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Eion Carbon is revolutionizing the field of carbon removal through their innovative approach known as enhanced rock weathering (ERW).
ERW is an elegant and scientifically rigorous method of cleaning up the atmosphere by harnessing the natural power of minerals to remove carbon dioxide.
Eion Carbon’s groundbreaking work in ERW offers a promising solution to the urgent challenge of carbon emissions and climate change.
Their process involves the application of crushed rock onto farmland, where the rock dissolves over time, pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into a carbon-rich solution.
This solution is then transported to the ocean through natural processes, effectively sequestering the captured carbon.
Not only does this approach contribute to carbon removal, but it also enhances soil health and crop yields by providing essential minerals and reducing nitrate leaching.
What sets Eion Carbon apart is their unwavering commitment to scientific measurement and verification.
They have developed a meticulous measurement approach, using trace mineral fingerprints in standard soil samples, to precisely quantify the amount of carbon removed through ERW.
This rigorous scientific methodology is crucial for establishing standards, building trust among buyers, and scaling up the implementation of ERW.
Eion Carbon’s focus on accurate measurement ensures the credibility and effectiveness of their carbon removal efforts.
In the latest episode of Climate Tech 100, we delve into their journey, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Can you explain in layman’s terms how enhanced rock weathering (ERW) works to remove atmospheric CO2 permanently and verifiably?
Rock weathering is a proven process designed by nature to balance carbon cycles that’s been optimized over a millenia.
It’s just rocks being rocks.
For millions of years, Earth has been balancing carbon on its own by exposing rocks to acid and rain and slowly weathering them (aka eroding and breaking down).
As this happens ions in the rock bind to CO2 and away they go – through waterways and off to hang out at the bottom of the ocean for hundreds of thousands of years.
It’s a pretty great process that lets nature do the hard work, and once in motion the process is irreversible.
The “enhanced” part comes into play when we kickstart the otherwise slow natural process by crushing up rock and getting it into the right place so it weathers (dissolves) more quickly.
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is proven science but broadly challenging to measure.
Which is where Eion comes in.
How does Eion Carbon’s technology compare with other carbon removal solutions in terms of scalability and cost-effectiveness?
ERW is an open-system approach to carbon removal, which means nature does the heavy lifting, so there is less expense for machinery or energy inputs.
The thing is that open-system approaches are notoriously challenging to measure.
To make ERW viable as a carbon removal pathway, Eion created a reliable and easy to adopt way to measure carbon removal with ERW by basically A/B testing soil samples.
This process has shown a high level of accuracy in the conditions where we’re focused on deploying.
By letting nature do the heavy lifting and creating a rigorous and reliable way to measure the carbon removed in the process, we’re unlocking a pathway that can be relatively cost-effective.
What economic and environmental benefits do farmers and agricultural businesses in rural areas receive from Eion’s carbon removal process?
Eion works with a network of small and regional agricultural businesses in the course of operations.
We’re focused on creating long-standing relationships with our agricultural partners that deliver mutual benefits, create more local jobs, and spur the community’s economy.
On the farm, Eion is benefiting overall agronomics.
Working with us saves farmers $30/acre and gets them a soil pH balancing product that’s better than what they use today.
Plus, they get access to soil testing and precise data to better manage their inputs.
All of that adds up to better business outcomes on the farm.
At the soil level, our choice mineral olivine balance soil pH and reduce nitrogen loss, improving overall soil health.
Farmers like it because it’s a nearly one-to-one replacement for ag-lime, but requires fewer trips across fields to spread.
Can you elaborate on Eion’s MRV approach for quantifying the carbon removed through direct measurement?
Eion’s MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) approach for quantifying carbon removed through direct measurement focuses on the use of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The challenge lies in measuring the carbon removal, as carbon dioxide is an invisible gas.
Previous methods relied on expensive and technologically risky machinery, but Eion sought to develop a more precise and scientifically sound measurement approach.
To directly measure carbon dioxide removed through mineral weathering in soils, Eion utilizes immobile trace elements as indicators.
These trace elements are present in the applied minerals and serve as “fingerprints” to demonstrate that the minerals have removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Pre- and post-application tests are conducted to compare the measurement results, allowing for verification of the amount of minerals applied, the total carbon dioxide removed, and the remaining trace elements and micronutrients in the soil.
In the field, Eion’s measurement approach aligns with existing soil sampling practices performed by farmers and agronomists.
The process involves working closely with local crop advisors and soil specialists to create an application strategy tailored to the specific needs and goals of each grower.
Soil measurements are taken before and after applying the minerals, using routine soil samples that farmers and agronomists already collect for assessing soil properties and making informed decisions regarding nutrient applications and crop yield optimization.
By incorporating carbon removal measurements into existing soil sampling practices, Eion minimizes the additional workload for farmers.
The measurement timeline is synchronized with the growing cycles, with initial measurements taken before planting and subsequent measurements after harvesting.
In the lab, the soil samples are compared, searching for the “soil fingerprint” that indicates the presence of trace elements and micronutrients left behind when the minerals dissolve and absorb carbon dioxide.
The comparison allows Eion to confirm the amount of minerals applied and the total carbon dioxide removed.
By leveraging these existing sampling practices and providing precise measurements of carbon removal, Eion’s MRV approach demonstrates the effectiveness of ERW in removing carbon dioxide and enables the implementation of the process at scale in the field.
This approach provides a scientifically rigorous and practical method for quantifying carbon removal and advancing the application of enhanced rock weathering as a means of cleaning up the atmosphere.
How does Eion’s technology fit into existing on-farm infrastructure, and how easy is it for farmers to implement?
Eion’s technology is designed to seamlessly fit into existing on-farm infrastructure, making it easy for farmers to implement.
Eion recognizes that imposing burdensome changes on farmers is not an effective approach, so we offer a solution that aligns with current farm practices while providing direct benefits to farmers.
One key aspect of Eion’s technology is the use of olivine as a soil amendment.
Olivine is a widely available mineral that naturally occurs where tectonic plates collide or volcanoes bring mantle rock to the surface.
It is chosen because it is highly effective at removing carbon dioxide as it weathers.
The use of olivine provides the same benefits as the commonly used soil amendment lime (aglime), such as balancing soil pH to promote healthy crop growth.
In fact, olivine is even more effective than aglime at conditioning soil pH, requiring 20% fewer passes across the fields for application.
This reduces the compaction of soil caused by heavy machinery, saving farmers extra work in preparing the soil for planting.
Implementing Eion’s technology does not require farmers to purchase exotic equipment or change their established methods.
Farmers can use their existing farm equipment and standard spreaders to apply olivine.
It can even be combined with other soil amendments like manure, further streamlining the process and avoiding extra passes over fields.
This approach ensures that farmers can easily integrate Eion’s technology into their current practices without any additional burden.
Furthermore, Eion works closely with trusted local crop advisors and soil specialists, who are already key figures in the agricultural ecosystem.
These advisors help create an application strategy tailored to the specific needs and goals of each farmer’s fields.
By partnering with these advisors, Eion provides farmers with site-specific resource management, data, and land management support, enhancing their efficiency and aligning with their interests.
This collaboration also enables precise data collection and ensures the application of Eion’s technology is scientifically rigorous.
Eion’s approach to scaling their technology is rooted in working with the existing agricultural system.
Leveraging these partnerships allows Eion to reach a large number of farmers and acres, ensuring the scalability of their climate solution while utilizing the expertise and infrastructure already in place.
This approach not only facilitates the rapid implementation of Eion’s technology but also creates employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.
By integrating seamlessly into existing on-farm infrastructure and collaborating with agricultural stakeholders, Eion’s technology ensures that farmers can easily adopt their solutions, reap the benefits, and contribute to carbon removal efforts without disruption to their established farming practices.
Can you explain the process of purchasing carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with Eion?
Purchasing carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with Eion involves a straightforward process that ensures permanent carbon removal, rigorous scientific verification, and benefits for both farmers and agricultural businesses.
Eion utilizes the process of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) to achieve carbon removal at scale.
The process begins with Eion working with local partners who transport and apply crushed rock onto farmland.
When the rock comes into contact with natural moisture and acidity in the soil, it dissolves, triggering a reaction that pulls carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a carbon-rich solution.
This solution is then carried by rivers to the ocean, where it restores the ocean’s alkalinity, completing the natural process.
Additionally, the minerals present in the crushed rock act as a soil amendment, improving soil health and crop yields while reducing nitrate leaching.
Eion’s technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing on-farm infrastructure, making it a convenient and ready-to-implement solution for farmers.
By partnering with Eion, farmers have the opportunity to start capturing carbon, receive compensation for providing this valuable service, and differentiate their crops with added value.
It is important to note that the carbon removal process continues for approximately 24 months after the rock spreading.
However, Eion conducts sampling around 6-9 months after spreading, during which 50-70% of the weathering process has occurred.
Eion’s “Vintage Year” represents the calendar year in which the post-application sampling of the rock takes place, indicating the year when most of the carbon removal associated with the spreading occurs.
As you continue to grow and expand your carbon removal technology, what are some of the challenges that you anticipate facing and how do you plan to address them?
Right now we’re really focused on driving standardization and rigorous measurement of ERW so that the entire category can scale.
As Eion continues to grow and expand its carbon removal technology, several challenges are anticipated, primarily related to the measurement and standardization of enhanced rock weathering (ERW).
Rigorous measurement is crucial to standardizing the process and gaining the trust of buyers and project financiers.
Poor measurement practices pose a significant risk to the ERW and carbon removal space as a whole, potentially undermining its credibility and hindering progress.
To address these challenges, Eion has made a significant breakthrough by developing a rigorous measurement methodology for carbon removal through ERW.
Eion has been awarded the industry’s first patent for this innovation, marking an important milestone on the path to broad commercialization.
Eion aims to establish its measurement methodology as a foundation upon which others can build, similar to software development kits (SDKs) that provide pre-built components and tools.
Moving forward, Eion is actively working to secure broad scientific acceptance of its measurement approach.
This involves collaborating with research institutions, standards-bearers, and verification bodies.
Partnerships with leading academics and experts from institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the Leverhulme Center for Climate Mitigation are being pursued.
By collaborating with these institutions and experts, Eion aims to establish scientific credibility, publish research papers, and further advance the acceptance of its measurement methodology.
Learn more about Eion Carbon here.