So much is happening in the world of biochar. It's both a physical product and can also be a more abstract concept called a "carbon removal". How is the industry balancing the divergent business logic of these two different markets, and what challenges and opportunities will it face?
In today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, producer and guest host Asa Kamer interviews Myles Gray, the program director of the US Bicohar Initiative about their 2023 Global Biochar Market Report.
Biochar is responsible for a huge amount of currently delivered durable carbon removals. It's more shovel-ready than other forms of carbon removal, which have much higher CapEx requirements and are betting more on future cost-curves than present deployment. However, some participants in biochar production can face challenges from those concerned about additionality, among other issues.
The discussion covers the production scale, market dynamics, economic challenges, and the growing number of biochar producers, particularly in the Global South. Gray also highlights the importance of high-quality standards, the role of innovative business models, and the need for better market development for physical biochar to help scale the industry globally. Listen in to learn more.
On This Episode
Resources
USBI's 2023 Global Biochar Market Report
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Everyone used to say carbon removal was supply-constrained. Now everyone says it is demand-constrained. So which is it?
Today's show has Dr. Gabrielle Walker, Co-Founder of the carbon removal marketplace CUR8 and the Founder of Rethinking Removals, an NGO working to change the conventional environmental story around CDR. She is hosted by Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology, Radhika Moolgavkar.
Dr. Walker discusses her long history in the climate space, including time spent in carbon capture, and how she works to address questions from corporate buyers.
The conversation covers the importance of portfolios in carbon removal strategies, the necessity of immediate action, and the challenges of gaining local and environmental community support.
Additionally, Dr. Walker delves into major stories in carbon removal for 2024, including the XPRIZE finalists, Europe's policy actions, and private industry investments.
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CUR8
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
The XPRIZE remains one of the top stories in carbon removal and one of the largest funding sources for CDR start-ups. The Elon Musk-backed competition will award $50 million to the winning CDR startup in 2025 and send $10 million to three other runner-up teams.
Over 1000 teams worldwide have applied since the award was announced in 2021.
This month, XPRIZE released the detailed “Getting to Gigaton” report, which provided comprehensive data and analysis of the top 100 teams. A few weeks later, they announced the top 20 finalist teams competing for the grand prize.
The report and the selection of the top teams provide a state of play for the industry by showing what methodologies are most ready to grow to a gigaton scale, according to XPRIZE's expert CDR judges.
Today's show is with Nikki Batchelor, the Executive Director of XPRIZE Carbon Removal, and Mike Leitch, the Senior Technical Lead, about how they selected the top 20, what they found in this report, and what comes next for the competition.
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Resources
“Getting to Gigaton” report
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Lots of news in carbon removal this past week! Frontier made their largest-ever purchase of $58 million from relatively new BiCRS company Vaulted Deep, Climeworks unveiled their Mammoth facility in Iceland, and Microsoft purchased 3.3 million tons of CO2 from BECCs in Sweden.
These deals represent significant private market volume in CDR. But a new report in Nature called The carbon dioxide removal gap” highlights some of the policy needs that remain to get carbon removal where it should be to keep us on track for our climate goals.
Listen in today to learn about VCM and policy updates from the world of carbon removal, and understand some of the biggest deals this space has yet seen.
On This Episode
Resources
Nature report, "The carbon dioxide removal gap”
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Biochar is an increasingly global carbon removal pathway. What does it look like to do business in Ghana and India? What does it mean for biochar to be decentralized?
Mart de Bruijn is the Co-Founder and Director of Carboneers, a Dutch biochar company working to implement carbon removal solutions in India and Ghana.
The conversation covers the challenges of securing enthusiastic participation from local farmers, navigating cultural and regulatory landscapes, and the technical aspects of biochar production. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the crucial role of monitoring, reporting, and verification in ensuring the efficacy of carbon credits, alongside the future expansion plans and potential bottlenecks faced by distributed/decentralized carbon removal systems.
This episode is hosted by Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology.
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Europe has a lot happening for carbon removal, and on several different levels. What is the state of CDR policy and industry?
Today's episode has Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology, Radhika Moolgavkar, on hosting duties, and Sylvain Delerce, the Associate Research Direct of Carbon Gap, joining the show to catch listeners up on Carbon Gap and the latest on European carbon removal news.
Sylvain highlights the European Union's efforts to structure and fund the industry amidst broader regulatory efforts, and how Carbon Gap fits into the ecosystem.
The conversation also covers the importance of distinguishing carbon removal from carbon capture and storage (CCS) in policy texts, the need for a clear EU vision on CDR, and the potential impact of the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Carbon Removal Certification Framework on the industry. Sylvain also discusses the role of individual European countries in advancing CDR and the potential for France to deploy significant carbon removal solutions by 2050.
On This Episode
Resources
"Decoding the Net-Zero Industry Act – Implications for carbon removal" by Carbon Gap
"Envisioning a carbon removal strategy for Europe" by Carbon Gap
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) recently came out and announced they would be issuing guidance for how some carbon offsets may be used to address Scope 3 emissions (activities beyond direct business operations and energy). This set off a firestorm of protest within and outside of SBTi, as well as some calls of support.
It was essentially a tabula rasa one could project one's carbon hopes and fears onto: would this lead to increased financing of sustainability efforts, or result in a race to the bottom of low-quality credits finding a new market? Something in-between, or just too early to tell?
In today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, host Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology, is joined by her business panelists Susan Su, a venture capitalist at Toba Capital, and Na'im Merchant, the Co-founder and Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada, to make sense of this news.
They also cover other CDR industry headlines from April, including sustainable aviation fuel, biochar in the global south, and significant subsidy announcements from Denmark and Canada for carbon removal projects.
On This Episode
Resources
"Inside the Controversy That's Divided the Carbon Offsets Market" at Bloomberg
"Carbon Offset Market Faces Chaos as African Mega-Project Collapses" at Bloomberg
"Removals are better than some reductions - The case of electrofuels for aviation" by Robert Höglund
Carbon removal is sometimes thought to be enjoying policy tailwinds. But is it anywhere close to what we need to avoid the worst of climate change?
A new report from the Rhodium Group suggests the CDR industry is receiving about 1% of what it would need to reach a one CO2 gigatonne/year capacity! Our regular panelists, Drs. Holly Jean Buck & Wil Burns discuss the challenges of government budgeting, politics, eminent domain, profit-sharing Community Benefits Agreements, and so much else as this industry tries to scale.
On This Episode
Resources
Rhodium Group's "The Landscape of Carbon Dioxide Removal and US Policies to Scale Solutions" report
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
InPlanet is an enhanced weathering company spreading rock dust on agricultural fields to draw down CO2. In November, it announced a new investment of $4.6 million from a group of investors. Based in Germany, InPlanet collaborates with farmers in Brazil, aiming to remove 1 million tons of CO2 by 2026.
As they work to scale their operations, they face a similar challenge all ERW operations are dealing with right now. While the basic science of rock weathering is well understood, accurately measuring CO2 removal in real-world conditions remains a significant hurdle.
Ensuring trust in the process will require improved measurement and verification from what exists today- a problem InPlanet is working to solve.
On this episode we’re joined by InPlanet’s Head of Carbon Matthew Clarkson who recently released pre-print research evaluating the different methods of measuring CO2 removal from rock weathering and made recommendations for areas of improvement.
ERW is technologically ready, has co-benefits, and has already attracted significant investment. It is ready to grow to climate relevant scale- but only if it can be properly measured.
On this episode we’ll talk with Matthew about his MRV research, working on the ground with Brazilian farmers, and what hurdles he sees to InPlanet’s goal of megaton removal in the next three years.
On This Episode
Resources
Bloomberg article on ERW funding
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme twitter account
Criticism of VCM is very common. But what about CCM?! Compliance Carbon Markets face design and political economy issues as well. Could we replace them both with industrial policy? Maybe, but that has trade-offs too. For what is a climate-concerned person to root?
This show delves into the fluctuations in the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) carbon price and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) efforts to boost carbon dioxide removal (CDR) investments through a purchasing challenge. The discussion spans the voluntary versus compliance carbon markets, with a focus on how the EU employs regulatory measures whereas the U.S. leverages financial incentives to address carbon emissions.
The episode also addresses the impacts of these policies on multinational corporations, the potential effects on carbon credit pricing, and the interplay between public policy and private sector initiatives in driving innovation in carbon removal technologies.
On This Episode
Resources
"Carbon Removal Is Getting Gamified", Heatmap article from Emily Pontecorvo
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Do carbon removal suppliers and registries have a responsibility in choosing their customers, or in enforcing how their carbon removals are used? Is it better that the money go to carbon removal than alternative uses? What matters, and at which magnitudes?
In today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, host Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology, is joined by her business panelists Susan Su, a venture capitalist at Toba Capital, and Na'im Merchant, the Co-founder and Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada.
A spirited debate ensues about Shell Environmental Product's purchase of biochar credits, SWISS and Lufthansa Group's support of Climeworks, as well as the Copenhagen Airport's carbon removal portfolio purchase from Klimate.co. This type of industry interest in carbon removal, while directionally correct, can trigger debate within the carbon removal community. Many are happy for the support in scaling the new industry. Others worry it is better to maintain CDR's independence. This question is unlikely to be settled any time soon, but tune in and listen to some hot and yet considered takes on the matter.
On This Episode
Resources
The ETH Zürich report on DAC costs
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Law structures so much of our lives, but can feel inaccessible to those untrained. It is also in flux! How is the law being changed in response to climate change? Which laws can be adapted to suit our climate-changing country and world? And which are unprepared for new challenges?
Today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom is hosted by Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology. She is joined by Romany Webb, the Deputy Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at the Columbia Law School.
They discuss the evolving field of climate law, its critical role in the development of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, and the unique legal challenges presented by ocean-based CDR methods. Webb highlights the growing interest among law students in climate technology and emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in addressing climate change. The conversation delves into the complexities of international and local laws governing oceans, the innovative concept of Community Benefits Agreements for climate projects, and the positive feedback on model law proposals intended to regulate CDR activities safely.
The episode underscores the necessity of a diverse portfolio of CDR solutions to combat the climate crisis and explores the legal opportunities and challenges facing the CDR industry’s advancement.
On This Episode
Resources
Sabin Center for Change Law at the Columbia Law School
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
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Biotech trees: the new frontier
This week on Carbon Removal Newsroom, we sat down with Maddie Hall, CEO and co-founder of Living Carbon, to discuss how her company enhances the ability of photosynthetic organisms to draw down and store carbon from the atmosphere through the responsible use of biotechnology.
Listen in to hear Maddie explain how these trees are designed to absorb more carbon dioxide by leveraging C4 photosynthesis, a more efficient form of photosynthesis.
Learn about typical concerns and misconceptions regarding the risks of photosynthetically enhanced trees, and discover why tree resilience is as exciting to Living Carbon as carbon removal.
Enjoy this foray into the promising potential of biotech trees!
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Connect with Nori
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
A lot has been happening in Europe lately.To break it all down for us, we’re joined by Sebastian Manhart, senior policy advisor at Carbonfuture and Initiator and Chair of the DVNE, Germany's CDR association.The episode discusses three major topics: 1) The good, the bad, and the surprising news from the concluded trilog negotiations on the Carbon Removal Certification Framework - how did reductions make it in there?2) The EU’s proposed 2040 emissions targets which quantifies the cost of inaction at 2.4 trillion euros.
3) The Green Claims Directive, which aims to address a critical issue: 53 percent of all environmental claims in Europe are misleading, and 40 percent are unfounded.Enjoy this power session on EU policy!
On This Episode
Radhika MoolgavkarSebastian Manhart
Resources
The Carbon Removal Certification Framework: Europe's Blueprint for Net-Zero
From Greenwashing to Green Trust: The State of European Environmental Claims Regulation
Understanding Carbon Removal Policy Across Europe: An Exclusive Analysis
Tech openness letter signed by 350 companies
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
Is Large-Scale CDR Sustainable?
Two recent journal publications point to potential risks associated with large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Is 10 gigatons annually a realistic and sustainable target? Should we aim for 1 gigaton, or could 28 be feasible? What land use and energy limitations are inherent in large-scale CDR, and what policy measures could ensure a just and scientifically rigorous implementation of this emerging technology?
In this episode, our Policy Panel discusses both the potential pitfalls and the potential necessity of large-scale carbon removal, as humanity continues to emit over 40 gigatons of CO2 annually (and counting).
A must-listen for those who question the viability of CDR as well as those who believe in the "gigatons or bust" approach.
On This Episode
Resources
Science paperEnvironmental Science & Technology paperHolly's book Ending Fossil Fuels
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
What is Photochemical Carbon Removal?
In this episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom we learn how two professors from the University of Washington went from studying coral on the late Marlon Brando’s private island, to developing an energy efficient process that removes carbon dioxide from the ocean.
Join co-founders Dr. Alex Gagnon and Dr. Julian Sachs of Banyu Carbon, as they dissect their groundbreaking photochemical process. Learn how carbon dioxide is the most abundant dissolved gas in water, making it a more concentrated source than ambient air.
Discover the scalability of photochemical CDR, and why Banyu’s been gaining so much momentum lately. Could Banyu’s process end up being energy negative? In other words, will it produce more energy than is actually required to remove the carbon?
Listen now.
*A special Thank You from our guests to the Seeley Family:
“Thank you to David Seeley and his father who brought Tetiaroa to our attention in 2014 and encouraged us to take advantage of the pristine coral ecosystem there for our research. The Seeley family generously supported our research and that of several others ever since. A kind, fun, and remarkable family we are grateful to have worked with.”
On This Episode
Resources
University of Washington marine research on Tetiaroa
Activate FellowshipOcean Visions Launchpad
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
How’s the CDR economic outlook for 2024?
Sightline Climate recently reported that investment for the entire climate tech industry dropped 30% in 2023. Similarly, Pitchdeck released a report specifically outlining carbon removal's recent dip in VC funding. However, Captura just announced a $21.5 million Series A raise.
So is CDR immune to the climate tech investing downturn?
In this episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, we talk about market responses to uncertainty, the role of large offtake agreements as funding mechanisms, and what stage governments are currently at in their carbon removal journeys.
Tune in to hear about the latest CDR Market Outlook Survey, Kenya’s proposed 15-25% carbon credit export tax, and if what we really need are some experienced solar folks to jump into the CDR waters.
On This Episode
Resources
CDR Market Outlook SurveyCTVC market reportPitchdeck reportKenya’s proposed taxCarbon Removal Canada
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
What's new in carbon removal? Join us for the 2024 Carbon Removal Newsroom kickoff!
Will 2024 see the emergence of universal carbon market standards? December saw a coalition formed by leading regulatory bodies.
We unpack the implications of California Bill 1305. How does this legislation mandate transparency in voluntary carbon offset marketing? What could this mean for combating greenwashing and ensuring data reliability?
The EPA resources for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and marine solar radiation management (mSRM) are now online. How do these resources address environmental risks, and what regulatory responsibilities are outlined for safe implementation?How might common principles for high-quality carbon credits reshape industry practices, and what's the significance of transparency and public participation in this process?
Join us as our policy panel takes a look at what’s cooking for CDR in 2024.
On This Episode
Resources
Crediting Program joint statement California Bill 1305
EPA MPRSA
mCDR and mSRM online resources
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account
The world’s annual climate summit, COP28, has wrapped up in Dubai. As usual, the massive gathering will end without an all-encompassing deal to fix the climate, but with many new side deals, pledges, and announcements that are very relevant to our climate future.
Boosters and critics alike will all find lots of fodder from the past few weeks, and for better or worse carbon removal played a role in the deliberations.
On this episode, our policy panel reflects on the role CDR played at COP, and catch up on some other major industry news as we wrap up 2023 including-
-The COP deal to “transition from fossil fuels”
-Why the Article 6.4 rules on offsets were postponed
-Which countries committed to going “carbon-negative” at COP28
-Record climate capital deployed all over the world
-“Carbon Removals at COP” coalition
-Frontier’s record CDR purchase from Lithos
-The Road to Removals report
-& the panels highlights of 2023 and what they hope to see in CDR in 2024
On This Episode
Resources
‘Unabated’ fossil fuel debate
Holly’s book “Ending Fossil Fuels”
Frontier’s purchase from Lithos
RMI’s new CDR innovation report
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme twitter account
Biomass burial is a CDR methodology that we haven’t yet dug into on our show. Compared to some CDR techniques, biomass burial is a surprisingly simple approach. It involves burying wood trimmings underground to prevent decomposition and thus, the release of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Our guests today are Ning Zeng, a professor at the University of Maryland and founder of Carbon Lockdown, and Daniel Sanchez, chief scientist for biomass carbon removal and storage at Carbon Direct.
They are both developing this methodology which attempts to take advantage of nature's ability to capture CO2 in trees. By creating wood vaults in a underground oxygen-free environment - they aim to preserve carbon for potentially thousands of years.
This method has begun to garner attention from investors, offset marketplaces like Puro, and the media.
On this episode we'll explore the science behind biomass burial, its potential impact on reducing atmospheric CO2, and how it fits into the larger CDR portfolio.
On This Episode
Resources
Ning’s academic work on Wood Vault approach
Puro listing for Carbon Lockdown Potomac project
Greenbiz article about woody biomass burial
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Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme twitter account