Ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) has gained importance in climate discussions because as a carbon sink the ocean plays a pivotal role in climate regulation. The approach known as Ocean Storage of Biomass (OSB) involves depositing carbon-rich biomass in stable deep ocean or seafloor settings that inhibit decomposition, effectively preventing the return of carbon to the atmosphere.

There is huge associated potential of this approach but also large knowledge gaps that need to be filled urgently. The Puro Standard launches today a working group to develop a carbon crediting methodology and a call for experts within this domain.

Carbon crediting methodologies specify the carbon removal method’s requirements to eligibility and measurement, reporting and verification (MRV).

The methodology will also address environmental and social safeguards, and the evidence that independent verifiers need for the Puro Standard to issue carbon credits to a project.

Call for experts and projects for working group

Puro.earth is launching the working group (WG) for the collaborative development of the world’s first methodology for Ocean Storage of Biomass (OSB) to bring together the latest advancements and insights from scientific researchers, project developers and carbon market experts. We must collect meaningful experimental data from relevant depths and associated conditions to allow the scientific community to understand how theoretical approximations translate to reality.

The working group will address the overall feasibility of storing biomass in the ocean and its readiness for implementation as a carbon removal methodology focusing on the following:

1. Knowledge gaps in quantification, storage permanence and re-emission pathways

To address knowledge gaps, the working group includes key experts from this nascent industry who are involved in researching and experimenting of carbon storage in the ocean to develop monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) protocols. The group will work to gain a clearer understanding of potential carbon re-emission pathways and the storage conditions required to maintain a durable carbon storage.

2. Environmental safeguards

Given the limited understanding of the deep ocean and sea floor, serious consideration will be given to how to best measure and minimize environmental impact. The working group will develop environmental safeguards in accordance with the latest scientific knowledge. A multi-disciplinary approach is essential to fully understand the potential risks of storing biomass in deep marine ecosystems. Additionally, they will institute protocols for monitoring to ensure effective oversight of risks.

Benefits of Ocean Storage of Biomass (OSB)

The Ocean Storage of Biomass in the deep ocean and seafloor offers several advantages as a carbon removal method:

Large storage capacity and scalability

Approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, with more than half of it below 2000 meters. The deep seafloor provides a larger and more stable environment for carbon removal and storage interventions compared to terrestrial approaches. 

Optimal storage conditions

Deep ocean environments are characterized by seemingly optimal conditions for storage of biomass, such as, cold temperature, high pressure and no light. This unique combination should ensure long-term carbon sequestration.

No competition with land

Ocean-based carbon removal activities allow us to implement biomass storage solutions at scales relevant to climate mitigation efforts, without placing additional burdens on overstretched terrestrial land.

Thus, the use of the deep ocean and seafloor to store sustainably sourced biomass has the potential to be an effective and safe method to efficiently remove substantial amounts of atmospheric CO2.

If you are interested in joining the working group to contribute to the development of the OSB methodology send an email to contact@puro.earth with subject line: OSB working group