Home Tech startup Silicate set to remove C02 carbon permanently from the atmosphere

Tech startup Silicate set to remove C02 carbon permanently from the atmosphere

Irish startup Silicate is preparing to launch the initial trial of its advanced weathering technology to permanently eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in the world’s oceans for tens of thousands of years. The trial is set to occur near Chicago, US, with 500 tonnes of crushed waste concrete to be scattered over 50 hectares of agricultural land. Over one year, the ground concrete will disintegrate in the soil, activating an enhanced weathering process. During this process, the concrete will react with CO2 and turn it into carbonates, regarded as long-term storage solutions for CO2 emissions. By storing the carbon dioxide in this manner, Silicate aims to mitigate the environmental impact of greenhouse gasses and contribute to fighting climate change.

Maurice Bryson, Silicate CEO and co-founder, thinks that their method of repurposing returned concrete to enhance both productivity and carbon-removal capabilities on farmland could be a game-changer. This innovative approach not only addresses the issue of waste management in the construction industry but also contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. By actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health, Silicate’s solution is paving the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient future.

Hastens the natural chemical weathering process and helps the Earth

Enhanced weathering hastens the natural chemical weathering process by grinding silicate rocks into a powder, augmenting the reactive surface area, and distributing the dust onto farmland. Silicate utilizes recycled concrete, the largest waste stream globally, instead of rocks. This innovative method not only accelerates the breakdown of minerals but also effectively addresses the waste management issue. By repurposing concrete waste, Silicate can significantly reduce the environmental burden while simultaneously promoting a more sustainable agriculture practice.

The startup buys unused concrete from manufacturers, processes it, and disperses it on agricultural land at no charge. Silicate then assesses the sequestered carbon emission, selling credits to major corporations to assist them in reducing their carbon footprint. This innovative approach not only addresses the issue of surplus concrete waste in the construction industry but also contributes to carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. By doing so, Silicate has generated a sustainable business model that brings economic, environmental, and social benefits to both the construction and agriculture sectors, paving the way for a greener future.

Helps to balance the pH level in the soil — better crops, increased productivity

The technique is low-cost, safe for use on agricultural lands, and uses an abundant, easily obtainable material. Silicate projects that around 100 tonnes of CO2 will be permanently removed from the atmosphere during this trial alone. Incorporating this substance into the soil helps to balance the pH levels, enabling better nutrient absorption for the plants. Consequently, this leads to healthier crops with increased yield and quality.

Featured Image Credit: Mark Stebnicki; Pexels; Thank you!

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Deanna was an editor at ReadWrite until early 2024. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind, Editor in Chief for Calendar, editor at Entrepreneur media, and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.