CarbonBlue Pioneers Innovative CO2 Removal Technology at Desalination Plant

In a remarkable breakthrough for the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) sector, CarbonBlue has introduced a pioneering pilot project that integrates CO₂ removal mechanisms within an active desalination facility. This innovative initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and significantly cut CO₂ emissions.

A Groundbreaking Pilot in Israel

Launched in July 2025 at a brackish water desalination facility in Ma'agan Michael, Israel, the 'Midway' pilot project marks the first of its kind in the world. This project seamlessly integrates into the existing framework of the desalination plant, allowing it to capture atmospheric CO₂ while simultaneously elevating productivity and lowering operational costs.

According to CarbonBlue's co-founder and CEO, Dr. Dan Deviri, this technology exemplifies that carbon removal can be both effective and economically feasible. The approach is designed to support U.S. industries, particularly in sectors such as desalination, energy production, and manufacturing, in meeting climate objectives while optimizing their performance.

How the Technology Works

The technology developed by CarbonBlue utilizes a chemical reactor capable of extracting CO₂ from various water sources, including industrial effluents, brines, and even fresh water bodies. CO₂ dissolved in the water interacts with lime to create precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), which is a valuable commodity in numerous industries. This capability allows the production of PCC in the U.S., fostering local manufacturing and enhancing independent value chains.

During the pilot's initial phase, the system will process a mere 10% of the facility's saline water intake, effectively removing 40 metric tons of CO₂ annually. Plans for future phases include scaling up to 100% of the intake, aiming for over 400 tons of CO₂ removal each year. Ultimately, there are ambitions to extend this capacity to manage tens of thousands of tons at individual sites and potentially millions across multiple facilities.

Benefits Across Industries

The implementation of the Midway technology not only reduces carbon emissions but also brings substantial financial advantages to facilities reliant on water for their operations, such as cooling towers and power plants. By providing a new revenue stream from the sale of high-quality calcium carbonate, CarbonBlue's system aligns economic benefits with environmental responsibility. Early interest from American manufacturing and energy sectors indicates the potential to create jobs and boost industrial efficiency while addressing pressing climate challenges.

Dr. Deviri highlighted that companies across the U.S. are eager to explore how this novel technology can be adapted to enhance their existing operations. This innovative approach enables significant carbon footprint reductions without necessitating extensive disruptions to traditional industrial processes.

The Smart Path to Carbon Removal

Founded in 2022, CarbonBlue's mission centers on water-based carbon removal techniques due to the fact that CO₂ concentrations in water are significantly higher than in the atmosphere. This inherent connection between water and air offers an effective avenue for achieving meaningful carbon reduction outcomes. The company aims to contribute to the rapidly growing carbon removal market, projected to expand from a valuation of $3.4 billion in 2024 to $25 billion by 2029.

The World Economic Forum has pointed out the stark gap in global carbon removal efforts, highlighting that only 41 megatons of CO₂ were eliminated in 2023, which is far below the necessary levels to achieve net-zero emissions by the 2030s. CarbonBlue's advanced technologies could play a critical role in bridging this gap, paving the way for more sustainable industrial practices.

Conclusion

With the Midway project, CarbonBlue illustrates how integrating innovative carbon removal technologies into existing infrastructure can lead to substantial efficiencies and a cleaner industrial future. This paradigm shift is not just about addressing climate change but also about fostering economic growth within the U.S. By transforming how industries interact with water resources and minimize their carbon footprints, CarbonBlue is setting the stage for a more sustainable tomorrow.

For further inquiries, you can access media materials and additional information about the project here.