Google has taken another big step in clean energy by signing the first corporate geothermal power deal in Taiwan. This deal is part of Google’s global plan to power its offices and data centers with 24/7 carbon-free energy. It also shows how geothermal energy can be a strong and reliable source of clean electricity, especially in places like Asia, where the demand for energy is rising fast.

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy comes from the heat inside the Earth. This heat is used to create steam, which turns turbines to generate electricity. One big advantage of geothermal power is that it can run all day and night, unlike solar or wind energy, which depend on weather and sunlight. Because of this, geothermal is often called a “firm” energy source.

Taiwan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with lots of volcanic activity. That makes it a good place to use geothermal energy. However, until now, Taiwan has not made much use of this natural resource. In fact, the country currently uses only a small amount of geothermal power.

What’s the New Deal About?

Google and Baseload Capital’s new agreement is to add 10 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power to Taiwan’s electricity grid. This will double the amount of geothermal energy currently in use in the country. The power will help run Google’s data centers and offices in Taiwan.

The deal is more than just a power purchase agreement (PPA). Google is also investing money in Baseload Capital, the company building the geothermal plants. This shows Google’s long-term support for growing geothermal energy, not just in Taiwan but across Asia and the world.

The new projects could be ready by 2029. Once they are running, they will supply clean energy to Google’s local operations around the clock.

Baseload Capital’s CEO, Alexander Helling, said the agreement “shows the growing demand for 24/7 clean, firm energy.” Google’s Senior Director of Clean Energy, Michael Terrell, added by saying: 

“Through this long-term partnership with Baseload, we aim to unlock geothermal potential, driving the clean energy development needed to help decarbonize our operations and supply chains in Taiwan and globally. We hope this first corporate agreement for geothermal in Taiwan will help to scale corporate procurement for geothermal projects across the region and worldwide.”

Supporting Taiwan’s Energy Targets and Google’s 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Goal 

Taiwan has set a goal to install 6 gigawatts (GW) of geothermal energy by the year 2050. That’s a big increase from where the country stands today.

Google’s partnership with Baseload Capital will help Taiwan move toward this goal by speeding up the development of geothermal projects, creating jobs, and building local expertise in the field.

Baseload Capital’s local team, Baseload Power Taiwan, has already started exploring geothermal sites. They are working with local communities and the government to improve rules and permits, which can make it easier to start new projects.

Google has been working on clean energy for years. In 2019, the company signed its first solar energy deal in Taiwan. Now, it’s taking the next step by adding geothermal energy. This deal is part of Google’s plan to use only carbon-free energy every hour of every day, no matter where its buildings are located.

Google’s Carbon-Free Map with Data Center Operations

• RELATED: Google Invests in BlackRock’s New Green Power to Boost Taiwan’s Solar Capacity

Google has a large and growing number of data centers. These centers use a lot of electricity to run the internet, store data, and power AI tools. To keep up with rising energy needs while cutting pollution, the tech company needs strong and steady sources of clean power. Geothermal helps meet that need.

Google’s Broader Geothermal Efforts

This deal in Taiwan is just one part of Google’s work on geothermal energy. In the U.S., Google is testing a newer type of geothermal technology with a company called Fervo Energy. This version, called “enhanced geothermal,” drills deeper into the Earth and uses advanced tools to find more heat. 

The tech giant is also working with a group called Project Innerspace to study geothermal resources around the world using subsurface data.

In Australia, Google is supporting research to find out how geothermal can grow in that region, too. All these efforts are aimed at making geothermal easier and cheaper to use.

By using geothermal, Google can also reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy security, and lead the way for other companies to follow.

Clean Energy and the Tech Industry

As more companies use artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services, the demand for power keeps growing. Many of these services run in data centers, which need electricity 24/7. Solar and wind energy are important, but they don’t provide power all the time. Geothermal fills this gap by offering clean power that is always available.

That’s why experts say geothermal could play a bigger role in the future of clean energy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), geothermal provided about 15,026 MW of power in 2023. 

The same energy source could provide up to 3.5% of the world’s electricity by 2050, IRENA says. That’s not a huge number, but it’s important because it offers constant power to balance out other renewables.

Geothermal Energy Around the World

Globally, geothermal power still makes up a small share of energy. As of 2023, the world had about 16 gigawatts (GW) of geothermal capacity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The largest users are the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Turkey.

World Geothermal Capacity and Electric Generation

In Asia, countries like Japan and Indonesia have strong potential to expand geothermal energy because of their location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, high costs, strict rules, and long building times have made it hard to grow quickly.

Corporate investment, like the one from Google, could help unlock these markets by bringing money, expertise, and long-term demand. Governments, oil and gas companies, and utilities are also exploring investment opportunities in geothermal energy.

If next-generation geothermal technologies can significantly reduce costs, total global investment could reach $1 trillion by 2035 and grow to $2.5 trillion by 2050, per the IEA data. Annual investment could peak at $140 billion — more than what is currently invested in onshore wind power worldwide. 

A Pathway for Others to Follow

This deal is the first of its kind in Taiwan, but Google hopes it won’t be the last. By showing that corporate geothermal agreements are possible, Big Tech is setting an example for other companies. More corporate demand could help drive down costs, improve technology, and bring more clean energy projects to life.

If more firms follow this path, especially in high-demand areas like data centers, geothermal and other firm clean energy sources could play a much bigger role in meeting global energy needs.

• READ MORE: Why Geothermal is the Hot Ticket to Low-Carbon Data Centers?

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has canceled a $3 billion program that was made to help farmers use climate-friendly methods. This program, called the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, started during President Biden’s time. It was part of a larger plan to fight climate change by helping farmers lower their greenhouse gas emissions.

The decision to cancel it is part of a new plan under President Trump to cut back on climate programs started by the last government.

What Was the Program All About?

The USDA’s climate program gave money to 141 projects across the country. These projects were supposed to help farmers use better farming methods. 

Some of the ideas included planting cover crops, which help stop soil from washing away, and using fewer chemicals that harm the environment.

The Biden administration said the program would help over 60,000 farms and cut about 60 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050. That’s the same as taking 12 million gas cars off the road for a year. 

The projects worked with farmers, companies like Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), and groups that support crops like soybeans and rice.

Why It Was Canceled

The Trump administration said the program gave too much money to office work and not enough to actual farmers. A review showed that many projects used less than half of their money on farmers and spent the rest on paperwork, planning, or staff.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the program didn’t work well for real farmers. He said it was full of red tape and confusing rules. Rollins said some projects were built to help groups like non-profits, not the farmers who do the hard work every day.

He said the program had “ambiguous goals,” meaning it wasn’t always clear what the projects were trying to do. Farmers had to fill out a lot of paperwork, and that kept many from joining in.

In his words, “the green new scam” helped big organizations more than small farmers, saying: 

“The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs, not American farmers.”

The USDA said only some projects might continue. But they have to show that at least 65% of the money will go to farmers and that they’ve already paid a farmer by December 31, 2024. Otherwise, they will have to reapply under a new version of the program.

Supporters of the Program: Environmental and Economic Benefits

People who liked the program said it helped both farmers and the environment. The goal was to help farmers take care of their land and lower pollution from their farms. Better soil health, less erosion, and fewer chemicals can make farming more sustainable in the long term.

Supporters also said climate-smart farming could help farmers prepare for climate change, which brings more droughts, floods, and bad weather. They believed the program would help farmers be more successful and protect the planet at the same time.

A Part of a Bigger Climate Cutback

This is not the only program being cut. The Trump administration is also trying to remove or reduce other climate programs, including a $20 billion fund for projects that lower greenhouse gases. Many of these programs were started under President Biden as part of his climate plan.

• SEE MORE: Trump’s EPA Cancels $20 Billion in Climate Funding: What It Means for Clean Energy

The decision shows how different the two administrations are when it comes to climate change. Biden’s team wanted to invest in cleaner farming and green energy. Trump’s team is more focused on cutting costs, removing rules, and supporting traditional farming methods.

Some Projects May Still Move Forward

Even though the program is canceled, not all projects will stop. The USDA said projects that already sent money to farmers and use most of their funding for farming can still move forward. They must meet the new rules, like using at least 65% of the money for farm work.

There may also be a new version of the program that keeps the focus on farmers. If so, some groups can apply again and try to get funding. The USDA wants future programs to give more direct help to farmers and spend less on office work.

What This Move Means for Farmers and the Climate

Many farmers and environmental groups are worried. They say this could slow down progress on climate-friendly farming. Without government help, some farmers may not be able to afford new methods or tools that are better for the environment.

Agriculture is one of the areas most affected by climate change. As weather becomes more extreme, it can hurt crops and reduce food supply. Many experts believe helping farmers go green now can save money and protect food systems later.

Moreover, farming is a big part of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and around the world. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture made up about 10% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. 

These emissions mostly come from methane released by animals like cows, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and carbon dioxide from machines and land use changes.

Globally, the food and agriculture sector accounts for about ⅓ of total emissions, according to the United Nations. Cutting these emissions is important for fighting climate change, and programs like the one that was canceled were made to help farmers lower their impact.

A Changing Path for Climate and Farming

The end of this $3 billion program marks a big change in how the U.S. government supports climate action in farming. Some projects may continue, but the future is unclear.

The decision is part of a larger debate in the country about how much money should go toward fighting climate change, and how that money should be spent. What comes next will depend on how new programs are shaped and how much support farmers get to take care of their land while fighting the effects of climate change.

• READ MORE: Agricultural Carbon Credits and Carbon Farming Guide

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Countries from around the world agreed on a new international plan to cut pollution from ships. The deal was announced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—the United Nations agency that regulates global shipping. 

The plan is called the IMO Net-Zero Framework, and it aims to help the shipping industry reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by around 2050.

This agreement is seen by many as an important step forward. But not everyone agrees that it goes far enough. Some environmental groups say the plan has big loopholes. Others worry that it won’t reduce emissions fast enough to help limit global warming. 

Even some governments, like the United States, walked out of the negotiations, showing just how difficult it is to get global support for climate action.

Why Shipping Matters in Climate Change

Shipping is a big part of our everyday lives. About 80% of global trade happens through ships. Everything from food and clothes to electronics and cars is transported across oceans. 

But while ships are efficient at moving goods, they also burn large amounts of heavy fuel oil, which creates greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂). In 2023, international shipping emitted 706 million metric tons of CO₂, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year. ​

Currently, shipping is responsible for about 3% of all global GHG emissions. That might not sound like much, but it’s about the same as the total emissions of Germany, the world’s 4th-largest economy. And if the shipping industry continues on its current path, its emissions could double by 2050, especially as global trade increases.

Per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data, below is the industry’s emissions in 2023:

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of this development:

“The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.”

What’s in the New IMO Net-Zero Framework?

The new IMO agreement includes a few major rules to help reduce shipping emissions over time. Here are the major changes highlighted from the new framework:

1. Fuel Standards

Starting in 2027, large ships will need to meet a new global fuel standard. This rule limits the amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed per unit of fuel used. Ships will have to improve their fuel efficiency or switch to cleaner fuels like methanol, ammonia, or green hydrogen.

The IMO says the goal is to reduce fuel intensity by 43% by 2035, compared to levels in 2008. This means ships will need to become much more efficient or use fuels that release fewer emissions.

• RELEVANT: IEA Predicts 90% Drop in Shipping Emissions by 2050. Can Maersk’s Bio-Methanol Deal be a Game-Changer?

2. Emissions Pricing

Ships that emit more than the allowed levels will have to pay a fee. This is sometimes called a carbon price or emissions levy. These fees are for creating a financial incentive to cut emissions.

The exact price is still being debated, but reports suggest a starting point of $100 per ton of CO₂ above the set limits.

3. Credit Trading System

If a ship performs better than required—by using cleaner fuels or being more efficient—it can earn credits. These credits can be saved for future use or sold to other ships that exceed their limits. This system is similar to carbon credit trading programs used in other industries.

4. IMO Net-Zero Fund

Money collected from emissions fees will go into a new fund managed by the IMO. This Net-Zero Fund will help achieve the following:

• Support low-emission ship designs
• Fund research and development
• Assist developing countries with new technology
• Train workers for the green shipping transition
• Protect small island nations from rising costs

Who Supports the Deal—And Who Doesn’t?

The agreement was supported by 63 countries, including most of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and India. But 16 countries voted against it, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela. Another 25 countries abstained, including some small island nations that said the deal was not strong enough.

The United States left the talks altogether just before the vote. The Trump administration said the plan would hurt the American economy. It also warned that the U.S. might respond with “reciprocal measures” if its ships are forced to pay emissions fees.

This disagreement shows how hard it is to reach a global deal. The IMO usually works by consensus, but this time, a vote was needed—a sign of deep divisions.

Why Environmental Groups Are Concerned

Many climate and environmental groups say the deal is better than nothing—but still not enough. Here are some of the biggest concerns:

Biofuels Loophole

The agreement allows ships to use biofuels like vegetable oil, which are considered “drop-in fuels.” These fuels can be used without changing ship engines. But critics say that producing biofuels often involves cutting down forests or replacing food crops, which can cause other environmental problems.

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) says the IMO framework does not include rules to count these “indirect emissions”, unlike the EU maritime rules or aviation standards.

Missing the Net Zero Target

Some groups, like Transport & Environment (T&E), say the IMO’s current plan won’t be enough to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Their research suggests the framework could fall short of the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal, especially if many ships continue using fossil fuels or unsustainable biofuels.

They argue that stronger fuel rules, higher carbon prices, and tougher deadlines are critical to make real progress.

So, What Comes Next?

The IMO will meet again in October 2025 to officially adopt the agreement. If approved, the rules will come into effect in 2027 and apply to ships with a 5,000 gross tonnage. These large vessels account for about 85% of international shipping’s CO₂ emissions, according to the IMO.

But turning the framework into reality will take a lot of work. Shipowners will need to act on the following per IMO:

• Invest in new engines and clean fuel systems,
• Work with ports to set up fuel supply infrastructure,
• Train crews to operate new technologies, and
• Track and report their emissions accurately.

At the same time, governments must set fair and transparent rules, avoid giving unfair advantages to certain countries, and support developing nations in making the shift.

The Bigger Picture: Shipping in the Green Transition

Shipping is just one piece of the climate puzzle. But it’s an important one. If the sector can successfully shift to clean energy, it could:

• Cut millions of tons of CO₂ each year
• Boost green fuel markets, making clean energy cheaper for other sectors
• Create jobs in shipbuilding, port operations, and fuel production

According to the UNCTAD, investments of over $1 trillion may be needed to fully decarbonize the shipping industry by 2050.

The IMO agreement marks the first time a global, legally binding carbon pricing system will apply to an entire industry. It’s a big step but not the final one. For now, the seas are changing. The shipping industry is finally sailing in a cleaner direction—but the journey to net zero is just beginning.

The post Shipping Toward Net Zero Needs $1 Trillion: What’s Inside the IMO’s New Framework appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Microsoft has made a major move to address climate change by partnering with CO280, a company focused on large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The tech giant made a big announcement to buy 3.7 million metric tons of carbon removal credits from CO280. This deal is one of the largest for carbon capture so far.

The agreement will help Microsoft move closer to its goal of becoming a carbon-negative company by 2030. But what does this deal mean for the environment, and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look at the deal, the technology behind it, and its potential impact on the fight against climate change.

The CO280-Microsoft Carbon Removal Agreement

Carbon removal means capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. It stores this gas to stop it from causing global warming. It is different from carbon offsetting. While offsetting reduces emissions in other places, carbon removal lowers the total CO2 in the air.

There are various methods of carbon removal, including planting trees, soil carbon sequestration, and direct air capture. Microsoft’s deal with CO280 aims to capture carbon dioxide from pulp and paper mills. This innovative method uses current infrastructure to take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

The agreement between CO280 and Microsoft will span 12 years. It involves CO280’s first carbon capture project at a pulp and paper mill located on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The project will capture CO2 emitted during the production of paper and other products, storing it in underground geologic formations.

• CO280 will remove 3.7 million metric tons of CO2, a significant step toward Microsoft’s ambitious carbon-negative goal.

How Does the CO280 Carbon Capture Process Work?

CO280’s carbon removal process upgrades current pulp and paper mills with carbon capture technology. The removal partners with SLB Capturi, a joint venture of SLB (formerly Schlumberger) and Aker Carbon Capture, to set up the carbon capture units.

These mills use “recovery boilers” to recycle chemicals during the paper-making process. These boilers also release biogenic carbon dioxide, which was previously absorbed by the trees used in pulp production.

Normally, this carbon would be released into the atmosphere. However, with the new technology, CO280 captures the CO2 emissions before they can escape.

Once captured, the CO2 is transported via pipeline to a storage site, where it is permanently stored underground. In the first phase of the project, CO280 aims to capture about 40% of the biogenic CO2 from the mill. It also plans to capture around 30% of total CO2 emissions, including both biogenic and fossil fuel sources.

CO280’s strategy builds on the U.S. pulp and paper industry to scale CDR efficiently. Key advantages include:

• Rapid Scalability:
  U.S. pulp and paper mills emit 88 Mt of biogenic CO2 yearly, which the company targets. CO280 reduces cost and risk by retrofitting existing mills with carbon capture, using current infrastructure and biomass supply chains. Standardized designs and financing speed up replication.

• Sustainable Biomass Use:
  97% of wood goes to SFI-certified mills; 90% to mills certified by both SFI and FSC. Many rely on residual biomass and recycled content. All CO280 projects meet top voluntary carbon market sustainability standards.

• Energy Efficiency:
  Projects use waste heat and/or waste biomass to run capture systems, lowering emissions and boosting sustainability.

• Close to Carbon Storage:
  Over 75% of U.S. mills are within 100 miles of CO2 storage sites. A growing U.S. pipeline and storage network supports permanent, safe CO2 sequestration.

How important is this deal for Microsoft?

This deal is a major milestone for Microsoft and the carbon removal industry. Microsoft has been working to reduce its carbon footprint for years, purchasing renewable energy and making other efforts to reduce emissions.

However, some emissions are impossible to eliminate, and this is where carbon removal comes into play. By purchasing carbon removal credits, Microsoft is helping to balance out the emissions it can’t avoid.

This deal also plays a significant role in scaling up carbon removal technologies. The project is one of several CO280 is developing, with the goal of capturing millions of metric tons of CO2 by 2030. The success of this project could help pave the way for more large-scale carbon removal efforts in other industries.

• RELATED: Microsoft and Carbon Direct Set New Standards for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

The Pulp and Paper Industry in Net Zero

One of the most interesting aspects of CO280’s approach is that it uses existing infrastructure to capture carbon. The pulp and paper industry is a significant emitter of CO2, releasing around 88 million metric tons of biogenic CO2 annually. 

And CO280’s technology could help scale carbon removal in the industry. It retrofits mills with carbon capture tech that creates a scalable and cost-effective way to capture emissions.

The Role of CO280 and SLB Capturi

CO280, founded in 2021, focuses on developing large-scale carbon removal projects. The company partners with pulp and paper mills, as well as other businesses, to capture CO2 and create carbon credits that can be sold in the voluntary carbon market.

CO280’s partnership with Microsoft is one of the largest agreements to date and could serve as a model for future projects.

To implement the carbon capture process, CO280 works with SLB Capturi, a leading provider of carbon capture technology. SLB Capturi captures CO2 from industrial emissions using an amine-based process. This method is proven and widely used in the energy sector.

Captured CO2 is transported to storage sites. There, it gets stored permanently in underground formations.

The Broader Picture: Tackling Climate Change

The agreement between Microsoft and CO280 is part of a broader effort to reduce global CO2 emissions. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says the world must remove 10 billion metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere every year by 2050. This is key to meeting global climate goals. Microsoft’s carbon removal deal is a significant step in this direction.

The partnership between CO280 and Microsoft is just the beginning. CO280 is working on additional projects with pulp and paper mills, with plans to capture millions of tons of CO2 by 2030. Microsoft’s investment in these projects will boost carbon removal technology and global decarbonization efforts. 

• READ MORE: Top 4 Carbon Removal Stocks Set to Suck Up and Cash In

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