Startup develops reactor to turn CO2 produced by the shipping industry into harmless salts

A spinoff startup from Caltech and USC, Calcarea, has developed a reactor that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into harmless bicarbonate salts, offering a promising carbon capture solution for the shipping industry. The reactor mimics natural ocean processes, speeding up a reaction that usually takes thousands of years to just minutes, potentially helping the industry meet its 2050 net-zero emissions target. The system, which mixes ship exhaust with seawater and limestone, captures up to half of a ship’s CO2 emissions, producing saline water safe for marine life. Calcarea plans to deploy full-scale prototypes on ships in collaboration with international shipping company Lomar. (Interesting Engineering)