This California startup is cleaning water, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and saving money

As drought conditions intensify globally, innovative solutions for water purification and reuse are gaining traction, attracting the attention of investors eager for profitable ventures. Water treatment often incurs high costs, consuming significant energy and generating waste that requires expensive disposal. However, Berkeley-based startup Capture6 is pioneering a groundbreaking approach that not only processes water but also addresses environmental concerns by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. CEO Ethan Cohen-Cole, who co-founded the company in 2021, emphasizes the uniqueness of their technology, stating, "Our integration of water treatment, brine management, and carbon capture sets us apart, enabling us to operate at lower energy costs." The complex process begins with waste generated from standard water treatment. This residual material, known as brine, comprises leftover water mixed with concentrated salt (sodium chloride). Traditionally, treatment facilities incur costs to eliminate this byproduct, but Capture6 innovatively extracts fresh water and separates the salt into its constituent elements, sodium and chlorine. The sodium is then converted into lye, which exhibits a remarkable ability to bond with CO2 when exposed to air. "By processing the waste salt, we not only return clean water to our partners but also capture CO2 from the atmosphere," Cohen-Cole explains. This dual benefit is particularly appealing in regions grappling with water scarcity. Capture6 is currently active in Western Australia, South Korea, and drought-affected California, where they are collaborating with the Palmdale Water District, located north of Los Angeles. Preliminary tests indicate significant cost savings in brine management, with Assistant General Manager Scott Rogers noting, "We anticipate a 10% reduction in capital costs and operational savings ranging from 20% to 40%. We're recovering between 94% and 98% of water that would typically go to waste." As more facilities adopt this technology, it could foster a circular economy that positively impacts the environment. Capture6 has successfully secured $27.5 million in funding from various investors, including Tetrad Corporation, Hyundai Motors, Energy Capital Ventures, Elemental Impact, and Triple Impact Capital. Cohen-Cole highlights that their entire operation could be powered by renewable energy, enabling a net-negative carbon footprint with the captured CO2, which can be monetized through carbon credits. Capture6 is part of a growing sector focused on carbon capture and sequestration, alongside methods like direct air capture and underground carbon storage. The startup has also received backing from the U.S. Department of Energy and state-level initiatives in California, with no funding cancellations reported to date.