Anthropogenic CO₂ emissions have led to rising global temperatures and significant ocean acidification

While many sectors are progressing toward net-zero goals, heavy transport remains difficult to decarbonize due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Brineworks, a Dutch startup, offers a breakthrough solution with its electrochemical carbon capture system—an innovation that removes CO₂ directly from saltwater while simultaneously producing green hydrogen.

At the heart of the technology is Brineworks’ ELZ-Class saltwater electrolysis system. It enables low-cost, high-current, hybrid electrolysis that helps to use saltwater streams to capture CO₂ and triggers CO₂ absorption directly from the atmosphere. The extracted CO₂ can be converted into sustainable liquid fuels, creating a closed-loop, carbon-neutral fuel cycle for hard-to-decarbonize industries. This ultimately combats ocean acidification and global temperature increases by developing CO₂ circularity that prevents fossil derived CO₂from continuing to accumulate in the world’s global inventory.

In contrast to conventional systems, Brineworks’ electrolysers operate without precious metals or heavy reliance on membranes. This significantly reduces production costs and enhances global accessibility. Their process co-produces valuable gases and can operate entirely on clean energy, helping shift global industries away from fossil-based emissions.

Brineworks has attracted support from top climate-tech investors around the world and was recently featured as the leading company in its field by the World Economic Forum. Just one year after incorporation, they launched a first pilot plant and are now scaling up, securing significant financial backing from the EU through the European Innovation Council.

Their hybrid approach—combining CO₂ removal and green hydrogen production—positions them uniquely in the carbon capture and clean fuel landscape. By removing CO₂ from saltwater, Brinework’s system effectively raises ocean pH and facilitates conversion of sustainable carbon into useful fuels, thereby addressing climate change on multiple fronts. Their technology has the potential to transform oceanic and atmospheric health and create economic opportunities across the globe.

Brineworks exemplifies a new generation of sustainable technology companies, with global climate impact at its core.

Gudfinnur Sveinsson, CEO of Brineworks:

“Current CO₂ capture methods, whether from industrial sources or Direct Air Capture, are either not sustainable, too limited in scale, or too costly. Brineworks offers an alternative that is sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective, making e-Fuel scale-up for the maritime and aviation industries a real possibility.”