Microsoft has taken a significant step toward achieving its carbon-negative goal by entering into a substantial agreement with Exomad Green, a leading biochar producer. The deal involves Microsoft purchasing 1.24 million tons of carbon removal credits from Exomad Green, marking one of the largest biochar carbon removal agreements to date.
Understanding Biochar and Its Role in Carbon Removal
Biochar is a stable form of carbon produced by heating biomass—such as forestry waste—in the absence of oxygen, a process known as pyrolysis. When incorporated into soil, biochar enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and sequesters carbon for centuries, making it a valuable tool in mitigating climate change.
Exomad Green’s Contribution
Exomad Green operates facilities in Concepción and Riberalta, Bolivia, where they transform forestry waste into biochar. By utilizing biomass that would otherwise be burned, the project not only captures and stores carbon but also reduces health and fire risks associated with open burning. Additionally, the biochar produced is provided to indigenous farming communities, improving soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture. (exomadgreen.com)
The Agreement Details
Under this agreement, Microsoft will receive 1.24 million tons of carbon removal credits from Exomad Green over the coming years. These credits will be verified and managed by Carbonfuture’s MRV+ platform, ensuring transparency and high standards in tracking biochar carbon removal. Each batch of biochar is uniquely identified and meticulously tracked from production to application, providing additional transparency related to CO₂ Removal Certificate delivery to Microsoft. (carbonfuture.com)
Broader Implications
This partnership underscores Microsoft’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. By investing in large-scale biochar projects, Microsoft not only addresses global carbon challenges but also tangibly enhances the lives of local communities in Bolivia. The initiative contributes to reducing deforestation linked to soil degradation and supports sustainable timber management practices. (carbonfuture.com)
Microsoft’s Ongoing Sustainability Efforts
This agreement is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to become carbon negative by 2030. The company has previously entered into significant carbon removal agreements, including a 25-year deal with Chestnut Carbon to acquire over seven million tons of carbon removal credits from projects in Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. (axios.com) Additionally, Microsoft has committed to purchasing 3.5 million carbon credits over 25 years from Re.green, a Brazilian start-up focused on land restoration through planting native tree species. (ft.com)
Conclusion
Microsoft’s agreement with Exomad Green represents a significant advancement in corporate efforts to combat climate change through innovative carbon removal solutions. By supporting large-scale biochar projects, Microsoft not only contributes to global carbon sequestration but also fosters sustainable development and community empowerment in regions like Bolivia.
