Locking up carbon for more than 100,000 years
Enhanced rock weathering
This project not only removes carbon from the atmosphere, but also promotes a circular economy. It utilises rock that is a by-product of existing industrial processes, such as the production of asphalt.
Enhanced rock weathering in the UK, North America, and Australia
Weathering is a natural process that occurs when the carbon dissolved in rainwater reacts with the surface area of silicate rocks such as basalt or wollastonite.
This reaction converts the carbon into a solid carbonate (HCO3), locking it up in soil and water systems for thousands of years.
The project developer, UNDO, enhances this natural process by sourcing and processing silicate rocks to be spread on agricultural land, naturally enriching the soil in the process.
UNDO’s partner farms are provided with the crushed silicate rock for free and spread it on their land using existing equipment and machinery.
Climate action and sustainable development with enhanced rock weathering
Rock weathering has occurred for millions of years and is understood as a naturally occurring carbon removal process. By sourcing finely crushed silicate rock and spreading it at scale on agricultural land, this natural process is sped up.
With this intervention, four tonnes of silicate rock can remove one tonne of emissions from the atmosphere. Over time, captured carbon – in the form of bicarbonate – washes into rivers, reaches the sea, and falls to the ocean floor. There, it combats ocean acidification and supports shell formation.
Project impact
- Four tonnes of basalt remove one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Crop yields increase by up to 22%.
- The added silicate rock helps maintain and improve soil pH, leading to increased nutrient uptake and thus healthier crops.
- The silicate rocks used are an existing aggregate product from the mining and quarrying industries.
"Our mission is to capture 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ with enhanced rock weathering, our permanent, community-based carbon removal technology. Each contribution you make will help us get one step closer to this vital climate goal, whilst enriching soil health and biodiversity.”
Jim Mann, CEO & Founder of UNDO
The project aims to contribute to the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Zero hunger
The use of silicate rock powders increases crop yields by up to 22% and helps to mitigate soil nutrient depletion, a threat to global food security.
Decent work and economic growth
The project is undertaken in partnership with local small-scale farmers and provides an alternative to traditional fertilisers.
Responsible consumption and production
The project supports the use of industrial by-products and provides a pathway to more regenerative farming practices.
Climate action
Enhanced rock weathering enables meaningful climate action through the permanent removal of carbon from the atmosphere.
Life below water
Enhanced rock weathering assists with ocean alkalinisation, which can support the potentially detrimental effects of ocean acidification.
Life on land
The project can improve soil health and mitigate the level of land degradation that can result from business-as-usual farming practices.
Project standard
Puro Standard
Project location
Scotland, UK; Canada; Australia
Technology
Enhanced rock weathering
Project type
Carbon removal
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