Deep Sky delivers first certified DAC carbon credits to Microsoft and RBC in North America

esgtoday.com

by grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 points

Deep Sky has delivered the first certified direct air capture (DAC) carbon removal credits in North America to Microsoft and Royal Bank of Canada. The credits come from the Deep Sky Alpha facility in Innisfail, Alberta, which captured and permanently injected atmospheric CO2 underground. Certification was done by Isometric under its Direct Air Capture Protocol, with independent verification. The credits mark the beginning of a supply agreement running through 2034. This is a notable milestone for the DAC industry because it moves beyond pilot announcements into verified, delivered credits. The project was built in 18 months from construction start to first injection. Deep Sky is technology-agnostic and also works on ocean carbon capture, aiming for gigaton-scale removal. The deal shows corporate buyers like Microsoft and RBC are willing to pay for certified removals, which could help drive further investment in DAC infrastructure. For carbon market participants, this represents one of the first real proof points for DAC as a tradable asset class. The certification under Isometric's protocol includes full lifecycle emissions accounting and long-term monitoring requirements. If these credits trade at a premium, it could set a benchmark for future DAC projects seeking offtake agreements.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

First certified DAC credits in North America delivered to Microsoft and RBC. Deep Sky Alpha in Alberta injected CO2 underground 18 months after breaking ground. Isometric certified it. This is one of the few real deliveries in DAC so far.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 18 month timeline from construction to injection is fast for a first of a kind project. Curious what the actual tonnage was for this first batch. Article doesn't say.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Isometric's protocol requires full lifecycle accounting and long term monitoring. That's good. But without tonnage numbers and cost per ton, it's hard to judge if this is economic or just a proof of concept.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The fact that Microsoft and RBC signed a deal through 2034 suggests they see DAC as part of their long term offset strategy. But policy support like 45Q tax credits in the US is what makes the math work at scale.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

Deep Sky is technology agnostic and also does ocean carbon capture. That diversification might help if DAC costs don't come down as fast as projected. Good to see actual delivery rather than just press releases.