Tech giant Microsoft has invested in a new carbon credits deal, this time with Minneapolis-based biochar company Carba.
Under this agreement, Carba will deliver 44,000 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits to Microsoft over a 5-year period, starting with retirements as early as this year.
The Minnesota company has come up with a patented autothermal process and a patented anoxic burial method for delivering CDR with a duration of more than 1000 years, with a methodology certified by carbon removal registry Isometric.
Carba’s novel technology combines a pyrolysis process with a burial method that enables the removal of CO2 in the shape of biochar that gets stored underground in low-oxygen environments based on a patented pyrolysis reactor.
The patented autothermal process introduces an optimized energy efficiency, neutralizing CO2 from biogenic waste by converting it into a product of value like high carbon content biochar.
Once this biochar is buried underground, it’s safe from degradation and is expected to potentially contribute to certain environmental benefits.
The Carba biochar product will be applied as an alternate daily cover and buried in a local landfill, where it is expected to act as an activated CO2 filter, neutralizing odors, reducing the impact of pollutants, and raising the absorption of gas pollutants.
Founded by Dr. Andrew Jones and Professor Paul Daueunhauer, two experts with a combined experience of more than 40 years in pyrolysis and valorizing biomass, Carba has gained traction in the carbon removal space, attracting support from GigaClimate Builder and receiving a $7 million grant from the US Department of Energy for a Carbon Negative Shot Pilot.
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CEO Dr. Andrew Jones shared, “Our fully integrated approach—combining biomass sourcing, processing, and secure storage—enables us to scale quickly while having the potential to deliver significant community co-benefits.”
Brian Marrs, Microsoft’s Senior Director for Energy & Carbon Removal, stated, “By co-locating biomass supply chain delivery, pyrolysis, and end-use & storage, Carba’s biochar burial offers the potential to become a scalable and cost-effective climate solution.”
