Green Hydrogen and Marine Carbon Removal Get US$11.6M Boost from Temasek Trust’s C3H

On August 12, 2025, in Singapore, Temasek Trust’s Catalytic Capital for Climate and Health (C3H) led a US$11.6 million Series A in Equatic, the US-based marine carbon removal developer. The round, co-led by Kibo Invest, attracted a consortium of institutional, philanthropic and individual backers across Asia, Europe and North America.

This infusion follows Equatic’s early philanthropic seed from Temasek Foundation’s The Liveability Challenge in 2021 and its recognition as a 2024 Earthshot Prize finalist. It builds on technology validation via pilots with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency and in Los Angeles, positioning Equatic to transition from R&D to a standalone commercial facility targeting 100 kilotonnes per year of durable carbon removal alongside green hydrogen output.

Deal Highlights

• Lead investor: Temasek Trust’s C3H catalytic capital vehicle
• Co-lead: Kibo Invest, private climate-tech backer
• Other participants: Aga Khan Foundation, Stacey Nicholas, Adam McKay, Lee Cooper, Grantham Neglected Climate Opportunities
• Amount: US$11.6 million Series A
• Use of funds: Engineering of first 100 ktpa CDR & hydrogen facility, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory approvals
• MRV framework: ISO 14064-aligned, validated by Isometric & Puro.earth for high-integrity CDR credits

Why It Matters

As global net-zero goals tighten, durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and scalable green hydrogen production have become critical twin pillars of deep decarbonization. Equatic’s approach accelerates the ocean’s natural CO₂ uptake via seawater electrolysis, while co-producing hydrogen for industrial fuels and feedstocks. Embedding an ISO 14064-aligned MRV system, validated by Isometric and Puro.earth, addresses a longstanding challenge: delivering verifiable, high-integrity CDR credits that buyers and regulators can trust.

Technical Snapshot

Equatic’s patented process uses an electrolyser to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, raising local pH and triggering precipitation of stable carbonate minerals. These minerals dissolve slowly, sequestering CO₂ permanently. Meanwhile, the hydrogen stream is captured for transport, energy storage or chemical synthesis. Pilots in Los Angeles and Singapore proved continuous operation, process stability and alignment with ISO-based MRV protocols.

Company Journey

Founded by Gaurav N. Sant, Equatic (formerly SeaChange) has moved from concept to credible CDR contender in under five years. A 2021 win in Temasek Foundation’s Liveability Challenge funded bench-scale tests; a 2022 pilot with PUB validated brine management and mineral yields; and a parallel Los Angeles demonstration confirmed energy and performance metrics. By mid-2024, this data secured Equatic an Earthshot Prize finalist nod.

Market Implications

The Series A underscores investor appetite for integrated CDR-plus-hydrogen solutions. With global hydrogen demand set to exceed 10 million tonnes by 2030, bundling carbon credit revenues with hydrogen offtake economics can improve project bankability. Hard-to-abate sectors—from steel to chemicals—may hedge climate liabilities by securing combined supply agreements. Standardizing high-integrity MRV practices at scale also lays groundwork for robust carbon markets.

Strategic Outlook

Engineering and permitting large-scale ocean electrolysis installations will test regulatory, environmental and supply-chain frameworks. Equatic’s US$11.6 million tranche will fund detailed engineering, procurement and construction, expand in-house electrolyser manufacturing and advance coastal permitting. Securing renewable electricity for zero-emission hydrogen remains a critical factor in overall project economics.

Looking Ahead

Equatic aims to break ground on its first 100 ktpa facility within 18–24 months, subject to final investment decisions and permits. Progress on commissioning, capex performance and initial CDR credit issuance will be closely watched by investors, regulators and offtake partners. Should Equatic deliver, it could set a benchmark for a new wave of dual-purpose climate tech deployments—marrying marine carbon removal with green hydrogen at commercial scale.