THE Penang government could look into eco-friendly strategies similar to Singapore’s upcoming ocean-based carbon dioxide removal facility, especially if they offer a cost-effective solution.
Quoting a news report from Channel News Asia (CNA), Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng said the US$20 million full-scale demonstration plant, dubbed the Equatic-1, was a collaboration between Singapore’s national water agency PUB, UCLA and Equatic, a startup founded by UCLA scientists.
When fully completed at PUB’s research and development facility in Tuas, Equatic-1 will be equipped to remove 10 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per day from seawater and the atmosphere, the article read.
The article highlighted that the Equatic process, formerly known as Project SeaChange, expands upon the ocean’s natural ability to store carbon dioxide by removing dissolved carbon dioxide and enhancing its capacity to absorb more of the greenhouse gas.
“Utilising electrolysis, an electrical current is passed through seawater brought in from the adjacent PUB desalination plants to break down water into its carbon-negative hydrogen and oxygen constituents.
“The process allows atmospheric carbon dioxide, as well as carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater, to be trapped in the form of solid calcium and magnesium-based materials for at least 10,000 years. These carbon byproducts could potentially be used in the construction industry for land restoration, cement, or concrete.”
Lim said such a green initiative would be beneficial for Penang if it proves to be cost-effective.
“Perhaps the state government can consider it if the cost is more feasible, possibly through a collaboration with the Federal Government,” he proposed.
Lim, together with Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid took part in a tree-planting event at Tapak Pertanian Bandar JKKK Kampung Bharu today, in support of the ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’ programme.
The state will see over one million trees planted today to mark Earth Day. The programme is organised by Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation (Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang) in collaboration with the office of Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
The program is anticipated to be recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records for the most trees planted in a single day.
Before planting his plantlet at the nursery, Lim lauded the efforts of several parties and individuals, including Ng, Kampung Bharu Village Community Management Council (MPKK), and the Penang Island City Council, for transforming the formerly abandoned land into the Tapak Pertanian Bandar JKKK Kampung Bharu.
“This place is akin to an ‘oasis in an urban desert’ and is one of the best of its kind in Penang.
“It was a pioneer project when it started.
“It demonstrates our capability to achieve significant progress when we put our hearts into it,” he said.
Ng mentioned that he had already distributed calamansi plantlets to Air Itam residents before today to encourage their participation in the ‘Planting One Million Trees Within a Day in conjunction with Earth Day’ programme.
“We celebrate Earth Day every year, but this marks the first occasion where we are planting one million trees to commemorate this special day,” he said.
Ng was also pleased to witness the amazing transformation of the Tapak Pertanian Bandar JKKK Kampung Bharu.
Meanwhile, Syerleena commended the tree-planting programme which promotes a healthy lifestyle and protects the environment.
“The weather is very hot now, and we are dealing with climate change.
“It’s important to take care of the environment and encourage our community to love the Earth.
“We hope to raise more awareness, especially among children. Children are the supporters of our vision,” she said.
Some 50 plantlets were planted at the Tapak Pertanian Bandar JKKK Kampung Bharu.
Also present were MBPP councillor Rohaizat Hamid, and northeast district officer Rosli Halim.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan