A Nova Scotia company is making strides in carbon capture technology with a groundbreaking initiative that utilises limestone to store carbon dioxide in rivers. CarbonRun, co-founded by Shannon Sterling, a professor at Dalhousie University, has developed a process known as “river liming,” which aims to significantly mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and enhance river ecosystems.
Innovative Approach to Carbon Emissions
The core of CarbonRun’s strategy involves integrating crushed limestone into river systems. This method not only reduces the acidity of the water but also binds carbon dioxide into stable forms that are transported downstream, ultimately deposited in the ocean. Sterling emphasised the novelty of this approach, stating, “It’s a whole new strategy to use rivers. It’s adapting the land-to-ocean transfer of carbon.”
Sterling’s team proudly claims to be the first globally to secure carbon credits for river liming, verified by Isometric, a carbon credit registry based in New York and London. A carbon credit represents one metric tonne of carbon removed from the atmosphere, which can be traded to offset emissions elsewhere.
A Collaborative Effort Across Borders
While the project is rooted in Nova Scotia, its reach extends to the Kvina River in southern Norway, where it aims to address both carbon storage and ecosystem restoration. Sterling collaborated with Norwegian scientists who were already focused on reviving salmon populations in the Kvina River but faced funding challenges. By shifting the project’s emphasis towards carbon capture, Sterling opened new avenues for financial support through carbon credit sales.
The initial trial on the Kvina River resulted in the issuance of 76 carbon credits over three months, with projections estimating that CarbonRun will eliminate approximately 55,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere between 2025 and 2029. As the project expands, more carbon credits are anticipated to be generated and sold.
Economic and Environmental Dual Benefits
The project is not just a win for carbon capture; it also promises ecological improvements. Stacy Kauk, chief science officer at Isometric, noted the dual benefits of the initiative: “It’s the co-benefit that you get for spawning salmon grounds and supporting river health.” This multifaceted approach to addressing climate change is particularly essential in today’s resource-constrained environment.
While carbon capture is a vital tool in the fight against climate change, Kauk highlighted that reducing emissions remains the primary focus. Isometric collaborates with various companies, including Shopify and JPMorgan Chase, to help them offset their carbon footprints through the purchase of these credits.
Monitoring and Future Prospects
One of the advantages of measuring carbon capture in water, compared to soil, lies in its consistency. Sterling explained, “A sample in one point will represent the river conditions there.” This allows for more straightforward monitoring of carbon levels along different points in the river. The goal is to refine this technology by 2030, ensuring that if a need for scaling arises, the methodology is robust and ready for implementation.
Why it Matters
The success of CarbonRun’s river liming initiative could redefine the landscape of carbon capture strategies, demonstrating that innovative approaches can yield both environmental and economic benefits. By enhancing river health while providing a mechanism for carbon storage, this project stands as a hopeful model for future climate initiatives, underscoring the need for creative solutions in the ongoing battle against climate change.
