Deep Sky expects to capture its first tonnes of CO2 by the end of the year at its Deep Sky Alpha project in Innisfail, Alta.Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail
A second senior executive has announced his resignation from carbon-removal startup Deep Sky Corp., which is commissioning several technologies it will test at its recently constructed Alberta site.
Phil De Luna, Deep Sky’s chief science and commercial officer, said in a LinkedIn post on Monday that he is stepping down after two years at the Montreal-based company to seek other challenges.
“More than anything, I came to Deep Sky to learn how to build a company. I’ve grown as a leader, a builder, and a bridge between science and business,” Mr. De Luna wrote.
“I’ve reached a point where I’m ready to take on a new challenge. I’ve outgrown my current role, and it’s time to stretch again – to build something new I own, from the ground up.”
Mr. De Luna declined The Globe and Mail’s request for comment.
His departure follows that of former chief executive officer Damien Steel in May, though Mr. Steel remains an adviser to the company. He was replaced as CEO by Alex Petre, who had joined the company last year as chief operating officer.
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Deep Sky said it has “never been stronger” as it begins startup operations for several direct air capture technologies at its Deep Sky Alpha project in Innisfail, Alta.
The company will study the efficiency of different equipment developed by 10 providers to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground. It is powering the enterprise with renewable electricity.
Revenue and financing is planned to come from selling carbon credits in a market where demand outpaces supply. It expects to capture its first tonnes of CO2 by the end of the year.
“With $130-million in funding from world class investors, millions in offtakes secured from key buyers, building the world’s first cross-technology DAC hub in less than a year right here in Canada, and already executing on our first commercial carbon removal facility, Deep Sky is delivering on our bold ambitions,” spokesperson Brooks Wallace said in a statement.
Mr. De Luna is an adjunct professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Toronto and a former sustainability expert at McKinsey & Co. In his post, he said he still believes in Deep Sky’s mission.
“I have every confidence that Deep Sky will deliver,” he wrote.