Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement
Adding alkaline substances to the ocean to increase CO₂ uptake.
What is Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE)?
Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a marine-based carbon removal method that involves adding alkaline substances (such as crushed silicate rocks, lime, or electrochemically produced alkalinity) to the ocean. This process increases the ocean's alkalinity, enhancing its capacity to absorb and store atmospheric CO₂ and counteracting ocean acidification.
Why is Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement important?
OAE is important because the ocean is the Earth's largest carbon sink, and increasing its alkalinity can significantly enhance its natural CO₂ uptake capacity. It also helps to mitigate ocean acidification, which is harmful to marine ecosystems, offering a dual benefit for climate and ocean health.
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Frequently asked questions
By adding alkalinity, OAE shifts the ocean's carbonate chemistry, enabling it to dissolve more CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it as stable bicarbonate ions for thousands of years.
Potential side effects include localized changes in ocean chemistry, impacts on marine life (e.g., plankton), and the energy requirements and environmental footprint of producing and dispersing alkaline materials.
OAE is currently in the research and early-stage development phase, with pilot projects being conducted to understand its effectiveness, scalability, and environmental impacts before widespread deployment.