One Carbon Rulebook? GHG Protocol and ISO Join Forces to Rewrite Global Emissions Reporting

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One Carbon Rulebook? GHG Protocol and ISO Join Forces to Rewrite Global Emissions Reporting

Companies around the world have spent years measuring their greenhouse gas emissions, but many still face the same problem. Different reporting standards can produce different results.

A company may calculate its emissions one way under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and another under ISO standards. That makes it harder for investors, regulators, and customers to compare companies fairly. This could soon change.

The GHG Protocol and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have announced plans to develop one interoperable global greenhouse gas accounting framework. The new effort will combine the strengths of both systems to create a more consistent way of measuring and reporting emissions worldwide.

The partnership is part of a broader update at the GHG Protocol. The organization is modernizing its corporate standards. It is also strengthening governance and adding a new independent process for setting standards. This change aims to meet the rising demand for reliable carbon accounting.

One Global Standard Could Cut Complexity

Carbon reporting has become much more complicated in recent years. The GHG Protocol is the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas accounting system.

According to the organization, 97% of Fortune Global 500 companies that report emissions use its standards. At the same time, ISO develops international standards that governments, businesses, and certification bodies use across many industries.

Both systems are widely trusted, but they were created separately.

As climate reporting has expanded, many companies now have to follow several reporting frameworks at once. A big multinational company can report under the GHG Protocol. It can also meet ISO standards, national rules, investor needs, and voluntary reporting programs.

That takes more time, increases costs, and often creates confusion. The new joint standard aims to simplify the process. Instead of following different accounting methods, companies could use one common approach to calculate and report emissions.

This consolidation merges ISO 14064-1 with GHG Protocol’s Scope 1, 2, 3, and Actions and Market Instruments (AMI) standards. By unifying these frameworks, businesses can track emissions more efficiently. Additionally, a single, coordinated public consultation process ensures more meaningful feedback from stakeholders.

Tim Mohin, CEO of GHG Protocol, noted:

“A consolidated corporate standard represents a significant step toward integrating and harmonizing greenhouse gas accounting across the world. For the organizations applying these standards to measure their greenhouse gas emissions, a single corporate standard will simplify reporting, reduce duplication, and provide greater consistency across markets and jurisdictions. This will in turn allow companies to spend more time reducing emissions.”

Carbon Reporting Is Becoming a Business Requirement

This change comes as carbon reporting becomes a normal part of doing business. More companies are setting net-zero targets, measuring emissions, and reporting climate risks than ever before. They need data that is accurate, consistent, and easy to compare.

The pressure to report emissions continues to grow.

cdp companies disclosing climate data
Source: CDP

According to CDP, a record 24,800 companies disclosed environmental data through its platform in 2024. Businesses are getting ready for new disclosure rules in key markets. This includes the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California’s climate laws. These laws require many large companies to report on their greenhouse gas emissions, including parts of their value chains.

Global reporting standards are also becoming more aligned.

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) launched the IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures standard. This standard is based on greenhouse gas accounting for climate reporting. Many jurisdictions are now adopting or considering ISSB standards, increasing the need for consistent emissions data worldwide.

The biggest challenge, however, remains Scope 3 emissions.

These emissions come from suppliers, customers, transportation, purchased goods, and product use rather than a company’s own operations. For many businesses, Scope 3 represents the largest share of their climate footprint.

  • In some industries, it accounts for more than 90% of total emissions, according to the GHG Protocol.

Measuring those emissions accurately has proven difficult because companies depend on data from hundreds or even thousands of suppliers.

That is one reason why the GHG Protocol and ISO believe a common, unified global framework has become increasingly important. Improving consistency can boost reporting quality. It can also cut confusion and make emissions data more useful for investors, regulators, and businesses.

Better Carbon Data Could Strengthen Carbon Markets

A single global accounting standard could also strengthen carbon markets.

Carbon credits depend on accurate emissions data. When companies calculate emissions in different ways, it gets harder to measure reductions. This makes it tough to set climate targets and figure out how many carbon credits are needed.

global carbon credit market size 2030

That is becoming more important as carbon markets continue to grow. Compliance carbon markets could hit up to $500 billion by 2030, while voluntary markets could reach $40 billion by the same period. 

Meanwhile, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is creating new international carbon markets. More countries are developing rules to trade carbon credits across borders. Accurate emissions accounting is key. It helps measure credits consistently and prevents double counting.

A common global reporting standard could help provide that foundation. Over time, the standard could improve consistency across carbon credit projects and support higher-quality carbon markets.

A New Foundation for Net Zero Reporting

GHG Protocol and ISO carbon accounting

The new standards will take time to develop. The GHG Protocol and ISO said they will follow an open standards development process with public consultations and technical reviews. Businesses, governments, investors, scientists, and other stakeholders will all have opportunities to provide feedback before the standards are finalized.

If completed, these changes would mark one of the biggest updates to corporate carbon accounting in more than 20 years. The goal is simple: make emissions reporting easier, more consistent, and more useful around the world.

That would reduce reporting costs, improve the quality of emissions data, and make climate disclosures easier to compare across companies and countries.

It could also strengthen other climate initiatives. Organizations such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) all rely on credible emissions data to support corporate net-zero claims and high-integrity carbon markets.

For businesses, the benefits are clear: less time dealing with different reporting rules and more time reducing emissions. For investors, it means more reliable climate data.

And for carbon markets, it could provide a stronger foundation for measuring emissions, tracking progress, and building trust as the world moves toward a low-carbon economy.

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Apple (AAPL Stock) Revenue Hits Record as Carbon-Neutral Goal Moves Closer

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Apple (AAPL Stock) Revenue Hits Record as 2030 Carbon-Neutral Goal Moves Closer

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) delivered another strong quarter, beating Wall Street expectations as iPhone sales rebounded and services reached another record. However, the company’s biggest long-term story may not be its latest devices. It is building a business that aims to grow while cutting its carbon footprint.

That strategy is becoming more important as technology companies invest billions of dollars in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and advanced chips. These technologies need more electricity, more data centers, and more raw materials.

Investors are now watching not only how fast companies grow, but also how they manage rising energy use and emissions. Apple believes it can do both.

Apple Beats Expectations as Revenue Reaches New High 

The iPhone maker reported $109.4 billion in revenue for its fiscal third quarter ended June 27, 2026, up 16% from a year earlier. It was the company’s highest June-quarter revenue ever, as shown in its financial statement below.

Apple 3rd quarter 2026 financial results
Source: Apple

Net income also climbed 27% to $29.8 billion, while diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 29% to $2.02, both setting new June-quarter records. The results were stronger than Wall Street expected, driven by solid growth across most of Apple’s major businesses.

Growth was broad across Apple’s global business. Revenue rose in all regions:

  • Americas: $45.8 billion
  • Europe: $29.4 billion
  • Greater China: $18.8 billion
  • Japan: $6.6 billion
  • Rest of Asia Pacific: $8.9 billion

The iPhone remained Apple’s biggest source of revenue, generating $54 billion, up 22% from the same quarter last year. Services reached another all-time high at over $30 billion, growing 12% year over year.

earnings by region and product
Source: Apple

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook remarked:

“Today, Apple is proud to report our strongest June quarter ever, with double-digit revenue growth across iPhone, Mac and Services, and in every geographic segment.”

He also highlighted continued progress in Apple Intelligence, saying the company is expanding AI features across more products and platforms.

How Apple Stock Reacted

Investors welcomed the results. Apple (AAPL) stock went up in after-hours trading after the earnings release. The revenue and earnings were better than expected, easing worries about slowing consumer demand.

However, the gains did not last. Apple shares dropped in after-hours trading. Management warned that supply limits on advanced memory chips might affect iPhone production in the next quarter.

Apple stock AAPL price

The company also projected September-quarter revenue growth of 9% to 11%, below Wall Street’s expectations of about 12%. Investor sentiment was weighed down by concerns about slower Services growth, despite Apple’s record revenue and earnings in the June quarter.

Why Apple’s Climate Strategy Is Also a Growth Strategy

Apple’s strong financial results come as the company continues to make progress toward its climate goals.

Apple aims to cut emissions not just in its offices, but throughout its entire value chain. This sets it apart from many tech companies that only focus on their own operations. That includes suppliers, manufacturing, transportation, product use, and recycling.

The company reports a reduction of over 60% in its gross greenhouse gas emissions since 2015. This progress helps it move closer to its Apple 2030 goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its business, supply chain, and product life cycle.

Apple carbon neutrality 2030 progress
Source: Apple

Much of that progress comes from cleaner manufacturing.

According to Apple’s latest Environmental Progress Report, more than 320 suppliers have committed to using 100% renewable electricity for Apple production. Together, they now support over 18 gigawatts of renewable energy worldwide.

The big tech estimates these projects avoided more than 21 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 alone.

The company is also expanding its use of recycled materials. Many Apple products now include recycled aluminum, cobalt, rare earth elements, gold, lithium, and steel. These efforts reduce demand for newly mined materials while lowering emissions from manufacturing.

Apple has powered its own corporate operations with 100% renewable electricity since 2018. Today, the bigger challenge is helping suppliers make the same transition, because manufacturing remains the largest source of the company’s emissions.

That strategy reflects a broader shift across the technology industry. As companies enhance AI systems and create advanced devices, cutting emissions in global supply chains is now as crucial as boosting product performance.

Apple financial earnings 2026 and emissions cuts

Using Carbon Credits for Remaining Emissions

Apple also uses carbon credits, but only after reducing as many emissions as possible. The tech giant reported that it retired high-quality, nature-based carbon credits in 2025 to offset a small share of emissions that it cannot yet eliminate.

The company’s portfolio includes:

  • The Lumin/Eucapine reforestation project in Uruguay, which retired 422,395 metric tons of CO₂e (2020 vintage), and
  • The Windrock Improved Forest Management project in the United States, which retired 319,785 metric tons of CO₂e (2022 vintage).

These projects restore forests, improve land management, and increase long-term carbon storage while protecting biodiversity.

Apple says its priority remains cutting emissions at the source through renewable electricity, recycled materials, lower-carbon manufacturing, and cleaner supply chains. Carbon credits are used only to address the limited emissions that remain as the company works toward its goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire value chain by 2030.

The Electronics Industry Is Under Pressure to Cut Emissions

Apple is not the only technology company working to lower emissions. The industry faces growing pressure as demand rises for AI devices, smartphones, and cloud services.

According to the International Energy Agency, electricity use from data centers could more than double by 2030, reaching about 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) each year. At the same time, electronics manufacturing depends on energy-intensive materials such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements.

Apple is responding by focusing on its supply chain, where most of its emissions occur. More than 320 suppliers have committed to using 100% renewable electricity for Apple production. This supports over 18 gigawatts of clean energy worldwide.

renewable energy profile 2025
Source: Apple

Apple reports that these projects avoided over 21 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. This effort helped reduce emissions and improved the efficiency and resilience of its supply chain.

Can Apple Reach Carbon Neutral by 2030?

Apple has made significant progress, but its biggest challenge still lies ahead.

Most of the company’s emissions come from manufacturing and suppliers rather than its own offices. That means reaching its 2030 carbon-neutral goal will depend heavily on thousands of suppliers around the world continuing to reduce emissions.

The company has already shown that progress is possible. Gross greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by more than 60% since 2015, even as Apple has continued to grow its business.

Revenue hit a record high this June quarter. The company also grew its renewable energy, increased recycled materials, and partnered with more suppliers to reduce emissions.

For Apple stock investors, that sends an important message. The company’s latest earnings show that financial growth and climate action can move together.

Apple believes that building a lower-carbon business is not separate from growth—it is becoming one of the ways to achieve it.

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Mastercard Grew Revenue 16% While Slashing Total Emissions 46%, Here’s How

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Mastercard Grew Revenue 16% While Slashing Total Emissions 46%, Here's How

Many companies have set net-zero goals, but fewer have shown that they can grow while cutting emissions. Mastercard is one of them. The company says it exceeded its 2025 climate targets by reducing absolute total GHG emissions by 46% from 2016 levels. 

Over the same period, net revenue grew 16%. In 2025 alone, Mastercard cut total emissions by another 1%, marking its third straight year of lower emissions while the business continued to expand.

Mastercard says these results show that companies do not have to choose between growth and climate action.

“Decoupling emissions from growth is possible,” wrote Ellen Jackowski, the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and Adam Tenzer, Senior Vice President of Data and Governance. Jackowski also said:

“We certainly recognize that the pathway to net zero is not linear, and — especially as we look at some of the increasing compute power, data centers and AI capabilities that we need to continue to build — we’re watching very carefully and managing how to add the compute capability that we need, while managing to stay very actively on track towards our net-zero goal.”

Net Zero Is Now a Business Issue

Climate targets have become part of mainstream business strategy. The achievement matters because investors are asking tougher questions. They no longer want companies to announce climate goals. They want proof that those goals are producing real results.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) says more than 10,000 companies now have approved science-based emissions reduction targets or commitments. At the same time, CDP reported that a record 24,800 companies disclosed environmental data in 2025.

Both numbers show that businesses face growing pressure to measure and reduce their climate impact. Mastercard has gone a step further.

Its net-zero target for 2040 has been validated by the SBTi and covers Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions across its entire value chain. That is important because, for many companies, most emissions come from suppliers rather than their own offices or facilities.

Mastercard’s own emissions profile shows this challenge clearly. According to its latest reporting:

  • Suppliers account for 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Data centers produce about 61% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
  • Technology goods and services make up about one-third of Scope 3 emissions.

Those numbers show why the company emphasizes technology and supply chains. It’s not just about office buildings or business travel.

Mastercard total GHG emissions 2025
Source: Mastercard

Mastercard also continued to make steady progress in 2025. According to its 2025 Report, the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions fell to 512,781 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) from 515,981 tCO₂e in 2024, a decline of about 0.6% year over year.

Smarter Technology Is Driving Bigger Emissions Cuts

Mastercard says better technology has become one of its biggest climate tools. The financier developed a patent-pending Sustainability Score that measures the environmental impact of every technology product and infrastructure asset.

The system tracks electricity use, regional carbon intensity, server utilization, and hardware life-cycle data. Engineers use the information to improve efficiency before new systems go live.

  • The company has also changed how it builds software.

Its Software Engineering Guild, which includes thousands of engineers, now follows guidance from the Green Software Foundation.

The goal is simple: design applications that use less computing power and less electricity. These practices are now part of Mastercard’s internal engineering standards.

  • The company is also reducing energy use inside its data centers.

Since 2024, it has decommissioned more than 3,700 servers and other hardware devices that were underused.

Hardware retirements in the first quarter of 2026 nearly doubled compared with a year earlier. The company is expanding dynamic power management. This lets servers adjust their electricity use automatically as workloads change.

  • Renewable electricity remains another key part of the strategy.

Mastercard has maintained carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020 through emissions reductions and renewable electricity. In 2025, the company bought or made almost 118,864 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity. This amount was enough to power its global operations and cut back on fossil fuels.

Mastercard renewable energy
Source: Mastercard

Together, these efforts show how the company is trying to reduce emissions across its operations while keeping its business growing. The next challenge will be cutting the much larger emissions that come from suppliers and the wider technology value chain.

The Hardest Emissions Are Still Ahead

Mastercard has made strong progress, but the company knows its biggest challenge is not inside its own buildings. It is across its supply chain.

According to the company’s latest Impact Report, suppliers produce 75% of Mastercard’s total greenhouse gas emissions. That makes supplier engagement one of the company’s biggest priorities on its path to net zero.

Mastercard 2025 ghg emissions by source
Source: Mastercard

Mastercard now works with suppliers to improve emissions reporting, increase renewable energy use, and set science-based climate targets. The global payments company also partnered with Greenpixie, a specialist in cloud sustainability, to improve carbon reporting across cloud and co-location providers.

The partnership helps Mastercard measure electricity use and emissions more consistently across different vendors. This is becoming increasingly important as businesses move more computing workloads to the cloud.

Why Energy Efficiency Is Becoming the New Climate Advantage

Buying renewable electricity is no longer enough. Companies are now looking for ways to reduce the amount of energy they use in the first place.

Mastercard’s strategy reflects that shift. Instead of focusing only on renewable power, the company is redesigning software, improving server performance, and retiring underused hardware. These steps reduce electricity demand before renewable energy is added.

This approach is gaining support across the technology sector. The Green Software Foundation includes members like Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, and Mastercard. It promotes software design to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

As AI, cloud computing, and digital payments expand, efficient software is becoming an important part of corporate climate strategies.

Mastercard Grew Revenue 16% While Slashing Total Emissions 46%, Here's How

Can More Companies Follow Mastercard’s Playbook?

Mastercard’s latest results show that emissions reductions and business growth can happen at the same time.

The company has already exceeded its 2025 climate targets. It has been carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020. It is also on track to meet its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.

The outlook for digital payments also remains strong. The Worldpay Global Payments Report 2025 says global spending via digital payments will hit around $33.5 trillion by 2030. This is a rise from $18.7 trillion in 2024.

Digital wallets are expected to account for nearly half of all e-commerce payments and about 40% of in-store transactions by the end of the decade. As cash use drops and online shopping rises, payment networks like Mastercard can grow. It’s crucial to keep cutting emissions while managing more digital transactions.

While the hardest work in cutting emissions still lies ahead, Mastercard offers an important example for other companies.

Its experience shows that climate action is no longer limited to switching to renewable electricity. Better software, smarter engineering, cleaner supply chains, and more efficient data centers are becoming just as important.

As more businesses invest in AI, cloud computing, and digital services, the companies that reduce both emissions and energy use may be best positioned to grow in a low-carbon economy.

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Meta Q2 2026 Earnings: AI Drives 28% Revenue Growth as Clean Energy Investments Expand

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Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) reported strong revenue growth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) boosts its advertising business. However, profits dipped in Q2 2026 due to legal charges and restructuring costs.

Meta continues to invest in AI infrastructure, renewable energy, battery storage, nuclear power, and carbon reduction. These efforts align with its strategy to build energy-intensive AI data centers and achieve net-zero emissions.

Meta’s Q2 2026 earnings: Revenue up 28%

Meta’s revenue for the second quarter hit $60.8 billion, a 28% increase from $47.52 billion last year. This surpassed Wall Street’s estimate of $60.22 billion, driven by strong digital advertising and user engagement.

Despite the revenue growth, net income fell to $15.85 billion, or $6.18 per share, down from $18.34 billion, or $7.14 per share, a year prior. Analysts had expected earnings of $7.19 per share, so Meta missed profit estimates despite higher sales.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO, stated that AI is now the company’s major growth driver.

“AI is accelerating our core business today. It powers our next generation of products and opens new enterprise opportunities. We already see positive results and are optimistic about the future.”

meta revenue earnings

AI enhances Meta’s advertising business

AI is increasingly crucial across Meta’s apps, improving ad performance and user engagement. In June 2026, the company’s Family Daily Active People (DAP) reached 3.60 billion, a 3% rise from last year.

Meta also reported:

  • Ad impressions grew 14% year over year.
  • Average ad prices increased 12%.
  • Instagram now has over 2 billion daily active users.
  • Threads reached 500 million monthly active users.

These numbers indicate strong advertiser spending on Meta’s platforms, with AI helping users engage more on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Meta is rapidly integrating generative AI into its advertising platform. This allows businesses to create marketing campaigns more quickly and improve targeting.

Legal costs and layoffs reduce profits

Although revenue remained strong, Meta’s expenses rose sharply during the quarter. Total costs and expenses climbed 55% to $42.03 billion.

The increase was largely driven by:

  • $2.40 billion in legal-related charges.
  • $1.18 billion in severance costs following workforce reductions announced in May 2026.

These one-time expenses significantly reduced quarterly earnings. The company noted that ongoing legal and regulatory cases, including several youth-related lawsuits in the United States, could continue affecting future financial results

Aggressive AI investments continue

Meanwhile, Meta continued investing aggressively in AI infrastructure. Capital expenditures reached $31.08 billion during the quarter, highlighting the enormous cost of building next-generation AI data centers.

  • The company generated $31.86 billion in operating cash flow, while free cash flow totaled $784 million after accounting for its large capital investments.

Higher Spending, Strong Outlook

Looking ahead, Meta expects third-quarter revenue of $61 billion to $64 billion, with foreign exchange expected to reduce year-over-year growth by about 1%.

The company also raised the lower end of its full-year expense forecast to $165 billion-$169 billion, mainly reflecting the legal charges recorded in the second quarter.

Meta narrowed its 2026 capital expenditure outlook to $130 billion-$145 billion, compared with its previous guidance of $125 billion-$145 billion, as it continues investing heavily in AI infrastructure. Despite the higher spending, management expects 2026 operating income to remain above 2025 levels.

Meta Stock Drops Despite Revenue Rise 

Meta’s stock fell about 6–10% as investors reacted to weaker-than-expected earnings per share (EPS), a 91% drop in free cash flow, and higher spending plans for AI infrastructure.

Although revenue rose 28%, many analysts remain positive about Meta’s long-term growth. However, investors now want clearer proof that the company’s heavy AI investments will generate stronger profits and improve cash flow.

meta stock
Source: Google Finance

Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Power Portfolio

Meta has become one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable electricity. In 2025, it was the largest corporate clean energy buyer, securing contracts for about 10.24 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity.

The company aims for 100% renewable energy for its offices and data centers while pursuing net-zero emissions by 2030.

To support AI operations, it is diversifying its clean energy sources.

  • Nuclear power: The company collaborates with developers for 1 GW to 4 GW of new nuclear capacity in the U.S., ensuring reliable, carbon-free power for AI data centers.
  • Geothermal energy: Meta is partnering with Sage Geosystems for up to 150 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power, providing consistent clean electricity.
  • Solar and wind: Meta expanded its partnership with Invenergy, covering 791 MW of projects in Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. This boosts their renewable energy collaboration to about 1.8 GW.
  • Long-duration battery storage: Partnering with Noon Energy, Meta plans to develop 1 GW / 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of long-duration battery storage, including a 25 MW / 2.5 GWh pilot project for improved electricity reliability.
  • Space-based solar power: Meta is exploring technologies with Overview Energy, potentially providing 1 GW of power from space-based solar systems.

Climate Strategy for Carbon Emissions

Alongside renewable energy efforts, Meta is cutting emissions in its operations and supply chain. The company reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions by about 6 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) in 2024.

  • Meta also utilized Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) to lower Scope 3 emissions linked to fuel use, devices, and remote work, cutting another 1.4 million metric tons of CO₂e.

Overall, its renewable energy strategy has helped avoid or reduce around 23.8 million metric tons of CO₂e since 2021.

meta clean energy portfolio
Source: Meta

As AI computing grows, Meta’s financial health increasingly hinges on balancing infrastructure investments with reliable low-carbon electricity supplies. Rising legal costs affected Q2 profits. Still, strong revenue growth, expanding AI capabilities, and bold clean energy investments position Meta for future growth and climate goals.

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Frontier Infrastructure Holdings and Carbonfuture Announce Largest Ethanol BECCS Carbon Credit Agreement

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Demand for permanent carbon removal is increasing. Companies aim to achieve net-zero goals by scaling projects that pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Frontier Infrastructure Holdings, a U.S. developer of low-carbon infrastructure in the Mountain West and Texas, has partnered with Germany-based Carbonfuture, a leader in durable carbon removal.

Together, they inked the largest ethanol bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) carbon removal agreement ever. This multi-year partnership will provide 750,000 durable carbon removal credits from Frontier’s Project Sprint to global corporate buyers through Carbonfuture’s marketplace.

This agreement highlights the growing need for high-quality carbon removal that stores carbon underground rather than simply avoiding emissions.

beccs
Source: IETA

Project Sprint to Supply 750,000 Carbon Removal Credits

Explaining further, Carbonfuture will market 750,000 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from Frontier’s ethanol BECCS project, Project Sprint, through this collaboration.

The goal is to connect corporate buyers with verified, durable carbon removals before the project begins operations. This agreement also gives buyers early access to future supplies in a market with limited long-term availability.

They aim to begin permanently storing carbon dioxide in the fourth quarter of 2027.

How it Works?

  • Project Sprint captures biogenic CO₂ produced during ethanol production, keeping it out of the atmosphere.
  • The captured carbon dioxide will be transported via Frontier’s CO₂-by-rail network, linking ethanol plants in the U.S. Midwest to storage sites in Wyoming.

Using rail allows ethanol producers to enter carbon removal markets sooner. Once delivered, the CO₂ will be injected into deep underground formations for permanent storage.

The carbon removals will be certified under Puro.earth’s Geologically Stored Carbon (GSC) Methodology, with Mangrove Systems overseeing monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV).

This method aims to provide buyers with high-confidence carbon removal credits backed by permanent storage.

Frontier Infrastructure’s BECCS Facility

FRONTIER ethanol
Source: Frontier Infrastructure Holdings

Why Ethanol BECCS Is Gaining Attention

BECCS combines renewable biomass with carbon capture technology.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. When biomass like corn is processed into ethanol, that carbon is released. Capturing and storing those emissions creates net-negative emissions, meaning more carbon is removed than emitted.

Ethanol facilities are ideal for BECCS since they produce relatively pure CO₂ streams. This makes capture more affordable than in industries like cement or steel.

As governments strengthen carbon policies and companies pursue climate targets, ethanol BECCS is seen as a scalable source of durable carbon removal.

Durable Carbon Removal Demand Keeps Rising

The Frontier-Carbonfuture agreement comes as demand for permanent carbon removal grows, even amid downturns in voluntary carbon markets.

According to Sylvera’s Q2 2026 Carbon Data Snapshot, disclosed carbon removal volumes dropped sharply in the first half of 2026. This decline largely reflects lower purchases from Microsoft, not overall market weakness.

Sylvera estimates that companies following the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) may need around 55 million carbon credits annually by 2030. If more companies strengthen their climate goals, demand could exceed 1 billion carbon credits a year by 2035.

carbon credits carbon market sylvera

This expected demand far surpasses today’s supply of durable removals.

Supply Remains the Biggest Challenge

Despite rising buyer interest, permanent carbon removal projects are still scarce.

The latest State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report found that most global carbon removal comes from traditional methods like forests and soil management. Newer methods, such as:

  • BECCS
  • direct air capture
  • biochar
  • enhanced weathering and mineralization

They account for less than 1% of total carbon removal worldwide.

Sylvera also notes that the market increasingly rewards high-quality, durable projects. Buyers pay premiums for credits with strong verification, while investment-grade credits gain market share.

This tightening supply encourages companies to secure future carbon removals before projects begin. This helps developers finance construction while ensuring buyers access to limited future supplies.

Growing Competition for High-Integrity Credits

Large tech companies now lead the durable carbon removal market. They are signing agreements for millions of tons in BECCS, direct air capture, and biochar projects.

As more industries aim for net-zero goals, the competition for verified removals will increase. Buyers now prefer projects with permanent storage, clear monitoring, and independent verification instead of cheaper avoidance credits.

Frontier’s deal with Carbonfuture illustrates this shift. They combine carbon capture tools, rail transport, geological storage, and clear certification standards. Their goal is to provide a steady supply of high-quality carbon removal credits. This is crucial in a market facing major supply challenges.

If Project Sprint starts operations on time in late 2027, it could be one of North America’s largest ethanol-based BECCS projects. This will boost lasting carbon removals as corporate climate demands rise.

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Verra Approves Rwanda’s 5.69 Million Article 6 Carbon Credits, A Major Boost for Clean Cooking

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Rwanda has reached an important milestone in the global carbon market. The country has completed the accounting needed to authorize 5.69 million carbon credits from the DelAgua Clean Cooking Grouped Project under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

The credits can now be traded internationally with a Corresponding Adjustment. This accounting rule prevents the same emissions reductions from being counted by both Rwanda and the country or company buying the credits.

The credits are also eligible for use under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the global carbon market created by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

One of Africa’s Largest Cookstove Projects

This is one of the largest cookstove credit authorizations completed under Article 6 so far. It shows that Article 6 is moving from planning to real market activity.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has finalized and submitted the accounting records needed to track these emissions reductions at the national level. Verra has now accepted those records, confirming that the process meets the international requirements for Article 6 transfers.

The authorization covers 5,690,481 carbon credits generated between 2021 and 2024 from three DelAgua clean cooking projects:

  • Clean Cooking Grouped Project – VCS 2749 with 551,326 tCO₂e.
  • Improved Cookstove Grouped Project – VCS 3699 with 1.73 million tCO₂e.
  •  Clean Cooking Grouped Project in Rwanda – VCS 4150, which accounts for 3.40 million tCO₂e.

By recording these credits in Rwanda’s official greenhouse gas accounts, the country has confirmed that the associated emissions reductions have been transferred internationally and will not also count toward its own climate targets.

The milestone is important for everyone involved. It gives buyers more confidence in the quality of the credits and opens new markets for project developers. It also helps countries like Rwanda attract more climate finance while supporting their national climate goals.

Euan McDougall, CEO of DelAgua Group, remarked:

“We are proud to stand alongside the Government of Rwanda in demonstrating what is possible when project developers and host governments are fully aligned. For the market, this sets a benchmark while for our buyers, it provides the assurance they have rightly demanded.”

The carbon credits come from one of the biggest clean cooking programs in Africa.

Rwanda Completes the Full Article 6 Accounting Process

The DelAgua Clean Cooking Grouped Project has distributed 1.8 million improved cookstoves to households across Rwanda since 2016. According to DelAgua, the program now reaches about one-quarter of Rwanda’s population.

The project replaces traditional three-stone fires with fuel-efficient wood-burning stoves. These cooking tools use much less firewood and produce far less smoke inside homes.

Rwanda cookstoves carbon project DelAgua
Source: DelAgua

The benefits go beyond cutting emissions.

  • DelAgua estimates the project has avoided more than 19 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent since it began.
  • Families spend less time collecting firewood, helping reduce pressure on Rwanda’s forests.
  • Cleaner indoor air also lowers exposure to harmful smoke, which can cause lung and heart diseases.
  • The project also creates jobs. Local workers help distribute the stoves, train households, monitor results, and support communities.

Carbon finance makes the program possible.

Instead of asking families to pay the full cost of the stoves, money from carbon credit sales helps cover distribution, monitoring, and long-term support. This allows many low-income households to receive cleaner cooking technology at little or no upfront cost.

Billions of People Still Lack Clean Cooking

Rwanda’s project addresses a global problem.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 2.1 billion people still cook with wood, charcoal, animal dung, or agricultural waste. Most live in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to clean cooking has not kept pace with population growth. People without access increased by around 14 million in 2024.

Population cooking by fuel and by region in sub-Saharan Africa, 2024
Source: IEA

The health impacts are serious.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that household air pollution causes about 3.2 million premature deaths every year. Women and children are most affected because they spend more time near cooking fires.

Traditional cooking also affects the environment. Burning wood and charcoal contributes to forest loss, releases black carbon and other pollutants, and increases greenhouse gas emissions.

The IEA estimates that to give everyone clean cooking access by 2030, the world needs about $8 billion each year. This amount is much higher than what we currently fund.

That funding gap has made carbon markets increasingly important. The Clean Cooking Alliance says carbon finance has become one of the biggest sources of private funding for clean cooking projects.

Revenue from carbon credit sales helps developers:

  • Distribute efficient stoves
  • Maintain projects
  • Measure climate and social benefits over the years

Rwanda’s latest approval shows how this market is changing. Projects that follow Article 6 rules can now connect with buyers seeking carbon credits. That could increase demand for high-quality cookstove credits while bringing more climate finance to developing countries.

Article 6 Opens a Bigger Market for Cookstove Credits

Rwanda’s approval gives DelAgua’s cookstove credits access to higher-value international markets.

Under Article 6, countries can trade carbon credits using common carbon accounting rules. A key requirement is the Corresponding Adjustment, which prevents the same emissions reduction from being counted twice. That makes the credits more trusted by governments and businesses.

The credits are also eligible under CORSIA, the UN-backed carbon market for international aviation, where airlines need high-integrity carbon credits to offset part of their emissions.

For cookstove projects, this could mean stronger buyer confidence, better pricing, and access to larger international markets.

Africa Is Becoming a Bigger Player in Carbon Markets

Rwanda’s success also highlights Africa’s growing role in global carbon markets. The continent offers huge chances to cut emissions. This is possible through nature-based projects, clean energy, and better household technologies, like improved cookstoves.

The African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) estimates that by 2030, Africa could produce 300 million carbon credits each year. This number might grow to 1.5 billion credits annually by 2050.

ACMI ambition
Source: ACMI

ACMI estimates the industry could bring in up to US$6 billion in revenue by 2030. By 2050, this could grow to US$120 billion. This growth may also create millions of jobs across the continent.

Cookstove projects are expected to remain an important part of that growth.

Unlike many industrial carbon projects, clean cooking programs deliver several benefits at the same time. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, lower fuel costs for families, reduce pressure on forests, and create local jobs.

That combination makes them attractive to buyers looking for carbon credits with measurable social and environmental impacts.

A New Benchmark for High-Integrity Cookstove Credits

Rwanda’s approval is about more than one carbon project, and it shows how carbon markets are changing.

Buyers are placing greater value on credits backed by strong accounting, government approval, and clear environmental benefits. Countries are also becoming more active, authorizing projects under Article 6 rather than relying solely on voluntary markets.

For Rwanda, the 5.69 million approved credits represent new climate finance that can support clean cooking, healthier communities, and forest protection.

For the wider market, the milestone shows that cookstove projects can meet some of the world’s highest carbon market standards.

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Tesla (TSLA Stock) Expands Renewable Energy Strategy with Landmark Solar and Battery PPAs

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Tesla (TSLA) is strengthening its clean energy strategy with two major power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will secure renewable electricity for years to come. The electric vehicle giant has signed separate deals with renewable energy developers Zelestra and ContourGlobal, adding large-scale solar and battery storage projects to its growing energy portfolio.

Together, the agreements highlight Tesla’s increasing focus on long-term renewable power as electricity demand rises across its manufacturing operations and energy business. The projects also reflect a broader trend as companies lock in clean electricity supplies to support growing demand from AI, battery manufacturing, and data centers.

tesla zelestra contourglobal
Data Source: Zelestra and ContourGlobal News Releases

Tesla Expands Partnership With Zelestra

Global renewable energy developer Zelestra has expanded its relationship with Tesla by signing a new power purchase agreement for the entire output of its 140-megawatt alternating current (MWac) Lumen Farm solar project in Texas.

Located in northeast Texas, the project is expected to begin construction in 2027 and reach commercial operation in 2029.

The latest agreement builds on an existing partnership between the two companies. In 2025, Tesla signed a 57 MWac PPA with Zelestra covering electricity from the Brazatortas I, II, and IV solar plants in Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region.

Phil North, CEO of Zelestra US, said the company is pleased to bring its partnership with Tesla to the United States.

He noted that Zelestra can provide customized renewable energy solutions across multiple countries and aims to bring the Texas project online as quickly as possible to support Tesla’s growing electricity needs.

The agreement also strengthens Zelestra’s expanding presence in the United States, where the company is developing more than 16 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects.

Tesla Signs One of America’s Largest Solar-Plus-Storage PPAs

Tesla has also secured another significant renewable energy contract with ContourGlobal.

The companies signed a long-term PPA for Project Sterling, a massive hybrid solar and battery storage facility located in Arizona. The agreement covers approximately 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of renewable electricity each year, representing about 90% of the project’s annual power output.

According to ContourGlobal, Project Sterling is one of the largest corporate solar-plus-storage PPAs ever signed in the United States from a single project.

  • The project combines 450 MWac (509 MWp) of solar capacity with a 360 MW/1.4 GWh battery energy storage system.
  • Once operational, it is expected to generate more than 1.1 TWh of renewable electricity annually.
  • The battery will store excess daytime solar power and supply electricity during peak demand, improving grid reliability.

Project Sterling is connected to the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) transmission network and has firm transmission rights into California’s CAISO market, ensuring reliable renewable power for Tesla.

ContourGlobal acquired the project in late 2024 and redesigned it to meet Tesla’s energy needs. Off-site construction and equipment procurement began in 2025, with on-site construction planned for 2026 and commercial operations expected in 2028.

Battery Storage Is Becoming a Bigger Growth Driver

The PPAs also align with Tesla’s rapidly expanding energy business.

While Tesla remains best known for electric vehicles, its energy storage division has become one of its fastest-growing businesses.

  • During its latest quarter, Tesla deployed a record 13.5 GWh of battery storage systems, driven largely by demand for its Megapack products.

Megapacks allow utilities and businesses to store electricity generated by solar and wind projects. The systems improve grid stability, reduce dependence on fossil fuel generation, and help renewable energy operate around the clock.

As more companies seek reliable clean electricity, battery storage is becoming an essential part of new renewable energy projects.

tesla battery energy

Why Long-Term Renewable Contracts Matter

Power purchase agreements have become a preferred strategy for large corporations looking to secure stable electricity prices while reducing carbon emissions.

Unlike buying electricity on the open market, long-term PPAs provide predictable energy costs over many years. They also encourage developers to finance and build new renewable energy projects.

For Tesla, these agreements support multiple business priorities.

They provide renewable electricity for manufacturing facilities and energy operations, reduce exposure to fluctuating electricity prices, and strengthen the company’s long-term sustainability strategy.

Can Clean Energy Investments Lift TSLA Stock?

Market analysts also view the deals as a positive development for Tesla’s investment outlook.

Although the agreements are unlikely to have a significant short-term impact on earnings, they reinforce Tesla’s expanding energy business and reduce long-term operational risks. The PPAs also support the company’s environmental commitments while providing reliable electricity for future growth.

Nonetheless, Tesla’s stock has declined nearly 30% year-to-date amid concerns that its significant investments in new technologies could weigh on near-term profitability.

tesla stock tsla
Source: Yahoo Finance

Rising Data Center Demand Is Reshaping the Power Market

Tesla’s latest renewable energy deals come at a time when electricity demand is rising rapidly, especially from AI infrastructure and data centers.

Industry forecasts estimate that global data center electricity demand could require as much as 219 GW of additional generating capacity over the next five years—enough to power roughly 180 million U.S. homes.

The U.S. Department of Energy projects that data centers could account for 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption by 2030.

In scenarios with strong clean energy policies, renewable sources such as solar and wind could supply 60% to 90% of data center electricity by 2035.

US electricity demand

This growing demand has pushed major technology companies, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft, to sign long-term renewable energy agreements that secure clean electricity while protecting against future energy price increases.

Solar Leads America’s Clean Energy Expansion

The broader U.S. renewable energy market continues to grow at record speed.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers plan to add 86 GW of new utility-scale generating capacity in 2026—the largest annual increase ever recorded if completed as planned.

  • Solar will account for 43.4 GW, or 51%, of all planned capacity additions. Battery storage will contribute 28%, while wind projects will make up another 14%.

Texas remains the country’s largest solar market and is expected to account for about 40% of all new utility-scale solar capacity scheduled for completion in 2026. Arizona and California also continue to attract significant renewable energy investment.

One of the largest planned projects is the 837 MW Tehuacana Creek 1 Solar and Battery Energy Storage System in Texas, which will also include 418 MW of battery storage.

solar USA

Clean Energy Partnerships Continue to Grow

Tesla’s agreements with Zelestra and ContourGlobal demonstrate how corporate renewable energy procurement is evolving beyond standalone solar projects.

Developers are increasingly pairing large-scale solar with battery storage to deliver more reliable electricity throughout the day. At the same time, long-term PPAs are helping companies secure affordable clean power while supporting new renewable energy investment.

As electricity demand accelerates from AI, manufacturing, and electrification, agreements like these are likely to become an even more important part of corporate energy strategies. For Tesla, they strengthen both its expanding energy business and its long-term commitment to operating on renewable power.

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Verra and S&P Global Build the Digital Backbone for Carbon Markets With New Registry

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Verra and S&P Global Build the Digital Backbone for Carbon Markets With New Registry

Verra, the world’s largest carbon crediting program, has launched a next-generation digital registry in partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights. The new platform aims to speed up carbon credit transactions and also makes them clearer and easier to manage. This is important as demand for high-quality credits continues to increase.

The upgrade is more than a software refresh. It reflects a broader shift across the voluntary carbon market (VCM), where stronger digital infrastructure is becoming just as important as higher-quality carbon credits.

Governments are tightening climate rules. Companies now face more scrutiny over their net-zero claims. And thus, registries are evolving into a digital backbone. They support trust, transparency, and market growth.

A New, Smarter Platform for a Growing Carbon Market

Every carbon credit has a digital record. Registries track where credits come from, who owns them, when they are traded, and when they are retired to prevent double counting. Without reliable registries, carbon markets cannot function.

Verra’s new registry replaces a platform that has supported the voluntary carbon market for more than a decade. Built with S&P Global Commodity Insights, the upgraded system introduces a modern cloud-based architecture, stronger cybersecurity, and improved data management.

It also provides application programming interfaces (APIs). This lets companies, exchanges, registries, and other market players connect directly. They don’t have to rely on manual processes.

According to Verra, users will benefit from:

  • Faster account and project management,
  • Improved transaction processing,
  • Better data quality and security,
  • Easier integration with third-party platforms, and
  • Greater flexibility for future market growth.

Verra President Mandy Rambharos said the registry aims to boost efficiency. It also helps project developers, investors, governments, and businesses join carbon markets more easily. She stated:

“We built this registry with S&P Global Energy as a foundation that we can keep expanding on. Over the next several phases, we will see things like transaction-ready API connectivity and deeper integration with exchanges, brokers, and marketplaces, so credits can move with the same speed and reliability the rest of this market now expects.”

The video below shows the Verra Registry in transition and how one can search for and access project information.

The upgrade comes at a time when carbon markets are becoming larger and more complex. More projects, buyers, brokers, and exchanges are entering the market, increasing the need for secure and reliable digital infrastructure.

The World’s Largest Carbon Registry Gets a Major Upgrade

The registry matters because of Verra’s scale.

According to Verra, its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program has issued more than 1.3 billion verified carbon credits (VCUs) since it was launched. It has issued more than 75.6 million units and retired over 91.3 million VCUs in 2025. 

Verra verified carbon units VCUs
Source: Verra

The program backs thousands of registered projects in over 130 countries. It covers activities like forest conservation, renewable energy, methane capture, blue carbon, biochar, and engineered carbon removal.

That makes VCS the world’s largest voluntary greenhouse gas crediting program.

Each transaction recorded on the registry represents verified climate action. Credits are issued only after projects complete independent validation and verification. Once a company uses a credit to offset emissions, the registry permanently retires it so it cannot be used again.

Verra by the numbers 2025
Source: Verra

As the market grows, those records become increasingly valuable.

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) believes demand for high-quality carbon credits will rise sharply in the coming decades. This growth is driven by companies aiming for net-zero targets.

Buyers now want more transparency and better safeguards. This demand comes after years of doubts about credit quality. Registries have become central to meeting these expectations.

Why Digital Registries Are Becoming the New Competitive Edge

Carbon credits are no longer traded only through private contracts. Today’s market includes exchanges, brokers, institutional investors, compliance buyers, and corporate sustainability teams. They all depend on accurate, real-time information.

Modern registries help make that possible.

Digital platforms automate transactions, improve recordkeeping, and cut down on admin tasks. This means no more manual updates or separate databases. They also make it easier for market participants to verify ownership and confirm that credits have not been counted twice.

These improvements are becoming increasingly important as carbon markets continue to mature.

The World Bank’s 2026 report on carbon pricing reveals that there are 87 active carbon pricing tools globally. This total includes emissions trading systems and carbon taxes. Together, they cover about 29% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generated around $107 billion in government revenue in 2025.

carbon pricing trend world bank 2026

While Verra operates in the voluntary market rather than compliance markets, both sectors are moving in the same direction. Buyers now want carbon markets to match the transparency, security, and efficiency of other financial markets.

That shift is turning digital infrastructure into one of the industry’s most important competitive advantages.

Carbon Markets Are Going Digital—and Fast

Verra’s registry upgrade reflects a bigger change happening across the carbon market.

Companies no longer want only high-quality carbon credits; they also want a market that is easy to use, transparent, and secure. That is becoming more important as carbon markets attract more businesses, investors, and governments.

The market itself is also changing.

The ICVCM continues to roll out its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), which set global standards for high-quality carbon credits. Recent market data show that 13% to 15% of new carbon credit issuances now carry the CCP label.

Since mid-2024, those credits have traded at a 19% price premium over the broader voluntary market, based on the MSCI Global CCP Carbon Credit Price Index.

Governments are also creating new opportunities. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement lets countries trade carbon credits worldwide. Meanwhile, many businesses are getting ready for tougher climate disclosure rules. Together, these changes are bringing more participants into carbon markets and increasing the need for reliable digital systems.

article 6 agreements AlliedOffsets
Source: AlliedOffsets

Other registries are also modernizing their platforms. Gold Standard, American Carbon Registry (ACR), and Climate Action Reserve (CAR) are working to enhance their digital services and make data more transparent.

Competition is no longer only about developing better carbon credit methodologies, but is also about building better market infrastructure.

Technology Will Help Unlock More Climate Finance

A modern registry can do more than speed up transactions. It can lower costs, reduce paperwork, and make carbon markets easier to access. That is important because the world needs much more private investment to meet climate goals.

MSCI estimates the global voluntary carbon market, worth about $1.4 billion in 2024, could expand between $7 billion and $35 billion by 2030. The actual value depends on policy support and demand for high-integrity credits. The total market size, both voluntary and compliance, could grow even more.

global carbon credit market size 2030

As trading volumes grow, digital registries and trading platforms will be very important to support faster settlement, transparent ownership records, and secure transactions.

Verra’s new registry is part of that effort.

As carbon markets continue to mature, technology will play a bigger role in building trust and attracting investment. High-quality credits will remain essential, but strong digital infrastructure will also matter. Verra and S&P Global are betting that better technology will help build a larger, more transparent, and more trusted carbon market for the years ahead.

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Why DOE Is Betting on Technology to Keep U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Competitive

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The United States is increasing support for its oil and natural gas industry. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $65.5 million in federal funding. This funding aims to improve production, reduce waste, and modernize energy infrastructure.

This investment comes as the U.S. remains the world’s largest producer of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts record power usage by 2026, driven by AI data centers and manufacturing. Natural gas provides about 40% of U.S. electricity, while oil fuels most transportation. To meet growing energy needs, enhancing oil and gas infrastructure is essential for affordable and reliable energy.

US ELECTRICITY consumption

DOE Targets Efficiency Across the Oil and Gas Value Chain

This announcement follows a $150 million DOE funding opportunity earlier this year.

That program focused on improving oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs and advancing hydraulic fracturing technologies. Together, these funding programs show ongoing federal support for enhancing domestic fossil fuel production.

DOE Under Secretary Kyle Haustveit noted that this investment reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening America’s energy sector.

And the new funding will focus on three main areas:

Turning Stranded Resources into Valuable Products

Many wells produce natural gas that can’t be transported because of limited pipeline capacity or impurities. Sometimes, producers flare or vent this gas instead of selling it.

The DOE wants to fund technologies that convert these stranded resources into higher-value products that are easier to market. Projects may include advanced catalysts and improved on-site gas processing technologies.

Building More Reliable Energy Infrastructure

The second focus area aims to enhance the durability of U.S. energy infrastructure.

Projects will develop advanced materials, coatings, and pipelines to reduce failures, prevent losses, and strengthen domestic manufacturing. These improvements can boost safety and lower maintenance costs across facilities.

Using Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies

The DOE also seeks to speed up digitalization in the oil and gas sectors.

The agency invites proposals that use artificial intelligence, digital twins, and continuous monitoring systems to optimize production and infrastructure. Field testing will help companies validate new technologies in real conditions before broader use.

U.S. Natural Gas Production Continues to Break Records

The DOE announcement comes as the U.S. remains the world’s largest natural gas producer.

  • According to the EIA, dry natural gas production is expected to average 111 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2026, surpassing last year’s record.
  • Domestic consumption is projected to stay high. LNG exports are expected to reach around 17.2 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025.
US natural gas production and consumption
Source: EIA
  • Growing LNG export capacity supports global energy security. In April 2026, the U.S. exported 17.9 Bcf/d of LNG, contributing to total natural gas exports of 807.5 Bcf for the month. Export value is further set to hit 18.6 bcfd in 2027.

However, international markets remain volatile.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently noted that global gas demand might decline slightly in 2026 due to higher prices and supply disruptions. Geopolitical tensions also add uncertainty for LNG markets.

global gas market report

For U.S. producers, these conditions present both challenges and opportunities. Higher exports can boost revenues, but fluctuating global prices make efficiency vital.

Oil Markets Remain Under Pressure

The oil market is also experiencing significant volatility.

According to the IEA’s July Oil Market Report, global oil demand is recovering after a slowdown earlier this year. Demand is expected to strengthen in the second half of 2026 as transportation fuel use improves. Meanwhile, global oil supply has rebounded after earlier disruptions in the Middle East.

  • The EIA expects crude oil inventories to gradually build, putting downward pressure on prices. Its latest forecast predicts Brent crude prices averaging around $65 per barrel in 2027.
brent crude oil prices
Source: EIA

The U.S. remains the world’s largest crude oil producer, mainly due to shale production from the Permian Basin. Even with price fluctuations, producers are investing in technologies that improve recovery rates and lower costs.

Why the New Funding Matters? 

Rather than just promoting more drilling, the DOE’s new funding focuses on maximizing energy from existing assets.

Recovering stranded natural gas, minimizing equipment failures, and improving efficiency can boost production while lowering costs. Many of these technologies also help reduce emissions by cutting flaring and leaks.

Digital technologies could play a bigger role. AI monitoring systems can detect failures early. Digital twins allow operators to simulate scenarios and optimize performance.

These improvements are increasingly important as electricity demand rises from AI data centers and industrial growth.

Looking Ahead

America’s oil and natural gas industry remains vital to the country’s energy system, even with rapid growth in renewables.

The DOE’s $65.5 million funding shows a plan to boost existing infrastructure. This investment will improve operations and technologies. The goal is to get more value from current resources. The department wants to enhance U.S. energy security and support economic growth.

As domestic production reaches new highs and LNG exports rise, innovations that boost efficiency and cut waste may be just as important as finding new oil and gas resources.

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