Building Cleaner: Microsoft and Carbon Direct Launch EAC Guide for Concrete and Steel

Building Cleaner, Microsoft and Carbon Direct Launch EAC Guide for Concrete and Steel

One of the industries that faces high pressure to reduce carbon emissions is construction. The materials at the heart of construction—concrete and steel—are essential but carbon-intensive. Together, they contribute to approximately 13% of global CO₂ emissions.

In response, Carbon Direct and Microsoft have launched a unique guide. It’s called Criteria for High-Quality Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) in the Concrete and Steel Sectors. This guide helps companies reduce supply chain emissions. It also speeds up the decarbonization of built environments by tackling its significant emission source: embodied carbon. 

The Problem with Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon is different from emissions from energy use. It refers to emissions released when producing and transporting building materials. Concrete and steel are two of the biggest contributors to this problem.

As of 2025, cement production remains a major source of global carbon emissions, accounting for about 7–8% of total CO₂ output. The most recent data from the World Economic Forum estimates that the industry emitted around 1.6 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ in 2022 alone.

cement carbon emissions 2022

About 60% of these emissions come from decarbonating limestone, called process emissions. The remaining 40% comes from burning fossil fuels to heat cement kilns.

The industry has a big climate impact, but it has made some progress. From 2020 to 2022, it cut carbon intensity by 2.2% per tonne of cement.

However, more aggressive action is needed to stay on track for global climate goals. Without major changes, cement production emissions might nearly double. They could hit 3.8 billion tonnes a year by mid-century. This rise is fueled by increased construction demand in developing countries and fast urbanization around the globe.

With the global construction sector expected to double in size by 2060, the demand for these materials will keep rising. Yet the supply of truly low-carbon alternatives remains limited and difficult to source. This disconnect has created a gap between corporate climate goals and real procurement strategies.

Many companies aim to cut their supply chain emissions. However, tools and systems for this are still being developed, especially for concrete and steel. This is where Microsoft and Carbon Direct’s partnership comes in. 

Environmental Attribute Certificates: A Flexible Solution

Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) offer a promising way forward. EACs work like Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Companies can still enjoy the environmental perks of low-carbon concrete and steel, even if they don’t use them in their supply chain. This flexibility helps companies with complex or global construction projects. They often can’t source green materials directly.

The new guide from Carbon Direct and Microsoft outlines how EACs can be used as a credible tool to bridge this gap. It uses strict criteria to make sure EACs cut emissions for real. This way, they won’t just move emissions around but will help lower carbon emissions in production.

Decarbonization opportunities in the cement and concrete supply chains
Source: Carbon Direct-Microsoft guide

The report is designed to support procurement teams, sustainability officers, and material suppliers in navigating the emerging EAC market with climate integrity.

What Makes an EAC High-Quality?

For an EAC to drive meaningful decarbonization, it must meet specific standards. The guide identifies several critical quality criteria:

  • Additionality:
    EACs must represent real emissions reductions that go beyond business-as-usual. The projects should not already be financially viable without the EAC revenue.

  • Catalytic Impact:
    EACs should promote systemic change by encouraging broader market shifts, technological innovation, or policy adoption that accelerate decarbonization in concrete and steel.

  • Procurement Flexibility:
    EACs are designed to decouple environmental benefits from the physical material, enabling companies to support low-carbon production even when direct procurement isn’t feasible.

  • Quantifiable and Verifiable:
    Emissions reductions must be measurable and verified through transparent, third-party processes. Reporting frameworks should follow established methodologies.

  • Robust Safeguards:
    Projects issuing EACs must meet environmental and social safeguards, avoiding harm to local communities, ecosystems, or other sustainability criteria.

  • No Leakage or Double Counting:
    EAC systems must prevent double claims or emissions leakage, ensuring that claimed reductions are unique and not offset by emissions elsewhere.

These criteria help build trust in carbon markets. This is important as worries about greenwashing and double-counting emissions claims increase.

For the sector-specific requirements, the guide specifically identified:

Concrete Requirements

  • GCCA Low-Carbon Cement Criteria:
    EACs for concrete should meet thresholds defined by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), including benchmarks for clinker ratios, alternative binders, and emissions intensity.

  • Project Types:
    Eligible concrete-related EACs may include carbon capture and storage (CCS), use of supplementary cementitious materials (e.g., fly ash), or alternative fuels in kilns.

Steel Requirements

  • ResponsibleSteel Certification Alignment:
    Steel EACs should align with ResponsibleSteel standards, especially around emissions intensity and renewable electricity use in electric arc furnace (EAF) processes.

  • Project Types:
    Steel-related EACs may support green hydrogen-based steelmaking, direct reduced iron (DRI) methods, and scrap-based steel production using clean energy.

Growing Demand for Low-Carbon Materials

Market trends signal a growing appetite for decarbonized materials. A 2024 report from McKinsey & Company says green steel demand might hit 50 million metric tons a year by 2030. This would be 10–15% of all steel demand.

In another estimation by Grand View Research, the green steel market could grow at 6% from 2025 to 2030.

green steel market 2030
Source: Grand View Research

Similarly, low-carbon concrete markets could grow 13% each year until 2032, says Transparency Market Research.

Regulatory pressure is also playing a role. The U.S. government’s Buy Clean initiative and the Inflation Reduction Act help buy low-carbon construction materials. In Europe, the Green Deal Industrial Plan promotes sustainable construction and materials innovation. These policies drive demand and set clear expectations for transparency. So, verified tools like EACs are now more important than ever.

Microsoft Walks the Green Talk

Microsoft’s involvement reflects its broader climate commitments. As part of its pledge to become carbon negative by 2030, the company is taking a supply chain-first approach. It has invested in carbon removal.

Now, the tech giant views EACs as a way to cut Scope 3 emissions. These emissions come from suppliers and purchased goods, like construction materials.

Julia Fidler, Fuel and Materials Decarbonization Lead, Microsoft, stated:

“EACs have the potential to address a number of the most critical challenges to scaling deep decarbonization solutions, not least by providing financial certainty. By setting a high bar for EACs, we’re ensuring that our investments drive real, additional, and scalable emissions reductions as we invite the industry to join us in shaping a credible, high-impact market for low-carbon building materials.”

Microsoft’s partnership with Carbon Direct shows how companies can take real steps to decarbonize. The new guide serves as a model for measurable action. Their joint efforts aim to reduce emissions, wanting to create a market for environmental integrity in material procurement.

Toward a Climate-Aligned Materials Market

While still in its early stages, the market for EACs in concrete and steel could mature rapidly. The guide is released as investors and regulators push companies to show and cut emissions throughout their value chains.

Emissions from buildings and infrastructure keep increasing, and concrete and steel are tough to decarbonize. Tools like Environmental Attribute Certificates can help the industry build in a climate-friendly way.

Carbon Direct and Microsoft’s new guide defines high-quality EACs. It shows how to use them for real, measurable decarbonization that can allow companies to match their buying power to their climate goals.

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MIT’s Nanotech Breakthrough Supercharges Carbon Capture And May Cut Costs by 30%

Big Tech’s Tiny Fix: MIT’s Nanotech Breakthrough Supercharges Carbon Capture

A team of engineers at MIT has developed a new type of nanofiltration membrane that could make carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems six times more efficient. Their innovation addresses one of the biggest technical challenges in carbon capture: when the ions used in the process mix together, they create water and reduce efficiency.

Current CCS systems rely on two key chemical reactions. The first pulls diluted carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air; the second releases that CO₂ in pure form for long-term storage. But when the positively and negatively charged ions used in both steps combine, they produce water. This not only weakens the chemical reactions but also wastes energy.

MIT’s new membranes act like tiny barriers that separate the ions. This prevents them from reacting with each other too early. As a result, the CCS process uses less energy, improves output, and could cut costs by up to 30%.

CCS Is Getting a Boost from Innovation

This breakthrough comes at a time when CCS technology is growing quickly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said global CO₂ capture and storage capacity hit over 50 million metric tons in early 2025. The IEA expects this number to climb to 430 million metric tons by 2030.

Announced and operational CCS by iEA

The MIT team’s membranes could help reach those goals faster. Making carbon capture cheaper and more efficient makes it more appealing to industries that emit a lot of CO₂.

Nano But Mighty: What Makes the Membrane Different

MIT engineers offer a key carbon capture innovation: nanofiltration. This method uses membranes with tiny holes. These holes can filter out ions while allowing other molecules to pass. These filters keep the key ingredients for CCS from mixing too early, which prevents them from forming water and weakening the reaction.

Before this technology, many CCS systems had to deal with a trade-off between reaction speed and purity. The faster the process ran, the more the ions would combine in unwanted ways. That led to higher energy use and lower CO₂ capture rates.

With the new filter, reactions can run faster without losing performance. That could make CCS more practical for real-world use—not just in research labs, but in factories, power plants, and even ships or mobile units.

MIT nanofiltration CCS
Source: MIT study by Rufer, S. et al., 2025

The better process helps smaller companies and countries use CCS. This is great for those who didn’t have the resources before. If used widely, this membrane could ease a big hurdle in carbon removal projects around the world.

As the IEA predicts, major CCUS projects will launch this year, including the world’s largest cement capture site in Norway and the biggest DAC plant in the U.S. North America and Europe still dominate, holding 80% of the projected 2030 capacity.

However, China and the Middle East are rising players, with over 15 Mt of capacity under construction—more than Europe. Supply chain challenges are emerging as demand for custom-built equipment grows. This creates opportunities for countries and companies that can scale up mass manufacturing for capture technologies.

Major tech companies are especially interested in supporting CCS growth.

Why Big Tech Cares About Carbon Capture

Big Tech companies are now key players in the fight against climate change. They want to protect the environment and meet their own sustainability goals.

As companies create more energy-demanding data centers for AI, cloud services, and digital storage, their carbon footprints are increasing quickly, alongside their growth, as shown below. Rising energy use leads companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google (the hyperscalers) to seek reliable ways to balance their emissions. Carbon capture and storage offers one of the most promising tools for this.

capex estimates for major tech companies
Source: Sherwood

CCS is different from traditional offsets like tree planting. It removes carbon dioxide from the air and stores it underground or in stable materials. This is key for Big Tech. Their climate goals often need removal-based offsets. These offsets actively take CO2 out of the air. They can’t just rely on avoidance methods that cut future emissions.

According to expert analysis, tech firms rely on carbon removal offsets more than other industries, such as oil, gas, or aviation. Their growing reliance on carbon removal aligns with the surge in demand for new CCS technologies.

MIT’s carbon capture nanofiltration membranes are a great innovation. They could make CCS six times more efficient and cut costs by 30%. This is exactly what companies need.

The team’s analysis revealed that current systems cost a minimum of $600 per ton of carbon dioxide captured. However, by adding the nanofiltration component, the cost drops to around $450 per ton.

Simon Rufer, one of the authors of the study, noted: 

“People are buying carbon credits at a cost of over $500 per ton. So, at this cost we’re projecting, it is already commercially viable in that there are some buyers who are willing to pay that price. It’s just a question of how widespread we can make it.”

As pressure mounts from investors, customers, and regulators, Big Tech needs scalable, science-backed solutions. That’s why they’re not only buying carbon credits. They’re also investing in science and engineering for the next generation of carbon removal.

Carbon Markets Are Booming, Driving CCS Growth

The carbon market is growing fast. Here, companies buy and sell credits to offset emissions. Carbon removal credits are key to this growth.

In 2024, the volume of newly contracted carbon removal credits increased by 74%, according to Bloomberg. These credits let companies reduce their emissions. They do this by funding projects that capture or remove CO2 from the air. This includes nature-based projects like reforestation as well as advanced carbon capture and storage systems.

The market is expected to further grow in 2025, driven largely by demand from major corporations. Microsoft made up almost two-thirds of new carbon removal contracts last year. That’s about 5.1 million credits, followed by Google. These figures show how seriously companies are taking climate commitments. Many aim for net-zero emissions within the next two decades.

CDR Top10 Purchasers 2024

CCS technologies, like those from MIT, are boosting interest. They help meet demand by providing high-quality removal solutions.

In the coming years, carbon markets will likely become even more important. They offer a flexible way for companies to meet climate goals while supporting innovation in emissions reduction. 

Carbon capture is no longer just a scientific idea—it’s becoming a major industry. And innovations like MIT’s carbon capture nanofilters could help it scale faster than expected. As countries and companies face pressure to reach net-zero emissions, CCS offers a critical solution for sectors that can’t easily go fully green.

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ARR Carbon Credits: The Next Gold Rush Backed by Google and Microsoft

arr

Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are boosting demand for quality carbon removals through ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) projects. These projects restore degraded land, store carbon, and support biodiversity.

As the market shifts to durable, transparent credits, ARR projects are becoming the new gold rush in the voluntary carbon market.

Greening the Planet: What Are ARR Projects?

ARR projects help remove carbon dioxide by planting trees and vegetation in areas lacking green cover. They aim to restore ecosystems and increase biomass, which stores carbon.

ARR differs from REDD+, which prevents deforestation. ARR focuses on creating new green areas, especially where natural forests can’t grow back.

Three Key Ways to Restore Green Cover

  • Afforestation: Planting trees where forests didn’t naturally exist, like grasslands.

  • Reforestation: Rebuilding forests lost to farming, logging, or land-use changes.

  • Revegetation: Regrowing woody plants and shrubs on damaged lands, not just tall trees.

All three methods aim to pull more carbon from the air and store it in the soil and plants.

Why Do They Matter Now?

Forests capture about 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ each year—more than the total emissions of the U.S. Yet, deforestation accounts for around 11% of global emissions, and this trend is worsening. ARR projects can reverse this by adding carbon-storing vegetation where it was absent.

These projects benefit the climate and support local wildlife and soil health. When done properly, they also provide long-term gains for nearby communities. Using native species and involving locals can improve crops, boost incomes, and build resilient communities.

Unlocking ARR Carbon Credits 

ARR carbon credits represent the carbon stored by growing new trees and plants. Project developers estimate how much carbon the land would absorb without the project. They then compare this to actual growth over time, often using biomass data to calculate total CO₂ stored.

Since ARR targets degraded land, the natural carbon removal baseline is low. This means new growth from ARR activities provides a real benefit. These projects usually last for decades unless disrupted by wildfires or pests.

According to Sylvera’s State of Carbon Credits 2024 report, buyers typically pay about $5 more for higher-rated ARR projects.

arr price
Source: Sylvera

This shows buyers are willing to invest more for credits with lower risks, like better permanence or additionality. The higher prices also reflect the cost of developing better-quality projects. However, prices vary widely. Some buyers may pay extra for biodiversity benefits, while others could overpay for similar credits.

Microsoft and Google Boost Demand for High-Quality ARR Credits

ARR carbon credits are gaining traction, especially those linked to reforestation and biodiversity. The DGB Group reports that tech companies like Microsoft and Google back premium ARR projects, sometimes paying up to $70 per tonne of CO₂. These higher costs reflect buyers’ expectations for clear environmental benefits, long-term durability, and high transparency.

Some key projects in this sector are:

Brazil’s Mombak

These high prices are not the norm. Most projects sell for less, but developers like Brazil’s Mombak are setting new standards. By planting up to 50 native tree species in remote areas, they boost biodiversity but also raise costs compared to simpler tree farms.

Panamanian Project by Ponterra

Microsoft recently bought credits from Ponterra’s Panamanian project, reportedly paying close to $70 per tonne. Buyers like Microsoft and Google now seek detailed cost breakdowns and future pricing forecasts to ensure high-quality projects that become more affordable over time.

The Symbiosis Coalition

The Symbiosis coalition, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, and McKinsey, pays around $50–$55 per credit as it aims for 20 million tonnes of carbon removals by 2030.

Newer credits are being validated under stricter standards like Verra’s VM0047. Yet the ARR market remains scattered, with no fixed price guide.

So currently, 12 ARR projects are under review, with first selections expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

annual ARR credit issuance
Source: Sylvera

The ARR Carbon Credit Market Shifts

The same Sylvera report reveals significant changes in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) over the past year. Verra still leads with 63% of credit retirements, but its share of new issuances has dropped to 36% as many REDD+ projects delay credits.

Gold Standard and other registries like Puro and Isometric are gaining traction, particularly in durable carbon removal (CDR).

The market is shifting toward removal-based credits, but it’s unclear which methods or registries will dominate, especially for nature-based solutions like ARR.

ARR carbon credits
Source: Sylvera

Supply Drops But Demand Holds

OPIS (Oil Price Information Service), a Dow Jones Company, explained the supply and demand relationship of ARR carbon credits. The report said that despite strong demand for ARR credits, issuances have sharply declined.
The figure below shows: from a high of 37.9 million in 2021, credits fell to 9.2 million in 2022, 7.8 million in 2023, and just 6.1 million so far in 2024. And only 770,111 ARR credits were issued in Q3 2024.
ARR CARBON CREDITS
Source: OPIS
Aforementioned, ARR projects replant trees on degraded land to absorb carbon. However, unlike REDD+ or forest management projects that manage existing trees, they require significant upfront investment and take years to show results.

Prices Split by Project Type

ARR credit prices vary widely. Projects with diverse native trees can reach $60 per ton, but these are rare and often tied up in long-term deals.

Conversely, projects planting fast-growing, non-native trees like eucalyptus are cheaper, selling for under $5 per ton.

Experts warn that faster credits may come with environmental trade-offs. Eucalyptus, for instance, drains water quickly and may harm local ecosystems.

Challenges in ARR Credit Issuance

ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) credit issuances lag due to several challenges.

  • Slow Tree Growth: Newly planted trees take years to absorb enough carbon, limiting early credit generation.

  • High Upfront Costs: Unlike projects managing existing forests, ARR projects need major investments and long commitments.

  • Verification Delays: Complex third-party monitoring and registry approvals slow credit issuance.

  • Landowner Hesitation: Farmers resist switching from crops to forests due to uncertain financial returns.

  • Ecological Trade-Offs: Native trees grow slowly but have higher value; faster-growing non-native species issue credits quicker but risk harming ecosystems.

ARR: A Long-Term Investment

Developers say ARR is more than planting trees; it’s a major land-use shift. U.S.-based GreenTrees partners with landowners to convert old crop fields into forests. This transition demands time, money, and a long-term vision.

Chestnut Carbon, a U.S. firm launched in 2022, is growing slowly to ensure quality. It signed a deal with Microsoft in 2023 for 362,000 ARR credits, due for delivery in 2027. The company is holding back some credits for future sales, expecting prices to rise.

Interest in ARR and durable carbon removals is growing. Scaling these credits takes time. Demand is increasing for clear, eco-friendly, and long-lasting ARR credits. This trend is strong among big tech buyers. The market is moving toward higher-quality credits, which will take significant time.

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Top 5 Media Outlets Leading the Low-Carbon Shift in 2025

media

The demand for reliable business news is growing. Top media outlets, CNN, BBC, The New York Times, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal remain trusted sources globally. Each continues to adapt to digital platforms while upholding core journalism values: accuracy, impartiality, and transparency.

As per the latest media reports and surveys, the following media outlets have stood out in 2025, delivering excellence and credible news.

  • CNN remains a global leader in breaking news and real-time reporting, with a strong international presence and digital reach.

  • BBC is recognized for its journalistic integrity, impartiality, and expansive global network, making it one of the most trusted and fastest-growing news websites.

  • The New York Times continues to set editorial standards with investigative journalism and in-depth analysis, maintaining a vast digital subscriber base and global influence.

  • Reuters is a primary source for unbiased business, financial, and world news, with a massive global footprint and syndication to other outlets.

  • The Wall Street Journal is a key resource for business and financial insights, trusted by professionals and recognized for its factual reporting and market analysis.

Misinformation spreads rapidly online. So trust is more critical than ever, and readers certainly prefer unbiased news. Such reporting not only builds public confidence but also keeps governments, institutions, and corporations accountable.

However, as media shifts from print to digital, its environmental impact also evolves. So here we would discuss the carbon footprint of these media giants and their sustainability efforts to meet net-zero targets.

The Media Industry’s Carbon Footprint

While switching from print to digital cuts down paper waste, it also creates carbon emissions. Online publishing, video streaming, and real-time updates rely on large data centers that use a lot of energy.

Thus, the carbon footprint of media outlets, especially those with significant digital and streaming operations, has become a major environmental concern.

  • Research from Futuresource and InterDigital estimates that the TV and video streaming industry accounts for 4% of total global emissions.

Print editions, like those from The New York Times, still generate emissions from production and delivery. Meanwhile, parent companies like Warner Bros. Discovery (CNN) are adopting renewable energy and reducing waste across operations.

Also, AI-driven reporting cuts travel emissions but adds energy demand. To remain sustainable, the media industry must invest in green data infrastructure and transparent carbon reporting.

1. CNN Rides Warner Bros.’ Green Goals

CNN hasn’t published a standalone carbon footprint or its own emissions report. However, its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has committed to clear sustainability goals that influence CNN’s operations.

Warner Bros. Discovery emissions
Source: Warner Bros. Discovery

Digital Shift Drives Emissions

CNN runs energy-heavy operations, including streaming, news gathering, and data centers. Its shift to digital-first content reduced paper waste but increased electricity use.

Streaming, a key part of CNN’s digital platform, drives global demand for data. Experts estimate that video streaming alone may cause up to 1% of global carbon emissions.

Thus, CNN benefits from its parent company’s broader sustainability plan. Warner Bros has taken steps to cut environmental impact and lower greenhouse gas emissions by:

  • Invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency across operations
  • Support industry-wide environmental standards
  • Rolled out waste reduction initiatives across its media brands.

Leading with Climate Coverage

CNN plays a vital role in climate journalism. It consistently reports on climate change, carbon emissions, clean energy, and sustainability innovation.

Its stories spotlight technologies like carbon capture, sustainable aviation fuel, and renewable power, keeping the public informed and engaged. CNN also covers major policy moves, such as the EU’s push for sustainable aviation fuel and the global net-zero by 2050 target.

These company-wide actions help reduce CNN’s indirect environmental impact.

2. BBC Targets Net Zero by 2050 with Strong Emissions Cuts

The BBC aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UK government’s climate goals. It has outlined its environmental sustainability strategy, emphasizing its commitment to becoming Net Zero and Nature Positive.

It plans to cut direct emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 46% and value chain emissions (Scope 3) by 28% by 2030, using 2019/20 as the baseline. The SBTi approved both short- and long-term goals.

  • Its total emissions amounted to 374,063 tons CO₂e in 2023/24, up 7% from the 2019/20 total of 350,893 tons.

The increase is attributed to value chain emissions as they remain a growing challenge.

However, by 2023/24, it reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 21%, exceeding its target of 17%. It achieved this by upgrading buildings, cutting gas use, and reducing diesel in production.

bbc emissions
Source: BBC

Notably, the media company now requires all non-news TV productions to meet the BAFTA Albert sustainability standard. Producers must submit carbon action plans and measure emissions. As of January 2024, the BBC ended mandatory offsetting and redirected efforts toward direct decarbonization.

With these initiatives, they remain committed to sustainable operations and credible climate reporting.

3. New York Times’ (NYT) Emission-Cutting Strategy

The New York Times has taken steps to lower its environmental impact by improving energy efficiency across its facilities and using more sustainable methods in printing and distribution.

It measures its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions using the financial control boundary method defined by the GHG Protocol. This approach helps identify emission sources and areas for reduction. The company bases its carbon reduction target on the GHG Protocol’s market-based method.

new york times
Source: New York Times

Between 2019 and 2023, the company reduced its purchased electricity use by 16%. However, Scope 2 location-based emissions rose by 18% during the same period. This increase mainly resulted from a less renewable power mix in New York City.

The company’s progress toward its carbon-neutral target depends, in part, on the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) reaching its goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission grid by 2040.

4. Thomson Reuters: Climate Action and ESG Progress

Reuters operates in over 200 locations, providing accurate, fact-based reporting.

Thomson Reuters sees ESG as important for long-term success. The board oversees key ESG areas, but employees lead efforts in sustainability, inclusion, and community work.

It supports global standards like the UN Global Compact and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also works to promote UN Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Environmental Commitments and Climate Goals

The company continues to reduce its global environmental impact by using 100% renewable electricity across all operations. This is done by matching energy use with renewable energy credits worldwide. Thomson Reuters also works with suppliers to lower emissions across its value chain.

In 2020, it joined the SBTi, and its key goals include:

  • Cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline)
  • Reducing Scope 3 emissions from energy, travel, and commuting by 25% by 2025 (from a 2019 baseline)
  • Ensuring 65% of supplier spending aligns with science-based targets by 2025

Since 2020, it has sourced 100% renewable power and reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 93% from 2018 levels. Business travel emissions are down 63% from 2019. Currently, 41% of its suppliers (by spend) have committed to science-based climate targets.

Thomson Reuters uses carbon offsets for its remaining emissions and to stay carbon neutral. It also spends 7% of its U.S.-based budget with diverse suppliers and plans to maintain this level through 2024.

5. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Carbon Footprint Not Separately Reported

The Wall Street Journal is owned by Dow Jones & Company, which in turn is a subsidiary of News Corp.

There is no publicly available, standalone carbon footprint report specifically for WSJ as of 2025. Any emissions data or sustainability disclosures would be included under the broader corporate reporting of Dow Jones or News Corp, not as a separate WSJ-specific document.

News Corp aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, WSJ’s environmental impact is mainly from digital and print operations, but specific figures are not published.

Global Media Market to Hit $2.83 Trillion in 2025, Driven by Digital Shift

A study from The Business Research Company revealed that the global media market is set for strong growth in 2025, rising from $2,616.7 billion in 2024 to $2,833.22 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 8.3%.

  • This upward trend is expected to continue, reaching $3,814.84 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 7.7%.

Growth is fueled by a rising global population, rapid tech advancement, media mergers, and increased mobile video consumption.

global media growth
Source: The Business Research Company

Meanwhile, Statista projects the global digital newspapers and magazines segment will generate $41.28 billion in 2025, growing to $44.54 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 1.92%. The U.S. will lead with an expected $16.73 billion in revenue. Subscription-based models are gaining popularity as audiences seek premium content.

By 2025, trusted media outlets will go beyond reporting news. They will embrace digital transformation, fight misinformation, and work to lower their environmental impact. In an era defined by data and climate awareness, credibility and sustainability will define the media landscape.

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Meta Invests in 650 MW of Solar Energy to Power AI and Data Centers

Meta Invests in 650 MW of Solar Energy to Power AI and Data Centers

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has taken another big step toward its clean energy goals through solar. The company announced a deal to buy 650 megawatts (MW) of solar power from AES, an American energy company. This new power purchase agreement (PPA) supports Meta’s fast-growing data centers in Texas and Kansas.

As Meta continues to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) services, it also increases its demand for energy. This latest solar deal highlights how the company plans to meet that demand with renewable energy.

A Big Push for Solar in the U.S.

Meta’s new agreement includes two solar-only projects developed by AES. These projects will supply 400 MW of energy from Texas and 250 MW from Kansas. The electricity will support Meta’s data centers, which need reliable and low-cost energy to run around the clock.

AES expects the projects to start operations in the next 2 to 3 years. The contracts will last 15 to 20 years, providing long-term clean energy. This type of agreement helps Meta meet its climate goals and also gives energy developers the confidence to build more renewable projects.

AES CEO Andrés Gluski explained why this partnership makes sense, noting:

“By providing energy solutions that offer fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity, we continue to be the partner of choice for companies, like Meta, at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation.”

Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy, Meta, also remarked:

“We are thrilled to work with AES to bring forward these two solar energy projects. These solutions support our goal for 100% clean and renewable energy and will add new generation to the grid in these markets.”

Texas, in particular, has become a top spot for solar power. The state leads the U.S. in new solar capacity added in 2023 and 2024, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Developers like Texas because of its sunny climate, fast permitting process, and easy connection to the power grid.

Texas solar
Source: SEIA

Powering Meta’s AI and Data Expansion

Meta has been growing its renewable energy portfolio quickly. The company already claims more than 12 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity. This includes solar and wind power projects across the United States.

Earlier in 2025, Meta signed several other deals in Texas:

  • A 595 MW agreement with Zelestra
  • Two 200 MW deals with Engie North America
  • A 260 MW deal for Engie’s Sypert Branch solar project

Altogether, these efforts show how serious Meta is about running its operations with clean energy. As AI technology expands, companies like Meta must build more data centers — and each one needs a large and steady supply of electricity.

data center power demand by GS

Data centers use a lot of power, often 10 to 50 times more energy per square foot than regular office buildings. By powering them with solar, Meta avoids using fossil fuels that release carbon into the atmosphere. These steps help Meta stay on track toward its climate goal: to reach net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2030.

A Long-Term Commitment to Clean Energy and Net Zero

As per its latest sustainability report, in 2023, Meta’s net emissions equaled 7.4 million metric tons of CO2. Key commitments include:

  • Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2031, compared to a 2021 baseline, and ensuring that maximum suppliers adopt science-aligned GHG reduction targets by 2026.
  • Keep Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels by 2031.
  • Since 2020, Meta has successfully maintained net-zero emissions in its operations, and it is on track to achieve net-zero across its entire value chain by 2030.

Meta’s clean energy journey began years ago. The company reached 100% renewable energy for its operations in 2020. Since then, it has kept investing in wind and solar to match its energy use and reduce its carbon footprint.

Meta renewable energy projects map
Source: Meta

By the end of 2025, Meta expects to help add 9.8 GW of renewable energy to U.S. power grids. That’s enough electricity to power over 2 million homes. These projects support Meta’s needs as well as strengthen local energy systems and help nearby communities.

Long-term contracts like the 650 MW deal with AES are important for energy developers, too. They provide financial security and encourage the construction of more clean energy. This creates jobs, boosts local economies, and reduces pollution.

What It Means for the Energy and Tech Industries

Meta’s big solar push shows a wider trend in the tech world. More companies, especially those running large data centers, are investing in clean energy. These companies are often called “hyperscalers” because of their massive scale and energy use.

CEBA deal tracker

Why is this happening?

  • AI growth: Artificial intelligence tools require large amounts of computing power, which means more electricity.
  • Climate goals: Many companies have pledged to cut emissions and use renewable energy.
  • Cost savings: Solar and wind power are now some of the cheapest forms of new energy.

According to BloombergNEF, corporate renewable energy purchases hit a record 46 GW globally in 2023. Tech companies like Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft led the way.

Solar power is especially attractive because it’s quick to build and affordable. In sunny places like Texas, developers can build solar farms in a few months. The electricity is also cheap, which helps companies lower their energy bills.

In Meta’s case, the ability to phase in power — meaning that parts of the solar farm can start delivering energy before the full project is finished — helps meet growing energy demand faster.

AES pointed out that “fast time-to-power” is one of the main reasons hyperscalers are turning to solar. This makes solar a good match for tech companies that need power right away.

Looking Ahead: Clean Energy and AI Together

Meta’s recent solar deals show how the tech and energy worlds are coming together to tackle climate change. As AI continues to grow, so will the need for clean, reliable power.

Meta’s long-term investments in solar energy will help meet its goals and support a cleaner grid for everyone. By buying power through PPAs, Meta also helps speed up the energy transition.

At the same time, these deals send a message to the market: Big tech is serious about clean energy. This encourages more investment in solar and wind, helping the U.S. move closer to its climate targets. The future of technology is deeply tied to energy. And for Meta, that future is increasingly powered by the sun.

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EU Parliament Approves CBAM Changes to Aid SMEs and Cut Emissions

EU Parliament Approves CBAM Changes to Aid SMEs and Cut Emissions

The European Parliament has approved a big change to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This update makes the carbon import rules of the EU CBAM simpler. It also gives a major exemption for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The new rule passed with a strong 564-20 vote. It sets a 50-tonne annual import limit. This change exempts about 90% of importers but still targets 99% of embedded emissions. These changes are a key milestone in European carbon policy. They aim to balance emissions responsibility with economic flexibility.

What Does the 50-Tonne Threshold Mean for SMEs?

The new CBAM framework supports small businesses. It reduces the expensive and complicated carbon compliance burden.

Under the new rules, SMEs that import less than 50 tonnes annually will no longer face CBAM’s import carbon tax. This greatly eases the workload for most importers, but it still holds bigger polluters responsible.

The EU is now taking a more inclusive approach to environmental laws. It has aligned with the Omnibus I simplification package. SMEs make up most of the EU’s import market by number, but not by emissions. Now, they can focus on sustainable growth without facing too much regulatory pressure.

Lawmakers emphasized that supporting smaller enterprises doesn’t dilute climate objectives. Instead, it makes room for innovation in business areas often left out of the green transition. This happens because of high compliance costs.

How Will Emissions Accountability Shift?

The new laws keep a close eye on the sectors that produce most carbon emissions. Industries such as steel, cement, fertilizer, aluminum, and chemicals remain central targets of the CBAM. Most businesses can get exemptions, but the system still detects nearly all emissions from imports in key sectors.

CBAM levied sectors
Source: OECD policy brief

This design protects the environment and tackles carbon leakage. Carbon leakage happens when production moves outside the EU to dodge emission costs.

EU reforms cut emissions by 175 Mt CO₂e but cause 34 Mt more in partner countries. This carbon leakage is reduced by CBAM. With it, non-EU emissions fall by 0.12 tonnes per EU tonne avoided.

Global emissions drop 0.54%. Low-emission exporters like Türkiye and Canada benefit, while high-emission ones like India see small losses.

Thus, the updated CBAM regulates imported emissions. It also strengthens anti-circumvention rules. This way, companies outside the EU have carbon obligations similar to those inside the EU.

CBAM’s Environmental and Carbon Footprint Impact

The reforms support the EU’s climate law mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The CBAM still targets the main sources of emissions, even with wider exemptions. This helps reduce carbon in high-impact industries.

In 2022, the EU CBAM would have applied to $132 billion in trade—0.37% of global trade and 3% of EU imports. Most of this came from iron and steel, especially from China, Türkiye, and Russia, per the OECD policy brief.

CBAM-covered sectors made up 7% of EU manufacturing, 2.3% of output, 1.1% of value-added, and 0.6% of jobs. The mechanism counts emissions from fuel use (Scope 1), electricity (Scope 2), and some inputs (Scope 3).

  • It would have covered 171 Mt CO₂e in 2022, or 0.31% of global emissions. With a carbon price of €80, it could raise €14.7 billion ($15.3 billion) per year.
Simulated impact of EU CBAM on value added and emissions
Source: OECD

Streamlined reporting procedures and improved authorization processes for larger importers aim to boost operational efficiency and close compliance gaps. These changes also lower barriers to investment in low-carbon technologies.

Forecasters expect that the new CBAM could cut emissions in covered sectors by up to 30% by 2027, compared to 2020 levels. That pace helps the EU meet its environmental goals. It also holds major emitters accountable.

Moreover, simplification does not come at the expense of impact. New data shows that most carbon-intensive imports are still regulated. This is true even with many low-volume importers being exempt. The result is a clear, data-driven plan. It protects environmental progress and considers economic needs.

How Are Markets Reacting to the CBAM Revisions?

Analysts expect the new rules to reshape supply chains and elevate investments in cleaner alternatives. Big companies will likely choose certified low-carbon suppliers. They may also invest in carbon capture and reduction technologies.

These changes could reshape competition, especially in steel and aluminum markets. In these areas, production that emits a lot has less room for compliance mistakes.

Businesses that emit more will feel more pressure to cut down their carbon output. These CBAM changes should boost activity in the carbon market. Clear regulations usually boost investment in carbon credit trading, tech innovation, and emissions tracking solutions.

In this regulatory context, Europe retains its edge. The exemption helps SMEs by reducing compliance barriers. However, focusing on high-emitting imports keeps the carbon market’s signal strong. This ensures prices drive sustainable behaviors across the most impactful sectors.

International and Supply Chain Effects

The updated CBAM could accelerate global movement toward carbon regulatory alignment. Countries that export carbon-heavy goods might need to rethink their climate policies. This change will help them keep trading with the EU. By focusing on climate accountability, Europe’s role as a leader in global trade grows.

Firms that operate globally will likely see more attention on their emissions data and supply chain practices. Focusing on upstream emissions may push suppliers in less-regulated markets to adopt greener practices. This effect could promote global transparency in carbon emissions accounting. This is a key step for decarbonization worldwide.

What Comes Next for EU Carbon Policy?

The European Parliament’s action shows ongoing support for a practical, multi-layered way to control emissions. The balance between climate ambition and economic pragmatism is now central to the EU’s carbon tax reforms.

As the 2030 emissions reduction deadline approaches, further refinement of carbon market policies and trade-aligned environmental legislation is expected.

In the short term, lawmakers are likely to track the CBAM’s implementation impact on SMEs and high-emitting sectors. If necessary, adjustments could tighten compliance expectations or expand reporting obligations.

Observers expect more guidance from the European Commission soon. They also see deeper ties between CBAM and the Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The refined CBAM presents a clear policy signal: the EU intends to lead on climate through enforceable, scalable carbon regulation. This reform keeps strong emission controls and helps businesses stay resilient. It sets the stage for a carbon management strategy that supports the economy while also protecting environmental goals.

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Microsoft Cuts 10,000 Tons of Scope 3 Maritime Emissions with NORDEN Biofuel Deal

maritime

Microsoft has partnered with Danish shipping company NORDEN. The tech giant’s goal is to cut its Scope 3 maritime emissions by almost 10,000 tons of CO₂e in three years. This is why they are starting a sustainable shipping initiative. This uses NORDEN’s certified waste-based biofuel and its Book and Claim solution to decarbonize Microsoft’s global logistics.

Julia Fidler, Environmental Sustainability – Fuel and Material Decarbonization Lead at Microsoft, noted,

“This project with NORDEN, together with our pilot with the RSB, will further develop the important registry infrastructure required to help Microsoft lower our maritime supply chain emissions in a transparent and credible way, while fostering the growth of sustainable maritime fuels.” 

NORDEN powers specific shipping voyages with biofuel. This cuts lifecycle emissions by 80–90% compared to standard marine fuels. Microsoft’s cargo doesn’t ship on these voyages. However, it earns verified carbon savings through the Book and Claim system. This system allows Microsoft to track emissions reductions, no matter the fuel used, at certain ports.

NORDEN’s Book and Claim System: Links Emissions Reductions to Global Cargo

The press release highlights that NORDEN’s Book and Claim system separates biofuel usage from the environmental benefits. This allows customers, such as Microsoft, to claim emissions reductions. This is true even if their cargo is on regular ships. This approach is vital for expanding low-carbon shipping worldwide.

In the pilot, NORDEN used certified waste-based fuels for several biofuel voyages. The company calculated the emissions savings and shared them with Microsoft. An independent third party audited the process. NORDEN also followed the Smart Freight Centre’s Book and Claim framework for transparency and accuracy.

NORDEN and Microsoft worked with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). They refined RSB’s global Book and Claim guidelines. This improves the traceability of sustainable fuel use in maritime transport.

Anne Jensen, COO at NORDEN said,

“We are pleased to work with a like-minded partner in Microsoft, sharing our ambition to scale the use of low-carbon fuels to reduce emissions in the maritime industry. With the addition of Microsoft to our portfolio of customers, we are demonstrating that NORDEN can help any company that is dependent on maritime transportation in reducing its supply chain emissions in the here and now, while we, as a carrier, overcome the challenges of limited geographic availability of low-carbon fuels.”

Biofuel Provides Immediate, Large-Scale Reductions Without Ship Changes

The company’s certified waste-based biofuel cuts lifecycle emissions by 80–90%. This reduction spans from production to combustion. This drop-in fuel works with existing ships, allowing for immediate decarbonization of operations.

Lifecycle emissions are measured from “well-to-wake,” covering extraction, production, transportation, and final combustion. This ensures comprehensive and reliable emissions accounting. Through Book and Claim, NORDEN gives Microsoft emissions data, voyage logs, and lifecycle assessments, all verified by independent registries.

norden maritime emissions
Source: Norden

Microsoft Aims to Reduce Scope 3 Emissions 

Microsoft’s Scope 3 emissions are a major climate issue. These emissions come from its supply chain, product lifecycle, and logistics. They account for more than 96% of the company’s total emissions. In FY23, these emissions increased by 30.9% from the 2020 baseline, despite the company’s climate goals.

Overall, its emissions mostly come from data centers, AI, and cloud infrastructure. However, it cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 6% by using more clean energy and enhancing energy efficiency.

To tackle these challenges, Microsoft has pledged to cut Scope 3 emissions by over 50% by 2030. It also contracted for 5,015,019 metric tons of carbon removal to be retired over the next 15 years.

The company keeps investing in low-carbon solutions for tough sectors that include steel, concrete, and maritime logistics.

Microsoft emisions
Source: Microsoft

A Blueprint for Decarbonizing Global Shipping

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says, maritime shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scalable and verifiable solutions like NORDEN’s approach could transform global logistics. This model raises the bar for sustainable shipping. It uses independent audits, lifecycle assessments, and clear carbon accounting.

Additionally, the 2023 International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG Strategy aims to make international shipping more climate-friendly.

  • It sets a clear target: reduce the average CO2 emissions per unit of transport work by at least 40% by 2030.

The strategy also pushes for cleaner energy. By 2030, at least 5%—and ideally 10%—of the energy used in international shipping should come from zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuels, technologies, or energy sources.

maritime emissions

The NORDEN-Microsoft partnership proves that big companies can also mediate the decarbonization of global shipping. And they don’t need to wait for perfect infrastructure. Biofuels and tools like Book and Claim help companies reduce their climate impact when clean fuel is difficult to access.

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Banking in Carbon: JPMorgan Chase Invests $90M in Carbon Removal with CO280

JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the world, has entered a landmark agreement with Vancouver-based carbon removal company CO280. The deal is worth $90 million and involves the purchase of 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) over the next 13 years. This move shows more confidence in carbon removal tech. It also reflects a strong effort by companies to combat climate change in clear, measurable ways.

The deal makes JPMorgan the first major bank to commit to engineered carbon dioxide removal at this scale. Each ton of carbon will cost less than $200, a notable price improvement in a field that has often struggled with high costs. This long-term agreement boosts CO280’s growth. It also speeds up new carbon capture projects in North America.

Turning Pulp and Paper Mills into Carbon Removal Facilities

CO280 is taking a different approach to carbon capture. The company is retrofitting old pulp and paper mills. They will use carbon capture technology instead of building new factories. These mills produce biogenic CO₂, a carbon dioxide from natural sources, like wood and plants.

CO280 aims to capture emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Then, it stores them permanently underground in deep geological formations.

CO280 carbon capture process
Source: CO280

The technology used comes from SLB (formerly Schlumberger) and is known as SLB’s “Capturi” system. It captures up to 95% of CO₂ emissions from flue gas and purifies them for transport to secure storage locations.

CO280 partners with legacy mills. This choice saves time and money by avoiding new infrastructure. It also helps cut emissions right at the source. This model is scalable, cost-efficient, and a strong example of how to bring older industries into the clean energy future.

The method uses the current infrastructure and supply chains of the pulp and paper sector. This sector emits around 88 million tons of biogenic CO2 each year in the U.S.

By retrofitting instead of rebuilding, CO280 cuts down on complexity, cost, and risk. It also speeds up deployment and keeps mills running smoothly. This approach also supports local economies by preserving jobs and using established supply networks.

JPMorgan’s Climate Strategy in Action

JPMorgan has been working on ways to reduce its carbon footprint and support a low-carbon economy. The company has committed to financing $2.5 trillion in sustainable investments by 2030. Out of that, $1 trillion is for green projects. This includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture. This $90 million deal with CO280 fits directly into that framework.

JPMorgan Chase green investments 2023 progress
Source: JPMorgan Chase

According to Taylor Wright, Head of Operational Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase, the bank is focused on “solutions that can scale and be verified.” She noted:

“We’re thrilled to continue to help speed and scale the growth and development of CDR technologies with this latest offtake. CO280’s ability to provide near-term, affordable removals at scale is a key catalyst for making high-quality, engineered CDR available to a wider range of buyers.”

Engineered carbon removal is different from nature-based solutions like tree planting. It is seen as more measurable and permanent. The agreement with CO280 marks a move to better carbon removal credits. These credits can be audited, monitored, and verified for many years.

The 13-year term lets CO280 raise more funds. It can keep growing its pipeline of retrofit projects. As more mills adopt the model, the volume of carbon captured will increase, and costs could go down even further.

A Growing Market for Carbon Removal

JPMorgan’s deal with CO280 is part of a growing trend. According to BloombergNEF, the global carbon management market could exceed $800 billion by 2030. Engineered carbon removal was once viewed as costly and experimental. Now, it is drawing significant investment.

Microsoft, Stripe, Shopify, and Frontier have made similar deals. They aim to support carbon capture startups. Frontier is a carbon removal fund backed by tech companies. Early offtake agreements help startups grow. They lower prices and build the infrastructure for large-scale operations.

  • CO280’s offering stands out because it delivers carbon removal for under $200 per ton.

Engineered removals cost more than nature-based offsets, which are often under $50 per ton. However, they are seen as more durable and reliable. They will be key to solving climate issues. This is especially true for sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry. These sectors are tough to decarbonize.

Securing carbon removal for under $200 per ton is a big deal. Early-stage engineered CDR projects usually cost over $500 per ton. This price drop shows that CO280’s technology is now mature. 

As seen below, more CDR suppliers expect to have the average cost per metric tonne to go down by 2030. Lower prices make high-quality engineered CDR easier to access and more appealing to many companies.

average production cost per tonne CDR
Source: CDR.fyi

JPMorgan’s financial support adds credibility and visibility to this model. This helps attract more institutional investment in carbon removal. The deal comes after JPMorgan made several agreements worth over $200 million. This shows the bank’s strong role in backing climate technology on a large scale.

The Role of MRV: Making Carbon Removal Trustworthy

One of the biggest challenges facing the carbon credit market is trust. Critics say many voluntary carbon credits rely on weak assumptions or results that can’t be verified. That’s why CO280’s commitment to strong MRV standards (monitoring, reporting, and verification) is so important.

Every ton of CO₂ taken out through the JPMorgan agreement will be measured with third-party tools and checked by independent audits. This ensures that the carbon is not only captured but also stored in a way that is safe and permanent.

CO₂ will be stored in Class VI wells. These wells follow U.S. federal rules and are made for long-term storage of carbon dioxide.

A Blueprint for Scalable Climate Solutions

CO280 plans to continue expanding and is seeking further investment to bring more facilities online. The JPMorgan deal is a signal to other investors that carbon capture can be both environmentally and financially viable.

Each retrofit project could remove 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year. With dozens of mills across North America, the potential impact is significant.

From a climate perspective, biogenic CO₂ removal is particularly valuable. Capturing and storing carbon from renewable sources, like trees, has a net-negative effect.

Thus, CO280 doesn’t just cut emissions. It also removes carbon from the air. This helps balance out emissions from sectors that can’t fully go green.

The partnership between JPMorgan Chase and CO280 represents a promising shift in how major companies approach climate solutions. Their agreement uses real-world infrastructure and proven technology to deliver measurable, permanent results. With strong verification, clear pricing, and local job creation, this project serves as a blueprint for other corporations looking to invest in high-quality carbon removal.

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EU Greenlights Nearly €1 Billion for Green Hydrogen Projects

EU Greenlights Nearly €1 Billion for Green Hydrogen Projects

The European Union (EU) has approved €992 million in funding for 15 renewable hydrogen projects in 5 countries across the European Economic Area. This investment, under the EU Innovation Fund, is a key part of Europe’s clean energy strategy.

The projects aim to produce about 2.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen over the next decade, helping to cut over 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The focus is on heavy industry and transport. These sectors are tough to decarbonize using regular clean energy solutions.

Why Green Hydrogen Matters in the Energy Shift

Green hydrogen forms when renewable electricity drives electrolysers. These devices split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process does not produce any direct greenhouse gas emissions, unlike grey hydrogen, which comes from fossil fuels.

green hydrogen production
Source: Shutterstock

Green hydrogen is a clean option for industries that can’t easily use electricity. This includes steel production, aviation, shipping, and chemicals.

The high price of electrolysers and changing renewable electricity costs make it tough for green hydrogen to compete with fossil-based hydrogen. That’s why the EU’s direct financial support is critical. It helps lower the cost difference and speeds up the adoption of clean hydrogen technologies.

Environmental Gains from Funded Projects

The 15 projects backed by the EU will avoid over 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2033. That’s roughly the same as taking 9 million cars off the road for a year. These projects are expected to generate 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen.

  • For comparison, producing one tonne of hydrogen using fossil fuels emits about 6.3 tonnes of CO₂.

Green hydrogen will help reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. These sectors contribute a significant portion of Europe’s greenhouse gases. Globally, hydrogen production—mostly from fossil fuels—releases nearly 900 million tonnes of CO₂ each year. If green hydrogen replaces that, it could eliminate an important source of emissions.

EU renewable hydrogen projects
Source: EU

Boosting EU Energy Security

More than 70% of Europe’s energy is imported, most of it in the form of fossil fuels. Supporting local renewable hydrogen production helps the EU rely less on imported energy. This boosts energy security.

Electrolysers can use local wind or solar power, which means hydrogen can be made closer to where it’s used. This cuts transmission costs and prevents supply chain issues from global politics or market changes.

Developing green hydrogen also adds stability. It allows the EU to better manage global energy shocks and cut exposure to changing oil and gas prices.

Building a Competitive Hydrogen Market

This funding round is part of a wider EU plan to grow a €100 billion clean economy by 2030. The REPowerEU strategy aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen domestically and import an additional 10 million tonnes by 2030. This makes hydrogen a key part of the EU’s energy transition and decarbonization goals.

EU hydrogen plan 2050
Source: EC

The European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) will hold its next auction in late 2025, offering another €1 billion to green hydrogen developers. These auctions promise a set payment for each kilogram of hydrogen produced over 10 years, which helps companies feel secure in their investments.

Hydrogen-related investments are growing globally. The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects that more than €150 billion will be invested in hydrogen annually by 2030.

global hydrogen 2030 IEA
Source: IEA

The EU’s funding structure helps lower costs and expand electrolyser manufacturing. Grants for individual projects go from €8 million to €245 million. Bigger amounts are available for tough areas like maritime shipping.

Each project must reach financial close within 2.5 years and start operations within five years. Many will back the production of chemicals like methanol and ammonia. Hydrogen plays a key role here. It can work as both an energy source and a raw material.

Jobs, Innovation, and Export Opportunities

The green hydrogen economy will create up to 1.4 million jobs by 2030. This is according to the European Renewable Energy Council. It also offers environmental benefits. These include jobs in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance.

The EU also expects new hydrogen hubs to encourage innovation, similar to how the solar and wind industries grew. The Innovation Fund helps European businesses develop the entire supply chain. This includes everything from raw materials to energy management software.

Countries in Asia and North America are investing heavily in clean energy, and Europe’s early moves may offer a strong competitive edge.

Cross-Border Collaboration for a Unified Hydrogen Market

One of the key goals of the EU hydrogen strategy is to create a unified hydrogen market across member states. Many funded projects have cross-border elements. They connect producers, pipelines, storage, and end-users across national lines.

This integration is key. It balances hydrogen supply and demand. Countries with extra renewable power, like Spain and Portugal, can help those with high industrial needs, like Germany and the Netherlands. It supports building trans-European hydrogen corridors, which allow for large-scale transport and trade of renewable hydrogen across borders.

The EU is enhancing cross-border infrastructure. This builds a more flexible and connected energy system. It supports electricity networks and lets hydrogen move to where it’s needed most.

Public-Private Partnerships Are Paving the Way

Many EU Innovation Fund projects depend on strong partnerships. These partnerships involve governments, private companies, and research institutions. They combine technical skills, funding, and policy support, speeding up deployment.

Some winning projects show energy companies teaming up with electrolyser makers and local utilities. Together, they create complete supply chains. Some smaller startups are exploring niche areas. They focus on green hydrogen for uses like fertilizer and aviation fuel.

Challenges Ahead and A Strategic Step Toward a Greener Europe

Despite the progress, there are still hurdles. Electrolyser production needs to grow a lot. Also, renewable electricity capacity has to increase to satisfy hydrogen demand. Storage, transport, and end-use systems also need to be built quickly.

Many developers say that long permitting timelines and unclear rules slow things down. To fix this, the EU plans to launch a Hydrogen Mechanism platform in 2025. It will connect hydrogen buyers and sellers and will lower transaction costs.

Moreover, it will help track emissions better. This platform will make it easier for hydrogen to fit into existing energy systems.

The European Commission’s €992 million investment is more than just funding—it’s a clear signal of strategic direction. With auction-based support, market tools, cross-border coordination, and public-private partnerships, the EU is positioning itself as a global leader in renewable hydrogen. 

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