Microsoft inks massive carbon removal deal powered by a paper mill

Tech Crunch - Apr 11th, 2025
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Microsoft has announced its purchase of 3.7 million metric tons of carbon removal credits from CO280, a project developer focusing on carbon capture at pulp and paper mills. This significant purchase is intended to cover 12 years of emissions from CO280’s inaugural carbon capture project, set to commence at a Gulf Coast mill in 2028. This move is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to become a carbon-negative company by 2030, addressing its substantial greenhouse gas emissions, which totaled 17.1 million metric tons in 2023. The collaboration with CO280 represents the first of many projects aimed at mitigating emissions through carbon capture and storage.

The project is backed by CO280's partnership with SLB Capturi, utilizing amine-based capture technology to effectively remove carbon released during the paper mill's chemical recycling process. This initiative not only aims to capture 40% of the mill's biogenic CO2 emissions but also allows the paper mill to benefit financially from carbon credit proceeds. The significance of this venture extends beyond Microsoft’s environmental goals, offering a scalable model for the pulp and paper industry, which emits 88 million metric tons of biogenic CO2 annually. Additionally, the project allows buyers to leverage tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, making carbon credits more economically attractive and fostering a market for sustainable industrial practices.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Microsoft's recent investment in carbon removal credits from CO280, highlighting the company's commitment to becoming carbon-negative by 2030. It effectively explains the technical aspects of the carbon capture process and Microsoft's environmental strategy, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could benefit from greater balance and transparency by including perspectives from independent experts and addressing potential challenges or controversies associated with the project. The reliance on company representatives as primary sources may introduce bias, and the lack of in-depth analysis limits the article's potential impact and engagement. Overall, the article is informative and relevant, but it would be strengthened by a more comprehensive exploration of the topic's complexities and implications.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims about Microsoft's purchase of carbon removal credits from CO280, the details of CO280's carbon capture project, and Microsoft's environmental goals. The claim that Microsoft is buying 3.7 million metric tons of carbon removal credits is specific and verifiable, as is the expected start date of CO280's project in 2028. However, the story lacks precise details about the financial terms of the agreement and the exact location of the mill, which are crucial for full verification. Microsoft's goal to become carbon-negative by 2030 is a well-documented corporate objective, but the story would benefit from additional context about Microsoft's current progress toward this goal. The story's accuracy is generally strong, but it would be enhanced by further corroboration from official statements or reports from Microsoft and CO280.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Microsoft's efforts and the technical aspects of CO280's carbon capture project, providing a detailed account from the perspective of the companies involved. However, it does not include perspectives from environmental experts, industry analysts, or critics, which could provide a more balanced view of the challenges and implications of such carbon capture initiatives. The absence of these viewpoints limits the article's balance, as it predominantly highlights the positive aspects of the project without addressing potential drawbacks or controversies.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively explains the technical aspects of the carbon capture process and Microsoft's environmental strategy in accessible language. However, some technical details, such as the amine process used in carbon capture, could be further clarified for readers unfamiliar with the topic. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and presents the information in a manner that is easy to understand.

6
Source quality

The article cites statements from CO280's CEO and references Microsoft's corporate goals, suggesting some level of direct sourcing. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, such as independent experts or third-party analysts, which could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The reliance on company representatives may introduce a bias, as these sources are likely to present the information in a favorable light. The article would benefit from additional authoritative sources to corroborate the claims made.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about Microsoft's environmental goals and CO280's project, but it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the carbon capture technology and the financial terms of the agreement. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as financial ties between Microsoft and CO280, which could affect the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency about the basis of the claims and the potential impact of the project would improve the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/11/microsoft-co280-carbon-removal-pulp-paper-mills
  2. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=369658http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D369658
  3. https://betakit.com/vancouver-based-co280-strikes-12-year-carbon-removal-deal-with-microsoft/
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=386703%2F
  5. https://techeconomy.ng/microsoft-commits-to-major-co2-removal-deal/