Rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere have a negative impact on the oceans, causing it to rise in proportion. This can lead to a decline in wildlife and a change in ecosystems. Heimdal, a startup that aims to remove CO2 at scale from the atmosphere using renewable energy, is producing carbon-negative industrial material, such as limestone for concrete making, and has received significant funding.
Concrete may seem a strange connection, but consider these facts: concrete manufacturing can produce up to eight percent of all greenhouse gas emissions and seawater contains many minerals that are used in its production. This connection would not be possible unless you are in a related industry or discipline. However, Heimdal founders Erik Millar (left) and Marcus Lima (right), made this connection while they were completing their masters degrees at Oxford. He said that we did it right away.
Both believe climate change is a serious threat to humanity. However, they were disappointed by the inability to find permanent solutions for its numerous and varied consequences around the world. Millar pointed out that carbon capture is often a circular process. This means it is only used to emit more carbons. It is better than creating new carbons, but there are more ways to permanently remove them from the ecosystem.
Two founders imagined a new linear process that uses only electricity and CO2-heavy ocean water to produce useful materials that permanently sequester gas. It would be so simple that everyone would already be doing this.
Millar said that the carbon markets necessary to make this economically feasible are just beginning to be formed. The cost of energy has fallen to the floor, as large solar and wind farms have replaced decades-old power systems. Carbon credits (the market I won't be exploring but suffice to say it's an enabler) as well as cheap power, new business models are possible. Heimdals is one such model.
The Heimdal process has been shown at laboratory scale (think terrariums rather than thousand-gallon tanks). It works in the following manner: The seawater is first alkalized. This raises its pH and allows for the separation of gaseous hydrogen and chlorine. This mixture is then mixed with seawater to precipitate calcium, magnesium and sodium minerals. It also reduces the saturation of CO2 which allows it to absorb more of the atmosphere when it returns to the sea. Heimdal refused to publish a photo of the prototype small-scale facility, citing patent pending.
They produce hydrogen, chlorine gas, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate and magnesium carbonate from seawater and electricity. In the process, they also sequester large amounts of dissolved CO2.
One ton of CO2 and two tons each of the carbonates are isolated for every kiloton seawater. MgCO3 (and Na2CO3) are used in glass manufacturing. But it is CaCO3, or limestone that has the greatest potential impact.
Limestone is a key component of cement-making processes and is in high demand. However, current methods of supplying limestone are huge sources for atmospheric carbon. Industries all over the globe are investing in carbon reduction strategies. While financial offsets are common, the preferred alternative is likely to be carbon-negative processes.
Heimdal plans to use desalination plants to further boost its chances of success. These plants are used in areas where freshwater is scarce, but energy and seawater are plentiful. This includes the coasts in California and Texas, the U.S.A, and many other locations globally. But, especially in places where the sea meets the desert, such as the MENA region.
Desalination creates fresh water, but a proportionately saltier brine. This brine must be treated as if it is to be poured back into the ocean. What if the plant could collect minerals from the sea? Heimdal benefits from more minerals per ton water and the desalination plants have a way to handle its salty byproduct.
Heimdals' ability to use brine effluent for carbon-neutral cement production solves two problems simultaneously, according to Yishan Wong (ex-Reddit CEO), Terraformation CEO and individual investor in Heimdal. It makes it possible to create a reliable source of carbon-neutral concrete and turns the brine effluent from desalination into an economically viable product. This is a game-changer on many levels.
Terraformation is a strong proponent of solar desalination and Heimdal fits right in that equation. The two are currently working together on an official partnership, which should be announced soon. Cement makers will purchase every gram of limestone from a carbon-negative source in their efforts decarbonize.
Wong points out that solar energy is the main cost to Heimdals, other than the initial costs of purchasing tanks, pumps and so forth. This trend has been downwards for many years, and there is no reason to believe that it will not continue to fall with large sums of money being invested. Profit per ton CO2 could grow with efficiency and scale. It is currently around 75 percent.
Millar stated that the cost of limestone in their area is already priced at parity with industry norms when subsidies and government incentives are added. The ratio will become more attractive as energy costs fall and scales rise. Their product is also indistinguishable to natural limestone. He explained that concrete providers don't need to retrofit their concrete products. They simply buy synthetic calcium carbonate from us, rather than buying it from mining companies.
It seems like a promising investment. Heimdal has yet to make its public debut at Y Combinators Summer 2020 Demo Day, but it has raised $6.4 million in seed funding. Participating investors include Liquid2 Ventures and Apollo Projects. Soma Capital. Marc Benioff. Broom Ventures. Metaplanet. Cathexis Ventures. Yishan Wong.
Heimdal has signed LOIs already with large cement and glass producers and is currently planning to open its first pilot plant at a U.S. desalination facility. They plan to start commercial production in 2023 after providing testing products to their partners at a scale of tens ton.
