April 12, 2025
Tech News
Microsoft has made a significant step towards its ambitious goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030 by purchasing 3.7 million metric tons of carbon removal credits from CO280, a project developer associated with pulp and paper mills. This deal covers a 12-year span for emissions captured from CO280’s Gulf Coast facility, set to commence capturing CO2 in 2028.
To support its sustainability efforts, Microsoft is investing in renewable energy while offsetting emissions through carbon capture projects. The company’s challenge lies in surpassing the 17.1 million metric tons of greenhouse gases it generated in 2023. Microsoft’s extensive portfolio enhances its quest for carbon neutrality, yet the road ahead is daunting.
CO280’s carbon capture initiative will reduce the pulp and paper industry’s significant annual biogenic carbon dioxide output, which is approximately 100 million metric tons. CO280 CEO Jonathan Rhone emphasized that integrating carbon capture into existing processes is a natural progression and a “no-brainer.” This innovative approach aims to harness emissions rather than allowing them to escape into the atmosphere.
The capture technology employed will be the well-established amine process deployed at a large paper mill’s recovery boiler. By complementing chemical recycling, this setup will significantly reduce carbon emissions from wood-based production. Rhone highlighted that trees play a vital role in capturing CO2, thereby laying the groundwork for a more sustainable operation.
Captured carbon dioxide will be transported via a 40-mile pipeline to a saline aquifer designated for CO2 storage. The project’s initial phase aims to capture about 40% of the biogenic carbon dioxide emitted by the mill, as well as 30% of total CO2, including fossil fuel-related emissions. Future plans for expansion could double these figures.
In an industry collaboration model, CO280 will build carbon capture units with paper mills, offering a share of carbon credit proceeds to enhance their profitability. The credits are priced around $200 per metric ton, with attractive tax reductions available for buyers through the Inflation Reduction Act. CO280 has successfully sold credits previously to established names like Frontier, supported by tech giants including Google and Meta.
Tech Explained
Carbon Removal Credit – A carbon removal credit is a certificate representing one tonne of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. Companies purchase these credits to offset their emissions, helping them meet sustainability goals while investing in environmentally friendly technologies and projects.
Carbon Capture – Carbon capture is a process that involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes. Once captured, the CO2 can either be stored underground or utilized in various applications, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.
Amine Process – The amine process is a well-known chemical method used for capturing carbon dioxide from gases. It employs amine compounds to selectively absorb CO2 from gas streams, making it effective for reducing emissions from industrial operations and contributing to carbon capture initiatives.
Saline Aquifer – A saline aquifer is a geological formation filled with brine or salty water, often used for geological storage of carbon dioxide. These aquifers trap CO2 deep underground, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and mitigating climate change impacts.
Inflation Reduction Act – The Inflation Reduction Act is a significant U.S. legislation aimed at combating climate change and reducing the deficit. It offers financial incentives, including tax credits for renewable energy investments and carbon removal projects, encouraging businesses to adopt greener practices and support carbon capture technologies.
