#United States #carbon removal #Arkansas #Microsoft #Chestnut Carbon

Chestnut Carbon Partners with Microsoft for a Groundbreaking Carbon Removal Initiative

Chestnut Carbon, a leader in nature-based carbon removal solutions, has announced a long-term offtake agreement with Microsoft that sets the stage for one of the most significant carbon removal projects in the United States. This agreement, which spans 25 years and encompasses multiple phases, aims to deliver over 7 million tons of carbon removal credits from Chestnut's afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) efforts across the Southern United States, primarily focusing on regions like Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana.

This notable collaboration builds upon an initial agreement made in December 2023 and solidifies the ongoing partnership between these two innovative organizations. Ben Dell, CEO of Chestnut, expressed enthusiasm regarding the expansion of their collaboration with Microsoft, emphasizing the latter's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Dell articulated confidence in the viability of nature-based afforestation as one of the most scalable and cost-effective solutions for combatting atmospheric carbon.

The Chestnut Sustainable Restoration Project is a marked departure from traditional carbon removal initiatives. Unlike other approaches, this project is committed to fostering a long-lasting ecosystem composed of native forests. With the recent offtake agreement, Chestnut is on track to elevate its ARR portfolio to encompass 500,000 acres by the year 2030, ultimately aiming to eliminate 100 million tons of CO2 over a comprehensive 50-year crediting period.

This collaboration aligns well with Microsoft's aspirations to become carbon-negative by 2030, as articulated by Brian Marrs, Microsoft's Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal. Marrs highlighted the importance of enhancing forest restoration efforts in the United States and the potential for attracting substantial private capital, thus diversifying their global carbon removal efforts.

Project Details

The specifics of the Chestnut Sustainable Restoration Project underscore its significance:

• - High-Quality, Removal-Based Credits: The project is registered with Gold Standard, ensuring that all credits are derived from precise carbon removal measurements rather than merely avoiding emissions.
• - Durability: The longevity of carbon sequestration through the project is supported by rigorous land conservation efforts and biodiversity initiatives.
• - Additionality: This initiative is restoring marginal agricultural land back into native forests, which would otherwise remain untouched without the global carbon credit market.
• - Environmental and Stakeholder Benefits: The project aims to enhance wildlife habitats, improve air and water quality, and engage with local communities to foster economic development.

About Chestnut Carbon: Founded in 2022 with backing from Kimmeridge, Chestnut Carbon specializes in generating reliable, nature-based carbon removal credits. Their innovative methodologies are designed to succeed on family-owned forestland and marginal farmland, helping various sectors achieve their net-zero objectives.

For more insights into Chestnut Carbon, visit Chestnut Carbon's website.

In summary, the partnership between Chestnut Carbon and Microsoft marks a significant step forward in the realm of carbon removal. By restoring and rehabilitating vast tracts of land, this initiative not only contributes to the reversal of climate change but also promotes biodiversity and community well-being, showcasing a model for sustainable development moving forward.