Project Macoma begins operations in Port Angeles, WA
At Ebb, we know that to scale a first-of-its-kind technology, you have to go slow to go far. That’s why we’ve grounded our work in science and earning trust in the communities and ecosystems where we operate. It’s the same lesson I learned in the early days of solar: building trust, transparency, and rigorous validation isn’t a detour — it’s the foundation for scaling solutions that can change the world.
After two years of successful demonstrations at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Sequim, we’re ready to take our next step. Today, I’m proud to share that Project Macoma has begun operations at the Port of Port Angeles in Washington State.
This first-of-its-kind pilot represents an important milestone in proving that marine carbon removal can be done safely, responsibly, and in ways that benefit both local ecosystems and global climate goals.
Addressing Local Challenges
Ocean acidification is hitting Washington State hard. Nearly 30% of species in Puget Sound are vulnerable to its effects. The state’s shellfish industry — worth more than $270 million annually and supporting 3,200+ jobs — faces real risks as increasing acidity makes it harder for oysters, clams, and other organisms to build shells.
Our technology is designed to address both ocean acidification and its root cause: excess CO₂ in the atmosphere. By carefully removing acid from seawater and returning a more alkaline stream to the ocean, we mimic the natural process that has regulated ocean chemistry for millions of years. This allows the ocean to safely absorb additional CO₂ from the atmosphere while reducing local acidification.
Built on Science and Partnership
Project Macoma builds directly on our work at PNNL-Sequim, where we’ve partnered with leading ocean scientists since 2023. Results from that collaboration — recently published in Frontiers in Environmental Engineering — provided real-world validation that our system operates safely, effectively, and within existing regulatory frameworks. This foundational work has helped us secure first-of-their-kind operational permits in one of the world’s most strictly regulated regions.
Just as importantly, Project Macoma was shaped by early and ongoing engagement with the Port Angeles community. Working with local Tribes, stakeholders, and regulators allowed us to listen, build trust, and ensure our presence has a positive impact. That kind of engagement isn’t just how we launch pilots, it’s how we believe mCDR must scale worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Washington State is emerging as a leader in carbon removal. The state’s draft Comprehensive Climate Action Plan recognizes that durable CO₂ removal, including ocean-based methods, will be essential to reaching the state’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Project Macoma shows how this vision is already becoming reality: rigorous science, local partnerships, and careful first steps that build the trust to keep going. Macoma isn’t just a pilot — it’s a blueprint for safe, scalable, and responsible marine carbon removal.
