Vaulted Deep

XPRIZE TRACK
LAND

CDR PATHWAY(S)
Land – Biomass Geologic Storage

PHYSICAL PRODUCTS
None

FOUNDED
2023

GET IN TOUCH

Vaulted Deep
Houston, Texas, USA
vaulteddeep.com

Julia Reichelstein
[email protected]

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Vaulted delivers scalable, durable, carbon removal by geologically sequestering carbon-filled organic wastes. Our patented slurry sequestration technology allows us to geologically inject minimally processed wastes for durable (10,000+ year) carbon removal. Vaulted delivers affordable, high-quality CDR at scale by designing into our approach cost and volume efficiencies at every stage. Our carbon removal activities help reduce the significant adverse effects caused by legacy waste systems, improving local environmental and human health and advancing environmental justice.

CORE INNOVATION

Vaulted uses a suite of patented geologic slurry sequestration technologies that leverage geomechanics science to sequester solids-laden slurries deep underground. This technology enables sequestration of sludgy organic waste (waste that is not otherwise usable and can pose major risks to human health and local ecosystems) with minimal processing (reducing operating costs).

CO2 CAPTURE

Vaulted relies on the natural processes of plants for CO2 capture – photosynthesis. Once the plants have been as useful as possible in the economy, Vaulted takes the resulting sludgy organic wastes that today are sent to a landfill, dumped into oceans or rivers, land applied for disposal, or otherwise left to decompose. Vaulted sources waste already aggregated by legacy waste management systems. These sludgy wastes are difficult for others to use productively, limiting competition for target biomass and expanding the total potential for biomass-based carbon removal.

CO2 SEQUESTRATION

Waste biomass is collected and delivered to the well site. Waste is minimally processed, without combustion, into a solids-laden slurry. The slurry is injected into the well. At the end of the injection cycle, solids are durably vaulted by a layer of impermeable rock - the same formations that have kept hydrocarbons underground for millions of years. Monitoring confirms containment of the formation and the resulting durable carbon sequestration.

CO-BENEFITS OR PRODUCTS

By taking waste that otherwise would have decomposed, Vaulted avoids significant methane generation (not included in CDR credit calculations). These wastes are often pathogenic or contain harmful chemicals (like PFAS). By capturing toxins and pollutants, Vaulted helps dispose of unavoidable waste to reduce impacts of that waste connected to waterborne illnesses and water quality problems in communities. Additionally, Vaulted creates economic opportunities for farmers by transforming organic waste into an asset, aligning environmental and economic goals.