Carbon Removal Roundup - December 28
Swiss Registry certifies biochar in concrete; Research on carbon uptake in oceans; AI for mangrove conservation; Near-zero carbon footprint carbon nanotubes; NY's Climate Change Superfund Act
In this newsletter
Swiss Registry Certifies Biochar Carbon Storage in Concrete
India promotes sustainable biomanufacturing through enzyme innovation
Modeling CO2 Storage in Limestone: Reactive Flow and Dissolution
CSIR's 2024 Sustainability and Green Initiatives in India
India's Green Recovery: Forest and Tree Cover Growth
Arctic Ocean Carbon Uptake and Acidification Research
Abu Dhabi uses AI for Mangrove Conservation
UK Protects Historic Rights of Way for Sustainable Access to Nature
New York's Climate Change Superfund Act Holds Big Oil Accountable
SM Group's Cautious Optimism and Sustainable Investments for 2025
UP Catalyst achieves near-zero carbon footprint for CNTs and graphite
New material to capture millions of tonnes of atmospheric carbon
Chevron Awarded Greenhouse Gas Assessment Permit in Australia
Brazil's Forest Code Implementation: 2024 Snapshot
Swiss Registry Certifies Biochar Carbon Storage in Concrete
(December 27)
Switzerland-based Carbon Standards International (CSI) updated its Global Biochar Carbon Sink (C-Sink) standard (version 3.1) to certify carbon removal credits for biochar in concrete, enabling long-term carbon storage (up to 1000 years with 75% carbon retention). The updated standard emphasizes durable building materials and requires biochar to meet European or World Biochar Certificate standards. DGB Group's involvement highlights their commitment to nature-based solutions and sustainable impact investing.
India promotes sustainable biomanufacturing through enzyme innovation
(December 27)
India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) conducted a webinar on "Biomanufacturing of Enzymes" a key area under the BioE3 Policy aimed at making India a global leader in bio-based innovations. The webinar involved discussions on advancements and opportunities in enzyme biomanufacturing, a sustainable process replacing chemical catalysts with eco-friendly alternatives. Experts discussed strategies to boost indigenous enzyme discovery, scale up production, and leverage technologies like synthetic biology and AI/ML for high-titer enzyme production.
Modeling CO2 Storage in Limestone: Reactive Flow and Dissolution
(December 27)
Researchers from Imperial College London, the Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA) combined laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to improve understanding of reactive flow in limestone during geological CO2 storage. They used a digital rock approach based on X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) to model CO2-saturated water and HCl solution injections, successfully reproducing changes in effluent chemistry, porosity, and permeability.
CSIR's 2024 Sustainability and Green Initiatives in India
(December 27)
India's CSIR launched a National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions, aiming to develop advanced packaging materials and improve recycling methods. Additionally, CSIR-NIIST developed Jaivam, an eco-friendly, high-speed composting technology, and CSIR-NGRI discovered a potential geothermal reservoir in Eastern Ladakh, promoting sustainable energy development. CSIR also collaborated with Airbus on green aviation fuel development and introduced an electric tiller for sustainable farming.
India's Green Recovery: Forest and Tree Cover Growth
(December 27)
India has reported a growth in forest and tree cover, increasing from 698,712 sq km in 2013 to 715,343 sq km in 2023. Fire incidents decreased from 223,333 in 2021-22 to 203,544 in 2023-24. The country achieved a carbon sink of 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, nearing its target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030. Several government schemes, such as the National Mission for a Green India (with Rs. 944.48 crore allocated), Nagar Van Yojana (Rs. 431.77 crore), and MISHTI (Rs. 17.96 crore), contributed to this progress.
Arctic Ocean Carbon Uptake and Acidification Research
(December 26)
US-based NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), in partnership with Compagnie du Ponant and other organizations, conducted research in the Arctic to monitor the ocean’s uptake of carbon and ocean acidification. The research involved collecting water samples at various depths and analyzing them to measure pH, alkalinity, and dissolved inorganic carbon. This data contributes to the Surface Ocean CO2 Reference Observing Network (SOCONET) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).
Abu Dhabi uses AI for Mangrove Conservation
(December 26)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) partnered with Nabat, a climate tech venture, to use AI and autonomous robotics for mangrove restoration in Abu Dhabi. This initiative, part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) and the Year of Sustainability, aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of mangrove restoration efforts. The collaboration leverages EAD’s ecological expertise and Nabat’s technological capabilities to achieve data-driven and impactful mangrove conservation.
UK Protects Historic Rights of Way for Sustainable Access to Nature
(December 26)
The UK government has announced the repeal of the 2031 cut-off date for recording historic rights of way, ensuring that thousands of miles of unrecorded paths will be protected and accessible to the public. Boosting access to nature is considered critical for long-term sustainable change and economic growth in rural communities.
New York's Climate Change Superfund Act Holds Big Oil Accountable
(December 26)
New York State has enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act, requiring the largest oil and gas companies to pay $75 billion over 25 years for climate change adaptation costs. This will not burden consumers, according to economists like Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. The act addresses the state’s significant climate-related expenses, estimated to exceed half a trillion dollars by 2050.
SM Group's Cautious Optimism and Sustainable Investments for 2025
(December 26)
The SM Group, Philippines’ largest mall operator, plans to expand in 2025, focusing on underserved areas and sustainable development. Their green investments include the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), producing 300 megawatts of geothermal steam; a partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. for waste-to-fuel; BDO Unibank’s PHP898-billion sustainable financing for 59 renewable energy projects; and improved logistics through 2GO.
New material to capture millions of tonnes of atmospheric carbon
(December 19)
UK-based Teesside University and the University of Edinburgh are developing CalyChar, a new carbon capture material. This material, an advanced form of hydrochar, aims to capture 3.5–5 million tonnes of CO2 in the UK and nearly 30 million tonnes globally per year by 2030, at a cost of around £100 per tonne. The project is funded by CO2RE’s Pathfinders III scheme and explores environmental impacts of using CalyChar in soil, wetlands, bio-concrete, and bio-cement.
UP Catalyst achieves near-zero carbon footprint for CNTs and graphite
(December 19)
Estonia-based UP Catalyst has achieved the lowest carbon footprint for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and one of the lowest for battery-grade graphite. Their cradle-to-gate LCA, conducted by Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and reviewed by Bureau Veritas, shows a potential to reach 0.7 kg of COâ‚‚-eq/kg for CNTs and 0.07 kg of COâ‚‚-eq/kg for graphite in large-scale production using green electricity. UP Catalyst uses CO2 emissions as feedstock and plans to construct a large industrial facility by the end of 2030.
Chevron Awarded Greenhouse Gas Assessment Permit in Australia
(December 18)
Australia-based Chevron Corporation, along with its joint venture participants Shell Australia Pty Ltd and Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, has been awarded the greenhouse gas assessment permit G-20-AP, located in the Northern Carnarvon Basin. The permit covers an area of 2,222 km2 and will allow Chevron to assess the feasibility of storing carbon dioxide in the area. This project demonstrates the potential to lower the carbon intensity of operations and potentially third-party emissions.
Brazil's Forest Code Implementation: 2024 Snapshot
(December 05)
Brazil has made progress in implementing its Forest Code, particularly in registering rural properties in the CAR and advancing the Environmental Compliance Program (PRA). The federal government's improved CAR management and the development of technological tools have supported states' efforts. However, challenges remain, including completing CAR analyses and engaging producers in the PRA.
