Captura, a carbon removal company based in California has announced the start of operations at its new pilot plant in Kona, Hawaii. This facility was developed in partnership with Equinor and will capture 1000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The project represents a step forward in commercialising Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology which utilises the ocean’s natural processes to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere.

A Milestone in Carbon Removal Technology

The Kona plant marks the third and final pilot in Captura’s technology development program, which aims to prepare DOC technology for larger, commercial-scale deployment globally. This technology extracts CO2 from the upper ocean, boosting its natural ability to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. Since the ocean absorbs 30% of global CO2 emissions, DOC technology provides a scalable, waste-free method to remove CO2.

Innovative Technology for a Scalable Solution

Captura’s DOC technology combines electrodialysis and gas extraction innovations with conventional water and gas handling systems. They successfully tested this modular approach at two earlier pilot plants in Los Angeles. The new Hawaii facility will test the technology at a scale and performance level suited for larger commercial systems. Captura is designing its first large-scale commercial plant, set to capture tens of thousands of tons of CO2 each year.

Steve Oldham, CEO of Captura, highlighted the achievement, stating, “Captura’s journey from lab-scale testing to our third technology demonstration in just three years is a testament to the scalability of our solution.”

He added, “This facility in Hawaii is the last milestone before we move to widespread commercial deployment of DOC technology. Its rapid installation and commissioning in just over two months demonstrates how our simple, modular design is ready to be scaled quickly to help address the urgent climate and energy challenge.”

Also read: Captura to Launch New Direct Ocean Capture Pilot Project in Hawaii

DOC Technology’s Versatility and Benefits

DOC technology offers flexibility, with captured CO2 serving a range of uses. Industries can use it for CO2 needs, convert it into renewable fuels, or sequester it for carbon removal. In Hawaii, local industries, including aquaculture operators, will use Captura’s captured CO2 to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Hawaii plant operates at the Hawai‘i Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park, a leading ocean research facility managed by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA). For over 50 years, NELHA has boosted Hawaii’s economy, generating $150 million annually and creating more than 600 jobs statewide. NELHA’s monitoring at HOST Park helps Captura protect ocean health while improving its carbon removal technology for a sustainable future.

Captura’s DOC process is designed to be cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible. It creates no waste, adds nothing to the ocean, and only removes excess CO2, which the atmosphere replenishes naturally. This approach prioritizes both the scalability of the solution and the protection of ocean ecosystems.

Consumers Energy has announced plans to construct a large-scale solar project in Kalamazoo County near Richland Township, providing 220 MW of renewable energy to Michigan’s grid by 2027. This project is a part of the company’s clean energy plan, beginning construction in 2026. It will add more than 8000 MW of renewable energy, marking a milestone toward meeting Consumers Energy’s goal.

Part of Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Commitment

The project will allow Liberty Farms Solar to power nearly 52,000 homes annually. Consumers Energy will transmit the renewable energy through its voluntary Renewable Energy Program to serve commercial and residential customers. This initiative supports Michigan’s clean energy shift, with Consumers Energy urging residents to join its Renewable Energy Program.

David Hicks, Consumers Energy’s vice president of clean energy development, said, “In addition to its environmental benefits, solar is cost competitive and provides reliable energy without the use of fossil fuel plants.”

Community Collaboration and Economic Benefits for Richland Township

The solar project will also have economic benefits to the local community. Richland Township will get personal property taxes from the investment, which will benefit the township, county, and school district. The project will generate millions in taxes over 30-plus years, giving a significant economic boost to the local community.

Bear Priest, Richland Township supervisor, expressed appreciation for Consumers Energy’s collaboration with local leaders. “We appreciate Consumers Energy’s desire to work with us locally instead of seeking approval directly from the State.”

He added, “It’s important that we work together to develop a project that best fits Richland Township.”

Also read: Consumers Energy expands clean energy initiative to help customers

Consumers Energy is the largest utility in Michigan serving 6.8 million people across 68 counties of the Lower Peninsula. he company’s clean energy plan includes decreasing coal as an energy source by 2025.This will reduce carbon emissions to net zero and provide clean energy sources such as wind and solar to satisfy 90 percent of customer energy needs.