Seaweed is becoming more and more popular when it comes to solutions to achieve a better climate. Phykos is one of the fresh startups looking to explore the potential of this particular aquaculture and has entered the Carbon Xprize competition in search of funding.
The approach of the innovative company relies on the natural marine carbon cycle and it is currently developing a mobile vessel in the open ocean to measure seaweed’s CO2 removal capability.
Phykos will grow seaweed on the autonomous solar-powered mobile platform and harvest it periodically. After that it will be deposited in the ocean for the natural sequestration process.
The process is quite similar to mimicking the carbon sequestration process that happens in seaweed beds.
Growing the seaweed will happen on robotic platforms that migrate according to the changing climatic conditions to promote development. The carbon dissolved in the water is converted into organic carbon during the seaweed photosynthesis process.
Relevant: Phyconomy: Seaweed Industry Is On The Rise
Adding to the benefits of using such platforms will be algae that will keep the seaweed safe from harmful ocean environments.
After the growth phase is complete the seaweed will be sunk with adsorbed carbon deep into the ocean. And because it’s usually harvested at a depth of 1,500 meters, it can continue sequestering carbon for approximately a thousand years.
The company plans to sell carbon offsets to organization interested in reducing their environmental impact.
And on top of all these benefits, the process also helps clean and cool the ocean waters, promoting healthier marine life.
Read more: What Is Carbon Sequestration And What Are Its Benefits?
