Key Takeaways
- San Rafael is experiencing land subsidence, increasing flood risk.
- Terranova offers a cost-effective solution using robots and wood slurry.
- The startup’s approach is cheaper than traditional seawalls.
- Terranova has raised $7 million to advance its technology.
The Problem of Sinking Cities
San Rafael, north of San Francisco, is sinking about half an inch annually. This subsidence has caused areas like the Canal District to sink three feet, heightening flood risks. With rising sea levels, 300 million people globally could face routine flooding by 2050.
Terranova’s Innovative Solution
Terranova proposes raising land rather than building costly seawalls. Their robots inject a slurry made from waste wood into the ground, lifting the land. This method is significantly cheaper, with a quoted $92 million to lift 240 acres in San Rafael by four feet.
How It Works
- Material: Waste wood is mixed into a slurry with undisclosed materials.
- Robotic Injection: Autonomous robots drill wells and inject the slurry to depths of 40-60 feet.
- Software Management: A genetic algorithm informs the injection patterns, using geographic and core data.
Financial Backing and Future Plans
Terranova recently secured $7 million in seed funding, valuing the company at $25.1 million. Investors include Congruent Ventures, Outlander, GoAhead Ventures, Gothams, and Ponderosa. The company aims to expand its technology to other cities and projects like wetland remediation.
Addressing Concerns
Some experts worry about the impact of the slurry on earthquake shocks. However, Terranova believes their method may be safer than traditional dikes and seawalls.
FAQ
How does Terranova’s solution compare to seawalls in cost?
Terranova’s solution is significantly cheaper. For San Rafael, they quoted $92 million compared to $500-$900 million for seawalls.
What materials are used in the slurry?
The slurry primarily uses waste wood mixed with other undisclosed materials.
How is the injection process managed?
The process is managed by software using a genetic algorithm to determine the best injection patterns.
Conclusion
Terranova’s approach to urban flood prevention offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. By using waste materials and robotic technology, they provide a cost-effective solution that could benefit many cities facing similar challenges. For businesses managing infrastructure, exploring innovative and economical solutions like Terranova’s could be key to long-term resilience.
Source: How one founder plans to save cities from flooding with terraforming robots – techcrunch.com