#United States #Vancouver #carbon removal #Microsoft #CO280

CO280 and Microsoft: A Milestone in Carbon Capture

In a groundbreaking move for the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector, CO280, a pioneer in large-scale carbon capture initiatives, revealed a significant agreement with Microsoft on April 11, 2025. This deal involves Microsoft purchasing an impressive 3.685 million tonnes of CDR over the next 12 years from a project designed to capture and permanently store biogenic carbon emissions from a U.S. pulp and paper mill. This transaction is recognized as one of the largest engineered CDR purchases to date, marking a noteworthy advancement in the fight against climate change.

The Details of the Agreement

This landmark deal not only highlights Microsoft's confidence in CO280's innovative approach but also showcases a practical method for addressing climate change by retrofitting existing pulp and paper mills. Under the agreement, carbon capture technology will be provided by CO280's collaborator, SLB Capturi. CO280 is currently managing more than ten CDR projects, with five prioritized initiatives expected to yield results by 2030.

Jonathan Rhone, co-founder and CEO of CO280, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "The agreement with Microsoft is a significant milestone for CO280 and the CDR market. We are committed to providing the highest quality carbon dioxide removal while ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the communities we engage with. Our gratitude goes out to Microsoft for their collaboration and commitment to excellence in CDR."

Microsoft’s Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal, Brian Marrs, also commended the collaboration, remarking, "This deal illustrates how CO280 merges innovative engineering with commercial viability, working toward accessible and scalable carbon removal solutions. Their strategy of adding CDR to existing paper mills presents an efficient pathway to rapidly scale carbon removal while also boosting investments and job opportunities in timberland communities across the U.S."

The CO280 Approach

CO280's plan takes advantage of the operational framework already established in the U.S. pulp and paper industry, presenting a seamless route for enhancing CDR efforts. Key benefits of this approach include:

• - Rapid Scalability: The U.S. pulp and paper industry emits around 88 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 each year, representing a substantial opportunity for large-scale carbon capture. By retrofitting existing mills for carbon capture and storage, CO280 minimizes project complexity and costs. This streamlined approach, aided by standardized design, business models, and financing with pulp and paper partners, will propel swift replication and deployment across the sector.

• - Sustainable Biomass Usage: The American pulp and paper industry emphasizes sustainable biomass sourcing, maintaining high certification standards. Notably, 97% of the wood used in this industry comes from mills certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), with 90% sourced from mills boasting both SFI and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. Many mills also utilize only residual biomass and recycled content. CO280's projects are committed to adhering to stringent voluntary carbon market biomass sustainability standards.

• - Energy Efficiency: CO280 projects can harness excess waste heat and/or biomass to power carbon capture plants, thus reducing environmental impact and enhancing overall project sustainability.

• - Accessibility to CO2 Storage: The geological conditions in the U.S. are favorable for CO2 storage, with over 75% of pulp and paper mills located within 100 miles of suitable geological sites for permanent CO2 sequestering. Additionally, a growing network of CO2 transportation and storage service providers is emerging in the U.S., bolstering the infrastructure required for safe and lasting carbon storage.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

The agreement with Microsoft extends beyond environmental benefits; it also aims to invigorate local economies and generate job opportunities in regions housing pulp and paper mills. By investing in this essential American industry, CO280 contributes to the long-term viability of the forest products sector while protecting and creating jobs in mill communities.

CO280’s unique partnership model, underscored by long-term CDR offtake agreements, positions the company to draw in billions of dollars in new capital investments. This not only stimulates sustainable economic growth but also supports communities reliant on the forest products industry.

About CO280

CO280 Solutions Inc. stands at the forefront of large-scale CDR project development. Partnering with carbon removal buyers and pulp and paper companies, CO280 works on innovating, financing, owning, and managing carbon removal projects that meet a new standard of permanent, verifiable, and affordable CDR credits for customers within the carbon market. For additional information, visit co280.com.