In a groundbreaking partnership, Germany’s climate solutions giant, Callirius AG has joined forces with Cula Technologies to expand highly efficient biochar projects. Their goal is to boost transparency and credibility in a market that frequently faces quality concerns and reputational risks.

Cula, also based in Germany develops processes for digital measurement, reporting, and verifying (dMRV) the climate impact of biochar projects while Callirius provides customized financial products to attract essential private capital into top-tier carbon projects.

Revolutionizing Biochar: Callirius and Cula’s Comprehensive Project Overhaul

David Steinmetz, Natural Climate Solutions Specialist, Callirius has expressed his views on this deal, he noted, 

“The MRV data from Cula Technologies perfectly complements the project information collected elsewhere in our quality assessment. The precise and reliable data gives companies and investors the necessary confidence to be sure that their funds are flowing into projects that can demonstrate real climate impact.”

Addressing Data Reliability Challenges

Producing biochar from biomass and utilizing it in agriculture or construction is significantly promising for climate change mitigation. However, ensuring the integrity of biochar with the carbon credit demands requires meticulous monitoring to prevent fraud. 

Callirius and Cula gave a joint statement highlighting risks associated with manually entered data. They believe that the conventional process of climate impact verification and carbon credit distribution can create inaccuracies and potential manipulation. Consequently, it can also undermine trust and credibility, discouraging investment in such projects.

Innovative and technical monitoring platforms are necessary to prevent such errors.

Introducing Innovative Machine-Based Monitoring Platforms

In this partnership, Cula Technologies, renowned for its innovative technology solutions, introduces its advanced monitoring platform. Check out the details of the top-notch technology as described by Cula team: 

Data integration: This highly innovative platform combines machine data, tracking data, and laboratory data to ensure reliability throughout the entire biochar production and utilization process. 
Using CSI: Through an API interface, this data seamlessly transfers to Carbon Standards International (CSI), facilitating automatic, transparent, and secure data flow. This streamlined process allows for the direct issuance of carbon credits based on data. 

Oliver Erb, Co-Founder, of Cula Technologies noted, 

“The partnership between Callirius and Cula represents a decisive step in directing more financial resources into high-quality climate solutions. Callirius’ customers receive an unparalleled depth of information, enabling them to identify the most impactful climate protection projects on a data-driven basis and monitor them transparently. This in turn accelerates investment in carbon removal projects, which is urgently needed to take this market to a climate-relevant level.”

READ MORE: NetZero Raises Over $19M for Biochar Expansion in Brazil (carboncredits.com)

Data Integration onto Callirius Platform 

The next step is the integration of this data onto the Callirius platform. The outcome would be enhanced project verifiability, enabling companies to support initiatives with a big impact on climate viability.

Callirius uses AI to ensure the high quality of its biochar projects 

The company leverages solid data from various sources like remote sensing, soil samples, biochar projects, camera traps, and machine data. These types of data undergo rigorous monitoring by AI to validate their quality and impact on climate. All types of project-specific due diligence reports gather and consolidate detailed information from the quality inspection process. 

Furthermore, the company enables climate solutions by offering investors access to a curated array of nature-based projects. They design optimal funding structures that align with the requirements of both project owners and funding providers. The fund provides an opportunity to invest in diversified portfolios of projects in their early stage.

The image depicts the Cumulative Biochar production capacity by region in Europe at the end of 2022; Germany dominates.

BLOCK Biochar: Revolutionizing Real-Time Biochar Production 

BLOCK Biochar, a project in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is taking a comprehensive approach to biochar production and utilization. They source biomass mainly from nearby farms. 

The company processes the biomass into biochar using the advanced Carbo-FORCE pyrolysis system and finally spreads it on the surrounding agricultural land. Their highly efficient carbonization plants are developed and manufactured in Germany.

“The Carbo-FORCE system is an innovative pyrolysis technology that aims to optimize biochar production while generating more energy than it consumes.” 

Steffen Block, CEO, of BLOCK Biochar has expressed his sentiments on this project, he said, 

“From our perspective, transparent and seamless data transmission in carbon removal projects is the crucial lever to ensure the reliability of sinks and mitigate climate change in the near future. With our two strong partners, Cula Technologies and Callirius, we believe we are well positioned for this future and furthermore, we are pleased to offer Callirius customers our carbon credits.”

Block Biochar project is revolutionizing biochar production by incorporating technology into its system. The project is setting new standards in sustainability as Cula and Callirius are handling it jointly. It is harnessing machine data integrated into its biochar verification process to bolster confidence in the project’s climate impact. 

Cula diligently monitors all production steps, while Callirius aptly markets carbon credits generated from biochar manufacturing. We expect this dynamic partnership to drive innovation and sustainability in biochar projects to the next level.

FURTHER READING: Microsoft to Purchase 95,000 Biochar Carbon Removal Credits from The Next 150 • Carbon Credits 

The post Callirius and Cula Forge Alliance for Biochar Project Funding and Monitoring appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The global lithium industry witnessed significant growth in reserves and resources during the first quarter of 2024, surging to 303.5 million metric tons, a remarkable 52.2% increase compared to the same period in 2021, per S&P Global Commodity Insights.

This uptrend aligns with the 2023 trajectory, where lithium reserves and resources expanded by 36.9 million metric tons. Despite this surge, lithium prices experienced fluctuations. While they soared to historic highs in 2022, reaching $79,650 per metric ton in China, they have since cooled down, resting at $15,250 per metric ton as of April 17, 2024. 

Nonetheless, experts suggest a prevailing upward trajectory in lithium demand and prices since 2016. However, short-term challenges such as recent price corrections and surpluses in battery metals have been noted. 

RELEVANT: Why Lithium Prices are Plunging and What to Expect

Still, medium-term supply deficits are anticipated to sustain interest in lithium exploration despite these fluctuations.

Mining Titans: Global Lithium Reserves Unearthed

Geographically, Argentina emerges as the global leader in lithium reserves and resources, contributing 29.6% in the Q1 of 2024. The United States comes second at 24.0% and followed by Bolivia at 18.2%.

Meanwhile, Australia, renowned as the top lithium producer globally, possesses 22.1 million metric tons of reserves and resources, securing the 6th position in global rankings.

Remarkably, Canada has shown substantial growth in its lithium sector. Its share of reserves and resources increase by 273.1% since Q1 of 2019, amounting to 28.2 million Mt in Q1 of 2024. This growth is underpinned by a surge in lithium exploration budgets, which spiked by 120% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of expansion.

Canada, especially Quebec, is displaying a strong enthusiasm for the lithium and battery sectors. The country focuses on establishing a complete supply chain from mining to electric vehicle (EV) production. 

Jean-François Béland, Ressources Québec’s Vice President, highlighted the imperative of car electrification, noting the demand will be there, whatever happens. He further stated that “lithium and critical minerals are, in the 21st century, what coal was in the 19th century and what oil was in the 20th century.”

Lithium’s Role in the EV Revolution

According to the S&P Global Commodity data, lithium-ion battery capacity is projected to reach 6.5 TWh by 2030. Lithium is recognized as a crucial component in manufacturing EVs and is considered the cornerstone of achieving net zero emissions. 

The demand for lithium-powered EV batteries is anticipated to grow annually at a rate exceeding 22%. And the EV transport segment will capture 93% of the market share by 2030.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, companies are adopting these strategies to cope:

Reevaluating undeveloped lithium assets,
Expediting projects, and
Exploring new opportunities.

This trend has been further fueled by national government policies that advocate for energy transition and support battery supply chains.

The global lithium exploration arena has also witnessed significant financial inflows. Exploration budgets skyrocketed to a historic high of $830 billion in 2023, marking a 77% increase. 

Notably, four countries—Australia, Canada, Argentina, and the United States—each allocated over $100 million for lithium exploration in 2023. Collectively, they represent almost 75% of the global lithium exploration budgets for the year. 

Looking ahead, projections indicate further expansion in lithium production. China expected to capitalize on lower-quality deposits and Bolivia is poised to elevate its status as a formidable lithium producer, leveraging its substantial lithium reserves of 39.0 million metric tons.

Balancing Demand and Production

In a separate report by Benchmark’s Solid-State and Lithium Metal Forecast, the global lithium metal production struggles to keep pace with the surging demand. The sector encounters challenges in securing sufficient lithium metal for battery manufacturing, despite its substantial capacity potential.

In 2024, if all viable lithium metal produced were allocated to batteries, it could potentially support the production of 5 to 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of cells. 

However, a considerable portion of lithium metal is directed towards other industries, resulting in a supply shortfall this year. This deficit is projected to escalate from nearly 10 GWh in 2024 to about 60 GWh by 2026.

Interestingly, trading of the metal on platforms like CME Group Inc. is witnessing a notable uptick. This has garnered more interest from funds, even as prices of battery metals decline, showing market resilience.

READ MORE: Lithium Prices and The Insights into the EV Market’s Pulse

The first quarter of 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the global lithium industry, with reserves and resources experiencing a remarkable surge. Despite price fluctuations, the upward trajectory in demand and prices remains evident as governments advocate for clean and sustainable energy transition.

The post Global Lithium Reserves and Resources Surge 52% in Q1 2024 appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Russia’s increasing influence in African countries and its focus on critical minerals pose significant challenges for the West. In a historic announcement on March 16 this year, Niger declared the immediate termination of its military cooperation with the US. The country nullified a military agreement that permitted US bases on its territory.

Critics argue that Russia’s resource-driven approach may exacerbate existing governance challenges, including corruption, environmental degradation, and social unrest.

As reported by Oregon News, Niger’s military junta and US officials, had a crucial meeting during which the latter conveyed apprehensions regarding Russia’s growing military involvement in the nation. Niger made the “announcement” immediately after the meeting. Additionally, concerns were raised about attempts by the junta to renegotiate mining contracts with potential implications for energy leverage against Western interests. 

Let’s learn how Russia’s pursuits for Africa’s critical minerals can impact the country and its global resource acquisition efforts.  

Russia’s Quest for African Mineral Resources

One of the focal points of Russia’s interest lies in rare earth elements (REEs), essential components in various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems.

Africa boasts 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, making it an attractive target for resource-hungry nations like Russia.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerges as a prime target in Russia’s mineral quest, given its abundant cobalt reserves, a crucial element in lithium-ion batteries powering EVs and smartphones. Russia’s interest in cobalt aligns with its ambitions to establish a stronger foothold in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

In addition to cobalt, Russia has set its sights on other critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, and platinum group metals. All these REEs are indispensable to modern industries involved in energy storage, battery and catalytic converters, etc.

Furthermore, Russia had always weighed minerals as a currency. They have intervened in Africa to bolster their control through paramilitary means. By providing security and employing intimidation tactics, Russia grabbed lucrative mining agreements. Furthermore, it offers military support to sustain the weaker regimes.

Russian tactics are in absolute contrast to the Western nations. The country operates ruthlessly without considering human rights, democracy, or legal frameworks.

Russia Intensifies Use of Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Africa

According to media reports, in recent years Russia has increased deployment of private military contractors (PMCs) to put a tight foothold on the continent. PMCs are for-profit organizations that provide combat, security, and logistical services for hire.

Russian PMCs first arrived in Africa under a contract with the Libyan Cement Company in 2017.

One notable example of Russia’s use of PMCs in Africa is its involvement in the Central African Republic (CAR). In 2018, the Russian government signed a military cooperation agreement with the CAR, leading to the deployment of the Wagner Group, the most famous Russian PMC.

Subsequently, the PMCs have swiftly extended their presence into Sub-Saharan Africa. They operate in Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), Madagascar, Mozambique, and Libya.

The group trains local armed forces to use Russian-supplied arms, protects Russian-operated gold, uranium, and diamond mines, and acts as bodyguard and advisor to the Central African president.

Africa’s Share of Critical Mineral Wealth

A few years back the World Bank projected that a ~ 500% rise in the production of key minerals and metals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt by 2050 is needed to meet global demand for REEs.

With a focus on revenue within Africa, the McKinsey Group has conducted an evaluation. It states:

Africa could generate between US $200 million and US $2 billion of additional annual revenue by 2030 and create up to 3.8 million jobs by building a competitive, low-carbon manufacturing sector.
Additionally, minerals could play a crucial role in meeting African citizens’ huge housing and transport needs by driving the sustainable development of these sectors. 

Africa holds 40% of the world’s gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum reserves. The continent also possesses the largest cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium globally. Zimbabwe has huge lithium potential while Zambia’s copper reserves are capable of substantial revenue generation.

Despite owning 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa accounts for less than 10% of global mining exploration spending. For instance, untapped raw mineral deposits in the DRC are estimated to be worth more than US$24 trillion.

Therefore, accessing Africa’s abundant resources is imperative to achieve these ambitious goals.

Image: Distribution of Africa’s shares of global production of selected critical minerals.

Russia’s Engagement in Africa: Understanding Strategic Motivations

1. Bypassing sanctions: Gold and diamonds provide Russia with a means to circumvent economic sanctions enforced since the invasion of Ukraine. Africa, boasting 40% of the world’s gold reserves and the largest diamond reserves, serves as a key resource hub.

2. Geopolitical influence: As already explained, Russia has established fresh military and political alliances to reduce Western influence in African nations. Specifically, Russia offers “regime survival packages” in exchange for natural resource extraction rights, bolstering its geopolitical standing. This serves as a huge vantage point for native Africans. 

Moreover, Russia’s engagement in African mineral extraction extends beyond traditional mining operations. The Kremlin has forged strategic partnerships and investment deals with African nations, leveraging its resource extraction and infrastructure development. These partnerships often come bundled with political and military agreements, bolstering Russia’s influence in Africa.

A stark example is the Blood Gold Report’s Findings that stated, 

“The Kremlin has earned more than US$2.5 billion from trade in African gold since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.”

Is Russia’s Intervention Loosening the West’s Grip on Africa? 

The intensification of Russia’s mineral scramble in Africa has raised concerns among Western powers and regional stakeholders. They anticipate worse implications from the geopolitical dynamics and local governance. Critics argue that Russia’s resource-driven approach may exacerbate existing governance challenges, including corruption, environmental degradation, and social unrest.

Furthermore, Russia’s expanding presence in African mineral extraction poses a potential challenge to Western dominance in resource markets. It prompts calls for increased vigilance and strategic engagement from Western policymakers.

Niger’s Recent Decision: A Threat to the West

Niger, the world’s seventh-largest producer of uranium, supplies France this vital resource for nuclear power generation. Apart from uranium, Niger has abundant natural resources of coal, gold, iron ore, and phosphates.

However, Niger’s recent decision to temporarily halt the issuance of new mining licenses highlights the challenges faced in maintaining stable supply chains.

Niger’s situation exemplifies the broader concern regarding Russia’s increasing influence in African nations.

It poses a looming threat to the West in securing its critical mineral supply chains. The withdrawal of US troops from neighboring Chad is another testament to the burgeoning geopolitical tensions.

Jack Watling, land warfare specialist at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) has examined the situation and commented,

“While lithium and gold mines are clearly important, in Niger the Russians are endeavoring to gain a similar set of concessions that would strip French access to the uranium mines in the country.”

Image: Share of Africa’s critical minerals and their global demand projections 

As Russia continues to deepen its involvement in Africa’s mineral sector, the geopolitical implications will likely reverberate far beyond its borders. Balancing the economic opportunities with the geopolitical risks inherent in this mineral scramble will be paramount for both African nations and the broader international community.

FURTHER READING: Africa Clean Sweeps into $900B Global Carbon Credit Economy (carboncredits.com)

The post Russia Power Plays: Deploys Military Might Over Africa’s Critical Minerals appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The European Commission’s move to address greenwashing practices among airlines is significant. Greenwashing, especially in industries as impactful as aviation, undermines consumer trust and misleads individuals about the environmental consequences of their choices. 

Air France, its Dutch subsidiary KLM, and Lufthansa’s Brussels Airlines are among the 20 airlines under investigation by the European Union for potential greenwashing practices. It’s unclear which other airlines have received a letter from the EC.

Eco-Friendly Flight or Marketing Mirage?

The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) works with the European Commission to enforce EU consumer protection laws. They address cross-border issues, triggered in this case by a BEUC alert about misleading green claims by airlines.

The European Green Deal and the New Consumer Agenda prioritize sustainability and combatting greenwashing. Directives like the one on unfair commercial practices prohibit misleading actions. 

Additionally, the proposed Green Claims Directive aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring traders to substantiate explicit environmental claims and be transparent about offsetting claims, specifying the portion that relies on buying carbon offsets. The Directive ensures that traders adhere to requirements when making claims about the environmental performance of products. 

The involvement of the CPC emphasizes the collaborative effort to enforce EU consumer laws and hold airlines accountable for their practices. This approach sends a clear message to the industry that greenwashing will not be tolerated.

BEUC’s advocacy and the support of consumer organizations further highlight the growing awareness and demand for genuine sustainability efforts. Consumers deserve accurate information to make informed choices, and actions like this help protect their rights.

Legal Eagles vs. Misleading Claims: Aviation Edition

The recent legal rulings against KLM and Austrian Airlines demonstrate the consequences of misleading advertising in the aviation sector. Such rulings set precedents and serve as deterrents for other airlines engaging in similar practices.

The EC, along with EU consumer authorities, is targeting misleading claims regarding the environmental impact of flying. They particularly focus on airlines’ assertions that carbon emissions can be offset through additional fees or the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

SAF is from renewable and sustainable resources, offering a way to reduce emissions when combined with fossil-based jet fuel. It’s a “drop-in” fuel, meaning airlines can use it without modifying their existing infrastructure. SAF is viewed by experts as a highly promising solution for accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to a low-carbon future.

RELATED: Google Signs Up Shell’s SAF Program to Cut Business Travel Emissions

The identified misleading practices include:

Creating the incorrect impression that additional fees can fully counterbalance CO2 emissions.
Using the term “sustainable aviation fuel” without adequately justifying its environmental impact.
Using terms like “green,” “sustainable,” or “responsible” without clear justification.
Claiming to move towards environmental performance like net zero emissions without verifiable commitments, targets, and monitoring systems.
Presenting flight emissions calculators without scientific proof of reliability.
Comparing flight emissions without providing sufficient information on the methodology.

These actions follow the EU Commission’s legislative proposals aimed at protecting consumers from greenwashing. These include updates to directives like the unfair commercial practices directive (UCPD) and the consumer rights directive (CRD). These updates aim to include green transition aspects and introduce rules banning unverified environmental claims and requiring independent verification of green claims.

Věra Jourová, EC Vice-President for Values and Transparency, emphasized the importance of providing consumers with accurate and scientific information, saying:

“More and more travelers care about their environmental footprint and choose products and services with better environmental performance. They deserve accurate and scientific answers, not vague or false claims. The Commission is fully committed to empowering consumers in the green transition and fighting greenwashing.” 

EU’s Greenwashing Battle Plan

The European Commission and CPC authorities have taken proactive steps to address concerns regarding environmental marketing claims made by airlines under EU consumer law. By inviting companies to provide responses within a specific timeframe and organizing meetings to discuss proposed solutions, the Commission is fostering dialogue and collaboration to ensure alignment with consumer legislation.

The process involves:

Invitation for Response: Companies have 30 days to outline proposed measures to address concerns raised about their environmental marketing claims.
Dialogue and Discussion: Following receipt of replies, the Commission will organize meetings with the CPC network and the airlines to discuss proposed solutions.
Monitoring Implementation: The Commission will monitor the implementation of agreed-upon changes to ensure compliance with EU consumer law.
Enforcement Actions: If airlines fail to take necessary steps to address concerns, CPC authorities have the authority to take further enforcement actions, including sanctions.

Overall, these legislative measures and directives aim to promote transparency and combat greenwashing, particularly involving airlines’ use of carbon offsets. By targeting airlines that make misleading claims about use of carbon offsets or the sustainability of flying, the Commission is taking a proactive step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector.

The post EU Takes Action Against 20 Airlines for Greenwashing Claims appeared first on Carbon Credits.