Ebb Carbon has announced the official launch of operations for Project Macoma—its temporary marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) pilot located at the Port Angeles harbor in Washington state.
The launch comes after Ebb Carbon successfully demonstrated the feasibility of its technology through test deployments in nearby Sequim Bay, where it has been collaborating with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since August 2023.
Recently published results from Sequim Bay field trials validated that in real-life scenarios, Ebb Carbon’s technology can operate safely and within existing regulatory frameworks.
Project Macoma is slated to run for 2 years, during which it will aim to remove up to 1,000 tonnes of atmospheric CO2.
In the beginning of 2025, Project Macoma secured a historic, first-of-its-kind National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, marking the first time a mCDR project has been greenlighted under the Clean Water Act’s NPDES framework.
The project has also been included in the draft of Washington State’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which outlines the state’s roadmap for reaching net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Commenting on Project Macoma’s launch, Ebb Carbon CEO Ben Tarbell shared:
“We’re grateful for the support in Port Angeles, especially from local Tribes, community members, and local, state, and federal regulators who have provided input that has shaped this project from the beginning.”
“With Project Macoma, we’re proud to be creating a blueprint for how safe and responsible carbon removal can advance global climate goals while protecting local marine health.”
Relevant: Ebb Carbon Secures Historic First NPDES Permit For Its Macoma mCDR Project
Ebb Carbon’s technology has proven successful at tackling both ocean acidification and atmospheric CO2 pollution.
The company’s electrochemical system functions by drawing in ocean water and carefully removing the CO2 from it. Once the water has been decarbonized and alkalized, it gets returned to the ocean, where it continues absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions.
This process helps balance the ocean acidification brought about by the accumulation of excessive CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, helping preserve the environment in one of North America’s most biologically rich marine ecosystems.
In a broader perspective, by combating ocean acidification, Ebb Carbon will also help protect the prolific shellfish industry in Washington State—the largest one of its kind in the United States.
Read more: Ebb Carbon To Ensure The Safety Of Project Macoma With New Water Test
