XPRIZE award winner Planetary and CO2 registry Isometric announced that they have issued the first-ever carbon credits from ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE).
The pioneering 625.6 credits were issued for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) buyers Stripe, Shopify, and British Airways in a deal that saw the first independent verification of marine-based CDR, performed by Isometric.
To ensure the credits are certified in line with scientifically rigorous monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) criteria, Isometric used its industry-first Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement from Coastal Outfalls Protocol, which leverages quantification methods informed in partnership with [C]Worthy.
The detailed data behind every issued OAE carbon credit is now publicly available on the Isometric Registry.
The credits were generated from Planetary’s tech integration at an existing outfall of the Tufts Cove power generation station in Halifax, operated by Nova Scotia Power.
With a focus on seawater restoration, Planetary has developed an OAE method in which purified alkaline minerals get released into coastal outfall through a process that utilizes existing infrastructure of wastewater treatment facilities or power plants.
This novel OAE approach enables a significant reduction in deployment costs and the energy needed to power operations.
In its Tufts Cove OAE project, Planetary released safe and natural minerals into the Halifax Harbour waters, dosing 1103.2 tonnes of alkalinity into the outfall system, dispensed at carefully measured rates.
Relevant: Isometric Issued Its First Protocol For Carbon Removal Via Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement
The company pointed out that the Tuffs Cove OAE operations have been conducted with robust environmental safeguards and regular reporting and monitoring, carried out under the watch of Canadian regulators.
To familiarize the local people with its initiative, Planetary also embarked on a number of community engagement events, including public presentations, collaborative work with regional researchers, and continuous transparent communication around its activities.
Commenting on this milestone achievement with Isometric, Planetary co-founder and CEO Mike Kelland stated, “These credits are proof that OAE can be done safely, can be measured rigorously, and are part of solving climate change at scale. It’s exciting to see science, community, and innovation come together in such a powerful way.”
