MUSCAT: Omani award-winning climate tech startup 44.01 has captured the attention of industry experts by leveraging the unique properties of peridotite for carbon capture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). WIRED Middle East (WIRED) recently brought the news to light, highlighting 44.01's innovative approach to decarbonising industries with challenging emission profiles, such as steel production.
The Hajar Mountains, a rugged mountain range stretching across Oman and the eastern UAE, are composed of peridotite, an igneous rock capable of naturally trapping carbon dioxide in the presence of fresh water. This natural process of carbon sequestration was discovered in Oman as far back as 2008, sparking interest in its potential application on a larger scale.
Ehab Tasfai, Chief Technical Officer at 44.01, envisions a future where peridotite formations could hold vast amounts of carbon dioxide, potentially offering a sustainable solution to reducing emissions. With each cubic metre of peridotite capable of trapping significant amounts of CO2, the startup is poised to revolutionise the carbon capture landscape.
Partnering with the UAE oil and gas giant ADNOC Group, as highlighted by WIRED, 44.01 has embarked on its second and largest pilot project in Fujairah, further cementing its commitment to environmental stewardship. By accelerating the natural mineralisation process that occurs in the mountains during rainfall, the project aims to sequester captured carbon dioxide underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
The pilot project in Fujairah features a direct air capture unit to collect CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as the utilisation of captured carbon from other facilities for testing purposes. Powered by solar energy to minimise its environmental footprint, the project showcases a holistic approach to carbon capture and storage.
Sophie Hildebrand, Chief Technology Officer at ADNOC Group, emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts in accelerating decarbonisation technologies. By combining ADNOC's industry expertise with innovative startups like 44.01, the project aims to achieve significant milestones in carbon capture and emission reductions.
While the project is in its early stages, WIRED reported that initial estimates suggest promising results, with the team projecting high levels of mineralisation within a relatively short timeframe. Hildebrand acknowledges the potential of carbon capture technologies as a critical tool in the fight against climate change, citing the efficiency of capturing CO2 from high-intensity sources in heavy industries.
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