Omani Startup 44.01 Wins $1 Million XPRIZE Award for Groundbreaking Carbon Removal Tech
Omani clean energy startup 44.01 has secured a $1 million award in the prestigious XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition for its innovative approach to permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's winning technology leverages Oman's unique geological resources to mineralize CO2.
Key Details
44.01, an Omani-based startup, was recognized by the XPRIZE Foundation with a $1 million milestone prize in the global XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, funded by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation. The award acknowledges the company's progress and potential in developing effective solutions to combat climate change by removing atmospheric and oceanic CO2.
The core of 44.01's technology lies in the natural process of mineralization, specifically utilizing peridotite rock. Oman has vast natural reserves of this type of rock. The company injects mineralized CO2 into peridotite formations below the surface, where it reacts with the rock to form stable carbonate minerals, effectively locking away the carbon dioxide permanently and safely.
This milestone award was granted to 44.01 as one of 15 winners selected from a competitive pool of over 1,100 teams globally, signifying the project's promising technical and operational viability.
Significance and Implications
The recognition of 44.01 highlights Oman's potential to play a significant role in global climate action, particularly leveraging its geological advantage. The country's extensive peridotite formations provide a unique natural resource for carbon mineralization. This technology not only offers a method for permanent carbon removal but also presents an opportunity to develop a new, environmentally critical industry within the Sultanate.
For the MENA region's startup ecosystem, this win underscores the growing innovation in cleantech and sustainability. It demonstrates that regional startups can compete and excel on a global stage in developing solutions for pressing global challenges like climate change, potentially inspiring further investment and entrepreneurial activity in green technologies across the Gulf and wider MENA.
About 44.01
Founded in Oman, 44.01 is a clean energy company dedicated to permanently eliminating CO2 using the power of nature. The company focuses on accelerating the natural process of mineralization, where CO2 reacts with reactive rocks like peridotite to form solid, stable carbonate minerals. Their method involves safely injecting CO2 below the Earth's surface into these rock formations, predominantly found in locations like Oman. The name 44.01 refers to the molecular weight of CO2. The company is led by CEO Talal Hasan.
Looking Ahead
Winning the $1 million milestone prize positions 44.01 strongly within the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition. The company is now eligible to compete for the Grand Prize of $50 million, which is expected to be awarded in 2025. Continued development and scaling of their peridotite mineralization technology are key next steps as they aim to demonstrate the potential for large-scale, cost-effective carbon removal.
Source: Zawya