Google partners with Indian startup Varah for carbon dioxide removal
In a landmark agreement, Google has joined forces with Indian startup Varah to purchase carbon credits derived from innovative biochar production, marking a significant step in carbon removal technology.
In a significant development within the realm of carbon removal technology, Google has formalised an agreement with the Indian startup Varah to engage in carbon dioxide removal (CDR). This collaboration will see Google purchasing carbon credits from Varah, a company recognised for its innovative approach to transforming substantial quantities of agricultural waste into biochar—a charcoal-like substance that sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enriches the soil.
The agreement is regarded as the largest biochar-related deal to date. It highlights the increasing importance of carbon credits, which Google intends to acquire as part of its commitment to sustainability. Carbon credits are a mechanism designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through offsetting. One carbon credit corresponds to the removal or reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
Carbon credits play a pivotal role in the strategies employed by many technology companies to diminish their environmental impact. By acquiring these credits, firms are able to offset their greenhouse gas emissions associated with activities such as electricity use and employee travel. This action aligns with their broader goals of contributing to climate change mitigation. Since 2007, Google has actively purchased carbon credits, with explicit ambitions to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030. Other tech giants, such as Facebook, which committed to carbon neutrality by 2020, have similarly engaged in the carbon credit market since 2011.
Carbon credits can be procured through open market transactions or by investing in initiatives that actively reduce emissions, such as reforestation projects and renewable energy development. The revenue from sales of carbon credits is often reinvested into further projects aimed at diminishing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach enables companies to maintain their growth trajectory while simultaneously addressing their environmental obligations.
Looking ahead, the emergence of biochar as an economical alternative for carbon dioxide removal is noteworthy. Unlike more costly CDR technologies, biochar can be produced from the abundant agricultural waste generated across India. Estimates suggest that this biomass could yield enough biochar to sequester over 100 million tons of carbon dioxide, with Google targeting the purchase of 100,000 tons of carbon credits by 2030.
As part of the arrangement with Varah, agricultural waste collected from numerous small-scale farmers in India will be converted into biochar using specialised reactors. This process not only aids in carbon sequestration for extended periods but also provides a sustainable fertiliser alternative for farmers, potentially enhancing soil productivity.
While the Indian government does not mandate companies to acquire carbon credits, it has implemented regulations governing their trading. The authorities also monitor emissions levels, establishing limits for various industries and levying consequences for those that exceed these thresholds.
Carbon credits serve a dual purpose: they grant companies a means to emit carbon while concurrently generating funds directed towards initiatives that reduce atmospheric carbon levels. As more emissions correlate to a heightened demand for credits, companies are incentivised to adopt strategies that lower their carbon outputs. This dynamic creates a beneficial cycle, contributing to both environmental health and corporate accountability. However, continual neglect of carbon credit initiatives by companies may lead to escalated emissions and resultant impacts on global warming and pollution levels.
Source: Noah Wire Services