MRV
Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) of Carbon Removals
What is MRV?
Accurate monitoring, reporting & verification (MRV) is important for ensuring proper quantification of net CO2 removals from the atmosphere, which is at the heart of our mission. Here we globally explain our approach to MRV, and how we ensure that each carbon credit that we generate constitutes at least one tonne of removed CO2
How we determine net removals
SeaO2’s process captures a gaseous stream of CO2 extracted from seawater. This creates room for the ocean to re-absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. To determine the net amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere, we quantify how much CO2 is reabsorbed, and how much CO2 is emitted during the life cycle of a project. We factor in conservative risks of stored CO2 being re-emitted through unforeseen leakage.
What do we measure?
We track key parameters to assess CO₂ removal from seawater, including direct measurements of removed CO₂ and sensor- or sample-based data on seawater chemistry at intake and discharge points. We also monitor nearby waters to study how treated seawater disperses. Measured parameters include pH, pCO₂, DIC, alkalinity, oxygen, turbidity, and chlorophyll to ensure ocean health.
Determining atmospheric removals
Decarbonized seawater quickly spreads and begins reabsorbing atmospheric CO₂ over weeks to years, depending on conditions. As it dilutes, direct measurement becomes challenging. To track this process, we use ocean model simulations based on real-world data. These models help estimate CO₂ reabsorption, compare outcomes with a counterfactual (no intervention), and identify key uncertainties. Third-party experts conduct and validate the modeling, ensuring robust estimates of atmospheric CO₂ removal.
Life cycle analysis
There will be some greenhouse gas emissions related to our carbon removal projects, for example during the production and shipping of components, or related to personnel travel. We track these emissions using a life cycle analysis. After all, these emissions will influence how much net CO2 our projects capture from the atmosphere.
Storage, permanence, leakage
It is important that the CO2 that we captured is permanently removed from the atmosphere, so we work with third parties that durably store captured CO2 at geological timescales (more than 10,000 years). We only work with storage partners who also have rigorous MRV protocols. Conservative risk accounting for leakage of removed CO2 will be reported to SeaO2 and is taken into account for determining our net CO2 removals.
Questions?
Contact us.
We are currently working on an MRV framework document that describes our MRV process in more detail. Questions can be addressed to mrv@seao2.com.