Startup Aims to Turn CO2 Into Stone, Fighting Climate Change With Underground Injection

Startup Turns CO2 Into Stone: A Solution to Climate Change?

A new startup called 44.01, backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's Apollo Projects, is developing a groundbreaking technology that could permanently trap carbon dioxide underground. By injecting CO2 a kilometer deep, the company aims to transform it into solid rock, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.

44.01's technology involves mixing CO2 with water and injecting it into deep cracks in peridotite rock, a naturally fractured rock found in Oman. The CO2 then undergoes a process called carbon mineralization, where it reacts with minerals in the rock, ultimately forming a solid carbonate.

The potential of this technology is significant: If successful, it could play a key role in mitigating the worst effects of climate change by removing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Challenges and Concerns: While carbon capture and sequestration technologies like this hold promise, many scientists argue that they should not be seen as a sole solution. Governments must drastically reduce fossil fuel reliance alongside these technologies. Additionally, the sheer scale of CO2 removal needed would require a massive global effort even if fossil fuel emissions were to cease immediately.

Oman's Advantage: Oman is ideal for 44.01's operations because peridotite deposits are found closer to the surface, making the injection process more feasible and cost-effective.

Commercialization and Expansion: 44.01 has already conducted pilot projects in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The company aims to commercialize its technology in these regions before expanding globally. They have successfully demonstrated the ability to store 50-60 tons of CO2 daily and aim to reach 100 tons per day with each injection borehole.

Investment: 44.01 has received funding from prominent investors including the Apollo Projects, Equinor Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Amazon.com Inc.'s Climate Pledge Fund, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures.