Microsoft buys first Asia carbon removal credits from Indian startup Alt Carbon via enhanced rock weathering

cnbctv18.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Microsoft has signed its first carbon removal deal in Asia, backing Indian startup Alt Carbon through an enhanced rock weathering project in Darjeeling. The deal will deliver verified Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits to Microsoft, tied to spreading crushed silicate rock on tea estate soils to accelerate natural CO2 absorption. The approach is gaining attention as a durable, land-based removal method with co-benefits for agriculture. The Darjeeling Revival Project focuses on tea estates and surrounding farmland, aiming to remove carbon at scale while improving soil health. No volume or price details were disclosed, but the deal signals growing corporate demand for engineered removal credits in Asia. For Microsoft, it adds geographic and methodological diversity to its carbon removal portfolio, which has so far concentrated on direct air capture and biochar in North America and Europe.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

First Asia deal for Microsoft using enhanced rock weathering. Alt Carbon is spreading crushed rock on tea farms in Darjeeling. No tonnage or price mentioned yet, but it adds a new method to their portfolio.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

ERW credits are still early stage. Verification will be key. How do they measure actual CO2 uptake versus natural weathering rates in a monsoon climate?

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Good question. The science is there but field measurement is tricky. Alt Carbon uses soil sampling and modeling. Would be useful to see if they publish any MRV methodology.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Worth noting this is Microsoft's first Asian CDR deal. They have been buying mostly DAC and biochar in North America. Geographic spread matters for portfolio risk.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

True. But without volume disclosure it is hard to know if this is a pilot or a serious offtake. ERW credits cost more than forestry offsets. Need to see if buyers will pay that premium at scale.