating the climate crisis.
The partnership between Deep Sky and Carbfix represents a significant step towards advancing carbon removal technologies and establishing Canada as a hub for carbon storage innovation. Through their joint efforts, the companies are poised to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against climate change and the transition to a sustainable future.
