9. Scaling Strategy and Global Implementation Roadmap
To meaningfully address climate change, any carbon removal solution must be scalable to gigaton levels globally. In this section, we outline how the CO₂ extraction units can be scaled up from prototypes to worldwide deployment, including technical, logistical, and economic aspects, as well as a timeline for implementation.
Our scaling approach draws inspiration from other distributed technology success stories like solar panels and mobile phones. By creating a modular, affordable technology that can be deployed by diverse stakeholders around the world, we can achieve exponential growth without relying on centralized infrastructure or massive single investments.
Implementation Timeline
Prototype & Pilot
Years 1-2
- 10-50 prototype units in diverse settings
- Performance validation and environmental monitoring
- Initial regulatory approvals
- Design refinement based on real-world data
Limited Scale Deployment
Years 3-5
- Hundreds to thousands of units
- Targeted deployments in ports and marine facilities
- Establishment of maintenance networks
- Few hundred tons CO₂ removed cumulatively
Mass Production
Years 5-10
- Scaling to millions of units globally
- Dedicated factories producing 100,000+ units/month
- Carbon credit financing mechanisms established
- ~1-2 million tonnes CO₂ removal per year
Global Scale
Year 10+
- 100+ million units deployed
- Gigaton-scale removal potential
- Next-gen technology improvements
- Global governance frameworks established
Phase 1: Prototype and Pilot (Years 1–2)
The immediate next step is to build and test prototype units in real-world conditions. Within the first year, we plan to deploy on the order of 10–50 prototype units in diverse settings to validate performance and monitor environmental interactions.
Key Deployment Sites
California Pier Installation
Indonesian Coral Restoration Site
Research Vessels
Phase 1 Objectives
- Validate CO₂ removal rate in various conditions
- Confirm energy self-sufficiency through seasons
- Monitor water chemistry and biological interactions
- Assess maintenance needs and durability
- Secure initial regulatory approvals
Phase 2: Limited Scale Deployment (Years 3–5)
Strategic Partnerships
Armed with pilot data, we will move to deploying hundreds to low-thousands of units in target areas through strategic partnerships with:
- Port Authorities: Outfitting marinas and harbors with 500+ units
- Shipping Companies: Installing 10-20 unit arrays on large vessels
- Aquaculture: Deploying units near fish farms and conservation projects
Phase 2 Outcomes
Hundreds
Of tons CO₂ removed
Operational Data
Refining network protocols
Carbon Accounting
Verified removal mechanisms
Phase 3: Mass Production and Commercial Rollout (Years 5–10)
Strategic Scaling Partnerships
Government & Policy Support
Nations include units in climate action plans, with incentives or contracts for deployment in their waters, particularly those with extensive coastlines or fisheries.
Carbon Credit Financing
Robust methodologies for carbon credit claims, with companies purchasing units to reach net-zero targets. Competitive removal cost of ~$100/ton drives market adoption.
Infrastructure Integration
Units deployed on offshore wind turbines, at desalination plants, and OTEC facilities, leveraging existing marine infrastructure for rapid scaling.
Public-Private Initiatives
"Adopt-an-Ocean-Carbon-Collector" programs engaging coastal businesses, with citizen science initiatives for monitoring and maintenance.
Phase 3 Scaling Targets
Units Deployed
Tonnes CO₂/Year
Unit Cost
Units/Month Production
"This phase transitions from proof-of-concept to meaningful climate impact, establishing our technology as a viable component of global carbon removal strategies."
Phase 4: Global Scale (Year 10 and beyond)
The Path to Gigaton Removal
In the longer term (2035 and onwards), we aim to reach gigaton-scale removal through continuous iteration and a diverse deployment strategy. While 5-10 billion small units would be impractical, we anticipate a mix of:
Distributed Small Units
~100 million small units on boats, piers, and other existing infrastructure removing ~0.1 Gt/year (100 Mt)
Floating Platforms
Larger installations using similar technology at bigger scale in strategic ocean locations
Even 100 Mt/year removal is equivalent to the annual emissions of a country like Belgium—a significant contribution to climate restoration.
Next-Generation Innovation
- Advanced electrodes with higher efficiency
- Improved membranes as costs drop
- Novel power sources for enhanced capacity
- Automated deployment and maintenance
- Integrated cloud-based monitoring platform
Governance and Monitoring
Global Governance Framework
As we scale globally, we'll develop comprehensive governance structures in collaboration with international bodies:
- International Maritime Organization guidelines
- Global commons carbon accounting standards
- Navigation safety and marine protected area protocols
- Cross-border deployment agreements
Cloud-Based Monitoring Platform
Our real-time monitoring system will aggregate data from all units worldwide to ensure:
- Near real-time CO₂ removal verification
- Environmental parameter tracking
- Anomaly detection and rapid response
- Regional density and impact optimization
Our global implementation roadmap presents an ambitious yet feasible path to scaling ocean-based carbon removal. By starting with targeted pilots, proving the technology, and then leveraging partnerships, markets, and policy support, we can scale to meaningful levels of carbon removal. The distributed, modular nature of our approach allows for organic growth similar to how solar panels and mobile phones achieved global penetration. We will ensure this scaling happens responsibly, with rigorous monitoring and continuous improvement, creating a powerful tool in humanity's portfolio to address climate change while enhancing ocean health.