In the realm of clean energy, uranium-powered nuclear plants often take a back seat to solar and wind, yet they stand as the second-largest low-carbon electricity source globally. Nuclear energy operates emission-free, mitigating carbon dioxide and curbing harmful air pollutants. It’s not just an alternative; it is pivotal to global clean, sustainable energy transition – the key for net zero emissions.  

In this article, we’ll explore the uniqueness and the driving forces behind the resurging interest in nuclear energy. This means delving into the uranium sector, an emerging bullish market and why it’s crucial for a net zero world. 

Moving Away From Coal With Nuclear Energy

Transitioning from coal to cleaner energy sources is a pivotal step in addressing climate change. 

For centuries, coal was the cornerstone of the industrial revolution, but its combustion accounts for over 40% of global carbon emissions. It’s also responsible for 75% of electricity generation emissions in 2019, as per the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s data. 

To align with the Paris Agreement’s objectives of curbing global warming below 1.5°C, phasing out coal is imperative.

The shift toward clean energy involves pivoting from high-emission sources to low-carbon alternatives to mitigate climate impacts. This energy transition aims to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, amplifying renewable options such as hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear power. 

An excellent example of this transition is Ontario, which has been coal-free since 2014, primarily harnessing nuclear and hydro energy to power its grid sustainably.

Both coal and nuclear power plants operate using steam-driven turbines to generate electricity. Despite coal accounting for roughly ⅓ of global electricity generation, nuclear energy stands out for its capability to provide consistent baseload power, effectively supplementing intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.

World Total Electricity Production by Energy Source

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency

Back in 2003, Ontario pledged to phase out a quarter of its electricity generation by decommissioning nearly 9000 MW of coal capacity. To achieve this, the province refurbished nuclear units and integrated a mix of renewables and natural gas. Doing so allowed the Canadian province to successfully attain over 90% carbon-free electricity. 

It’s a testament to the feasibility of transitioning away from coal toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources like nuclear. 

The adaptability of nuclear power plants in adjusting output according to demand and the availability of other energy sources adds resilience and stability to the grid, particularly in supporting variable renewables.

The recent report by the United States’ Department of Energy on nuclear power highlighted the potential to convert over 250 GW of coal capacity in the U.S. into nuclear power, effectively doubling the existing nuclear capacity. 

Moreover, the DOE’s analysis revealed various benefits for communities near the coal plants considering such a transition. This includes the creation of 650 jobs, generating $275 million in economic activity, and an 86% reduction in GHG emissions.

Deputy secretary, Andrew Griffith, noted that the expertise and skills learned from operating coal plants could be adapted to nuclear power. He further underlined that this potential extends beyond just integrating into the electricity grid, as some reactor concepts can also offer applications in industrial heat.

The agency also emphasized the multi-dimensional benefits that nuclear power could offer for the energy transition. 

Nuclear as Clean and Sustainable Energy Source

When the term “clean energy” is mentioned, most individuals tend to immediately think of solar panels or wind turbines. However, nuclear energy, often overlooked in these discussions, stands as the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity globally, trailing only hydropower.

To understand the cleanliness and sustainability of nuclear energy, consider these three key points:

Zero Emissions and Air Quality Protection: 

Nuclear energy is a zero-emission clean energy source. It operates via fission, splitting uranium atoms to generate energy. The resulting heat drives turbines for electricity production without emitting harmful byproducts present in fossil fuels. 

In 2020, the United States avoided over 471 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions through nuclear energy, surpassing the collective impact of all other clean energy sources combined. 

Small Land Footprint: 

Despite generating substantial carbon-free power, nuclear energy requires minimal land compared to other clean sources. A standard 1,000-megawatt nuclear facility in the U.S. operates on slightly over 1 square mile. 

In comparison, wind farms require 360x more land area, while solar plants demand 75x more space to produce equivalent electricity. In other words, millions of solar panels or hundreds of wind turbines are needed to match the power output of a typical nuclear reactor.

Extremely High Energy Density with Minimal Waste: 

Nuclear fuel boasts an incredibly high energy density, nearly 1 million times greater than traditional energy sources. Consequently, the volume of used nuclear fuel isn’t as extensive as commonly believed. 

Putting that in perspective: all the used nuclear fuel produced by the U.S. nuclear energy sector over 6 decades could fit within the dimensions of a football field at a depth of less than 10 yards. 

This waste can potentially be reprocessed and recycled, although this isn’t currently practiced in the U.S. However, emerging advanced reactor designs aim to operate on used fuel, offering promising solutions.

Consider the following facts. They underscore the significance of nuclear energy in the realm of clean and sustainable power generation.

Source: https://www.energy.gov/

Uranium Bull Market is Emerging

Delving into the current market scenario, it helps to consider the historical context of the past decades. 

Going back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, these were the pivotal periods when nuclear power stations were extensively built. These years marked the initial rise in demand coinciding with the emergency of nuclear technology. 

Unfortunately, a series of accidents, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, led to nuclear downturn that put many projects on hold. This downturn persisted for about two decades. 

Fast forward to the early 2000s, the climate change challenges start to kick in, particularly the increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This moment was dubbed the Renaissance of nuclear energy when new projects were revealed. Consequently, this resulted in a spike in 2007 as shown in the chart. 

Then there has been a gradual but consistent uptick in uranium prices since 2019. Notably, this trend showed investors’ interest resurging due to the perceived potential in uranium investments. And a few days ago, uranium spot prices hit a 15-year high at $85 per pound. 

READ MORE: Uranium Prices Hit 15-Year High at $85 Per Pound

Analysts even forecast more increases in prices, confirming that a uranium bull market is approaching, if it hasn’t come already. This makes GoldMining Inc (GLDG)’s uranium project even more valuable. As one of the companies making waves in the uranium market, GoldMining Inc brings exposure to one of the most exciting uranium exploration regions in the world.

How Does Uranium Help Achieve Net Zero Emission?

Uranium plays a significant role in the quest for achieving “net zero emissions“. It boasts a feature lacking in some renewable energy sources – capacity to provide reliable baseload energy production. 

While solar, renewables, and hydroelectric power receive continued investment due to their eco-friendliness, they face challenges in delivering consistent energy output. For instance, solar energy is inactive at night, and wind turbines remain idle when there’s no wind. Recent occurrences, such as lower wind speeds in the United Kingdom resulting in decreased turbine energy production, have forced a shift to natural gas.

Although natural gas is a cleaner energy source compared to coal or oil, its carbon footprint remains notably higher. Surprisingly, a substantial portion of the world still heavily relies on coal for electricity generation. 

In the United States, for instance, 19% of energy production persists from coal. Even in China, despite significant strides in reducing reliance on coal from 70% to 57% over a decade, there’s a fervent drive to further diminish this figure. This fuels China’s leadership in expanding nuclear capabilities as an alternative to coal.

Regardless if it’s coal or natural gas, it doesn’t matter. Nuclear is nearly 100% more effective than any other energy technology at reducing carbon emissions.

These developments resonate strongly with investors, particularly in the context of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. Many investors view nuclear energy as a low-carbon means of energy production, aligning with ESG principles. The rising importance of ESG considerations has sparked newfound interest in evaluating nuclear energy’s place within this framework.

Overall, the reliability and low-carbon nature of nuclear energy underscore its significance in pursuing cleaner and dependable energy solutions. There’s simply no reaching net zero without nuclear, and so uranium, too. 

Disclosure: Owners, members, directors and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option position in any of the companies mentioned: GLDG

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involve risks which could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

The post No Net Zero Without Uranium: Here’s Why appeared first on Carbon Credits.

For the first time in over half a century, the US has granted permission for a novel nuclear reactor, signaling a growing openness among regulators toward diverse methods of generating power from nuclear fission.

California-based startup Kairos Power secured a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Hermes demonstration reactor in Tennessee. 

In contrast to current commercial reactors that use water for cooling, Kairos’s technology employs molten fluoride salt as a coolant.

How Traditional Nuclear Reactor Works

The main function of the reactor centers on controlling nuclear fission, a process where atoms split and release energy.

Reactor fuel primarily contains uranium, processed into ceramic pellets and enclosed in sealed metal tubes known as fuel rods. These rods, often bundled together, form a fuel assembly. 

A typical reactor core houses hundreds of these assemblies, varying with power capacity.

Within the reactor vessel, the fuel rods are submerged in water, serving as both coolant and moderator. The moderator slows down the neutrons generated by fission, sustaining the chain reaction. The heat generated by fission converts water into steam, driving turbines that generate clean electricity.

All commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S. are light-water reactors, employing ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator. Over 65% of U.S. commercial reactors are pressurized-water reactors (PWRs), circulating water under high pressure within the reactor core to prevent boiling.

Amidst the global drive to accelerate nuclear power deployment in the battle against climate change, regulatory processes have historically hindered the approval of new reactor designs.

According to Mike Laufer, Kairos Power’s CEO, the NRC has the potential to approve unconventional approaches. He also said in an interview that the regulatory pathway “doesn’t have to be a barrier.”

Kairos is one of numerous companies striving to market designs that can be manufactured in facilities and set up on-site. The company claims it to be swifter and more cost-effective compared to the conventional large-scale reactors available today.

How Kairos Reactor Technology Works

Kairos Power’s innovative reactor uses molten fluoride salt as a coolant, a departure from conventional water-cooled nuclear reactors. These salts have remarkable chemical stability and exceptional heat transfer capabilities at very high temperatures. 

Image from Kairos Power website

Studies conducted on U.S. reactor designs confirm the compatibility of molten fluoride salts with standard high-temperature structural materials. This is to ensure reliability and a prolonged service life, thus further enhancing commercial viability.

The reactor employs fully ceramic fuel that maintains its structural integrity even under extremely high temperatures.

The U.S. National Laboratories have successfully demonstrated fabrication and testing methods for these fuels. 

By using pebble-type fuel, Kairos Power reactors enable online refueling for reliability and operational availability. 

Moreover, the reactor adapts a model-to-learn approach to optimize the transition to clean energy. This adaptive strategy promises cost reduction while allowing development of innovative nuclear technologies that can revolutionize the global energy landscape.

RELATED: The Big News from COP28: Nuclear Energy’s Triumph

Kairos advanced reactor is a type of small nuclear reactor (SMR). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines ‘small’ as under 300 MWe capacity. Present-day large conventional reactors typically boast around 1,000 megawatts of capacity.

The New Era of Nuclear Power

SMR development is taking place in Western countries with growing private investment. The involvement of these small investors indicate a significant shift happening from public-led and -funded nuclear R&D to private-led. The goal is to deploy affordable clean energy sources without harmful carbon emissions.    

Source: world-nuclear.org

In 2020, the Department of Energy announced initial $30 million funding support for 5 US-based teams developing affordable reactor technologies. One of them is Kairos Power for their Hermes Reduced-Scale Test Reactor, a scaled-down version of its fluoride salt-cooled high temperature reactor (KP-FHR). 

Kairos plans to begin construction on its $100 million initiative next year and anticipates completing the system by the end of 2026. 

The objective is to showcase the viability of its design and the molten salt technology, potentially offering safety advantages over water-cooled systems. Laufer highlighted that the last non-water-cooled design approved in the US was back in 1968.

While Hermes itself won’t generate electricity, it’s considered as a precursor to the Hermes 2 project. This next phase would involve two similar reactors capable of producing a combined output of approximately 28 megawatts of electricity. 

The NRC is currently evaluating the company’s application for a construction permit for this venture.

Kairos’s ultimate vision involves a commercial endeavor featuring two larger reactors with a capacity exceeding 100 megawatts. However, Laufer indicated that it’s premature to speculate on the timeline for developments beyond the initial Hermes plant. He further noted that:

“We’re developing a technology that will be highly scalable. Affordability is really about being able to scale up.”

With the recent regulatory approval for its Hermes demonstration reactor, Kairos ushers in a new era of cleaner, safer, and scalable nuclear power. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing climate change by leveraging efficient, affordable, and sustainable energy sources.

BREAKING: The US House Passed a Bill that just Repatriated the Nuclear Cycle from Russia’s Control

The post Novel Nuclear Reactor Gets U.S. Approval After Half a Century appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Uranium prices are a significant topic for investors, policymakers, and energy enthusiasts given its role in the global energy landscape. The uranium spot price is at 15-year high due to strong market demand and bullish long term outlook, confirming analysts’ forecast of a major sector rally. 

As technology progresses, the demand for effective energy sources grows. Uranium holds a key position in generating nuclear power, making it a standout energy resource. 

The Powerhouse Driving Nuclear Energy Revolution

Uranium Spot Price USD/Pound

Source: numerco.com

The 15-year high uranium price at $83 per pound, the highest since January 2008, is influenced by several factors.  

Basically, supply and demand dynamics do impact uranium prices. Rising nuclear power adoption also drives demand up while mining challenges and political tensions affect the supply side. 

From 2019 onwards, the uranium market experienced a shortage in supply, depleting the surpluses accumulated since the Fukushima incident in 2011. This scarcity drove prices upward owing to limited availability.

Amid the soaring prices, mining uranium is costly; production expenses directly impact prices. Higher production costs set a price floor as miners avoid selling below production expenses.

National and global regulations also affect uranium markets. Stringent safety and environmental standards raise production costs, while policies supporting clean energy can stimulate demand.

The strong demand for uranium is further driven by its role in achieving net zero emissions and geopolitical risks. This prompted utilities to buy more than 150 million pounds of uranium in 2023, a record high since 2012.

It’s worthy to highlight that uranium prices aren’t just a number; it reflects the shifting global energy landscape. In addressing climate change and ensuring energy security, uranium continues to hold a critical role in the global energy mix.

Currently, there are 440 nuclear power plants across 33 countries, jointly contributing 10% of the world’s electricity supply. Moreover, plans are in place for an additional 90 nuclear reactors, while proposals exist for over 300 more.

The International Energy Agency stresses the necessity of doubling the size of the nuclear industry within the next two decades to meet net zero targets. 

Right now, around 400 nuclear reactors are operational worldwide, highlighting the anticipated growth and importance of nuclear energy in the future energy landscape.

Decarbonizing the Global Energy Matrix

At the recently concluded COP28, a pivotal decision emerged: to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. It marks a substantial victory against emissions, which is not surprising. 

READ MORE: The Big News from COP28: Nuclear Energy’s Triumph

Nuclear energy offers a high-output, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, a crucial step in reducing global warming.

A significant commitment has been made by the COP28 climate negotiators to boost nuclear energy by mid-century, aiding global decarbonization. The United States also joined the effort, signaling increased backing and potential funding for nuclear projects worldwide.

In addition to growing demand, there is also an influx of investment into the sector. Key players like Google and BNB Paribas are betting on nuclear, presenting a broader investment landscape in nuclear energy. 

Finally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also fully supports the nuclear movement, bolstering confidence in nuclear power. 

This significant shift signals a turn towards cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective energy sources. With major nations like the U.S. onboard, significant government support and investment opportunities are anticipated in this growing market.

A comprehensive industry report also estimates that the global uranium market would reach an impressive $1,600 million by 2027. That represents a growth rate of over 7% from 2023. 

Rising Uranium Prices’ Impact on Energy Shift

Nuclear is remarkably efficient, cutting CO2 emissions by nearly 100%, whether replacing coal or gas. 

There would be net zero without nuclear. Understanding its price trends is pivotal, not only for the nuclear sector but also for the global energy direction.

While uranium prices are still below the all-time high of $136/lb. in 2007, there’s a strong optimism for record-breaking highs in the current bullish market. With rising investor attention, soaring demand, and focus on energy security, more increase in uranium prices is very likely.

Moving forward, multiple factors are poised to impact the uranium price, notably the role of nuclear energy in combating climate change globally. Corporate endeavors and government policies aimed at emission reduction play a pivotal role in this regard. 

BREAKING NEWS: The US House Passed a Bill that just Repatriated the Nuclear Cycle from Russia’s Control

Despite criticism, nuclear power emerges as a credible option for providing consistent and substantial energy on a large scale as nations seek to curb carbon emissions.

We featured a very unique, fast moving company, GoldMining Inc (GLDG), and this price development is great news for their high-value assets. It’s one among the companies making waves in the uranium market.

Disclosure: Owners, members, directors and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option position in any of the companies mentioned: GLDG

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involve risks which could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

The post Uranium Prices Hit 15-Year High at $83 Per Pound appeared first on Carbon Credits.

As the world continues to grapple with climate change, forest carbon offsets have emerged as a promising solution. By preserving and protecting forests, we can capture and sequester carbon from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also creates economic opportunities for communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods.

Introduction to Forest Carbon Offsets

For years, companies have been given an option to deal with their environmental impact: cancel out their carbon pollution by paying for efforts that protect the forests. That’s essentially the idea behind forest carbon offsets. 

If you’re a landowner who wants to earn extra from keeping your trees standing, forest offsets suit you well. Or perhaps you’re a company owner willing to support forest protection initiatives, forest carbon offsets are perfect for you. 

Either way, let’s help you understand everything you need to know about this kind of carbon offset credit. From providing a detailed explanation of it to identifying its benefits and how to purchase it for your offsetting needs. 

What are Forest Carbon Offsets?

Forest carbon offsets involve a process where a forest, at risk of being chopped down or for other purposes, is protected in exchange for payment. This payment goes to the forest owner, which could be a government or private landowner, to prevent deforestation.

Once the owner and buyer close the deal, the forest area becomes a “carbon credit project.” Their agreement involves a commitment not to cut down the trees or be destroyed by fire. The organization or person managing this project sells these commitments and takes a portion of the money earned. 

On the other side, a company that pollutes can buy these credits to neutralize their emissions by a certain amount.

Trees are excellent at storing carbon in their structure, so when a tree grows larger, it can hold more carbon. This carbon storage also happens in soils and other vegetation. 

However, when a tree is cut down, the carbon it stores is released into the air. If the tree is used for timber, some carbon remains stored, but a significant portion is released into the atmosphere.

A forest carbon offset, therefore, represents a metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of avoided or sequestered carbon. Emitters buy the offsets to compensate for their carbon emissions happening elsewhere.

What are the Types of Forest Carbon Offsets?

Currently, three forest project types qualify to generate carbon offsets: afforestation or reforestation, avoided conversion, and improved forest management (IFM). 

Each forest project type comes with its unique costs, benefits, and ways of accounting for carbon. Determining which one suits your property best is the initial stage in the exploration process. So, let’s differentiate each type to guide your climate mitigation decision.

Afforestation/Reforestation 

Afforestation, a vital environmental effort, revolves around reinstating tree cover on lands that were previously devoid of forests. These projects are fundamental in addressing deforestation, enhancing biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and contributing to ecosystem restoration.

However, embarking on afforestation initiatives often incurs substantial costs due to the comprehensive processes involved, including land preparation, tree planting, maintenance, innovation and technology, and long-term investment.

Avoided Conversion 

Avoided Conversion projects are crucial initiatives aimed at preventing the transformation of forested areas into non-forested landscapes. These projects, also called REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation), help fight climate change by safeguarding existing forest cover. 

But for this project to be considered eligible for carbon offset programs, project developers must substantiate that the land faces a substantial and imminent threat of conversion. 

READ MORE: What is REDD+? Development, Issues, and Solutions

Improved Forest Management (IFM)

IFM initiatives focus on optimizing the management practices of forested areas to enhance carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health. They aim to increase or maintain the carbon stored within forests, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts while ensuring sustainable use of forest resources.

Among these three forest types, IFM projects are the most frequently traded compliance offsets in California’s cap and trade program. 

According to a research by Haya et al. (2023), IFM projects provided 193 million carbon offset credits since 2008. This accounts for 28% of the total credits from forest projects and 11% of all credits generated in voluntary carbon markets.

Source: Haya et al. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2023.958879

Developers of IFM projects must demonstrate that their forests are capturing more carbon than what would happen in a ‘business-as-usual’ situation across these carbon credit types.

Benefits of Forest Carbon Offsets

Well-designed and effectively executed forest carbon offsets can serve as incentives to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. They also aid in enhancing forest governance while promoting support for the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. 

Supporting forestry projects through carbon offsets offers the following benefits:

Preserving intact forests and those that are mostly untouched to safeguard biodiversity and the services provided by ecosystems. Indigenous peoples’ territories are crucial in this regard, as they have a proven track record of effectively conserving forests.
Improving the management of production forests and plantations to supply essential materials, enabling a shift from a fossil-fuel-based to a bio-based economy. This involves developing alternatives for materials like cement and steel, which have a high carbon impact.
Boosting tree presence in agricultural lands by implementing diverse agroforestry systems and offering stronger financial and social incentives to communities.
Reviving degraded land across the planet to enhance ecosystem-based services. Similar to other nature-based solutions, this restoration should always be done collaboratively with local communities in ways that suit the local context.

Each of these aspects could be integrated into a program providing forestry carbon offsets. They represent a more effective approach to land stewardship, resulting not only in carbon storage but also in numerous advantages.

Forest Carbon Offsets in Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

Managing forests to capture carbon presents an opportunity to reverse the impacts of man-made climate change. Global greenhouse gas (GHG) levels have swiftly risen, with almost half of these emissions happening in the last 40 years.

Forecasts from climate models foresee rising global temperatures, higher sea levels, and shifts in weather patterns. These shifts result in severe droughts, floods, and the intrusion of rising sea levels into freshwater reserves, threatening drinking water sources.

Research indicates that communities dependent on agriculture or in coastal regions will likely face significant challenges due to global warming.

Studies suggest that capturing carbon in forests can play a substantial role in lessening the effects of climate change. Currently, according to the US Forest Service, forests in the US absorb around 16% of the nation’s emissions generated from burning fossil fuels.

Furthermore, forests deliver diverse ecosystem services to the public, like managing water quality and quantity while providing habitats fostering biodiversity.

Market for Forest Carbon Offsets

In 2022, about 30% of all carbon offset credits for forestry projects came from voluntary registries. These projects, like IFM, REDD+, and afforestation, include various types. 

The research by Haya et al. also pointed out that the U.S. was the main contributor to forest offset credits from IFM projects, accounting for 94% of them. Most of these credits were registered under the CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliance carbon offset program, with almost half originating from U.S. forest projects.

So far, most forest offset credits from all registries have been given to projects that reduce tree harvesting significantly, aiming to prevent carbon losses in forests compared to standard scenarios.

To date, sellers of forest carbon are big forestland owners seeking to diversify their forest-based revenue streams. 

Pricing of Forest Carbon Offsets

Prices for carbon offset credits in voluntary markets have dropped in the past year. Forest carbon offsets belong to nature-based solutions represented by the Nature-Based Global Emissions Offsets (NGEOs).

While the prices of all VCM offsets have been hit, the decline in NGEO prices stands out because of the premium they were trading at over the other offsets last year.

Several reasons caused this decline. Global economic challenges, such as high inflation, ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine, and lasting pandemic effects slowed economic growth in 2022 and continued into 2023.

Moreover, there hasn’t been progress on a unified standard for carbon credit markets globally at COP27. This lack of advancement is holding back growth in voluntary markets.

READ MORE: The Collapse of NGEO Carbon Prices: An In-depth Analysis

Nonetheless, emitters are actively seeking ways to offset their residual emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. If you’re one of them, the following section will help guide you on how to buy forest carbon credits for your offsetting needs.

Process of Purchasing Forest Carbon Offsets

Buying forest carbon offsets is pretty much similar to purchasing other types of carbon credits. You can opt for directly getting them from project developers, which means from a forestland owner. You can also buy the offsets from other providers. 

For instance, you can look for a broker. Brokers can make it easier and quicker for you to get the offsets you need, especially if you need a lot of them. 

A broker also handles all the transactions on your behalf, and this purchasing process doesn’t require long-term contracts. But it would cost you a bit more. 

Another provider would be the retailers, who can give you at least basic information about the offsets they’re selling. Usually, they hold an account on a carbon registry and retire the offsets on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can also buy forest carbon offsets from an exchange. There are several carbon exchanges or trading platforms that provide these offsets. They often collaborate with registries to enable trading transactions. 

Purchasing forest offsets from a trading platform would be easy and fast, and may cost less than brokers. However, you might find it more challenging to evaluate the quality of the offsets. 

Calculating Your Carbon Footprint

But before you look for the right offset provider, it’s best that you know how many credits you need. And that means calculating your carbon footprint first and deciding how much of it you have to offset. 

Remember that one forest carbon offset represents one tonne of carbon emission. So, if you or your company emitted a thousand tons of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in one year, you’ll need 1,000 offsets to neutralize all of them. 

After calculating your total footprint, you can then determine the amount of offsets to purchase. Below is our comprehensive guide on how to calculate how many offset credits you need. 

READ MORE: How to Calculate Carbon Credits?

Purchasing and Using Offsets

Once you have purchased the offsets, using them does not just involve writing off your carbon footprint. It also includes some kind of responsibility and a couple of considerations. 

For instance, you need to be confident that the offset credits are from projects that deliver real carbon emission reductions. That entails knowing the project details (e.g. type, location, environmental impacts, carbon reduction/removal, etc.). 

You also have to ensure that the offsets are generated following credible and trusted carbon credit methodologies. This is crucial to make sure that you get the real value of each dollar you invest in the offsets. 

More remarkably, forest carbon offsets are now under growing scrutiny as some projects are found to underdeliver the claimed reductions. This brings us to the last part of this guide.

Criticisms & Drawbacks of Forest Carbon Offsets

One major issue is additionality. It refers to whether or not the reductions would have happened even without the offset project. For example, a forestry project wouldn’t provide additional action on climate if it’s protecting a forest that was never in threat of being chopped down. 

Another drawback of these offsets is permanence. It means the carbon reduction or removal should remain for 100 years to be permanent. 

While some forest projects are capable of achieving that, others are at risks of reversal. This happens when different factors come into play that destroy the forests. Wildfires are the biggest culprit.

Several forestry projects have been burned down by fires, reversing the reductions they promise to offer. For example, a study suggested that California’s buffer pool, a kind of self-insurance program to cover reversal, severely lacks capital. 

So long as the buffer pool stays solvent, the permanence of carbon offsets remains intact. But the study showed that the buffer pool for California’s forest carbon offset projects is unlikely to insure its integrity for a century. 

Additionally, the buffer pool didn’t account for the increase in wildfire risks. Failure to do so means that the forest fire-prone state will most likely see high offset reversals. 

Both Quality and Quantity Matter

There’s also the issue surrounding the mathematics on how much carbon is really captured and stored in a specific area. 

Forests vary widely—from tropical to temperate and boreal, each with unique ecosystems, species, and risks. They also store different amounts of carbon that can change due to seasons, events like tree cutting, wildfires, and droughts. 

Moreover, calculating carbon in forests is complex. It depends not just on science but also on policy choices about data use, which changes to consider, and which forests to involve. Some worry that certain governments’ practices might let companies sell offsets from replanting after they cleared forests initially.

The case of Canada’s forest carbon accounting offers an example. According to a report from the country’s Natural Resources Defense Council, the calculation used is misleading and damaging. 

The authors noted that the government didn’t account for the carbon released by wildfires. However, it includes the carbon captured by forest regrowth even if there’s no logging and no human activities at play.

READ MORE: Is Canada’s Forest Carbon Emissions Accounting Misleading

Finally, the biggest criticism thrown at forest carbon offsetting projects is their ineffectiveness in actually reducing carbon emissions. A group of investigative journalists claimed that more than 90% of Verra’s REDD+ projects likely do not represent real reductions. 

The studies that journalists used for their analysis involve different methods and time periods. They also considered various ranges of Verra REDD+ projects, while noting that such studies do have some limitations. Yet, they noted that the data indicated consensus on the lack of effectiveness of the projects versus what Verra had approved. 

Forestry Carbon Offsets: Closing Thoughts

Forestry carbon offsets have emerged as a promising tool in combating climate change by preserving and protecting forests to capture and sequester carbon. This multifaceted approach not only benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions but also presents economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities.

However, the market for forest offsets faces challenges, including pricing discrepancies, additionality concerns, and complexities in measuring carbon sequestration. Issues related to permanence and accurate quantification also remain critical areas demanding attention and robust evaluation within the offsetting paradigm.

Amidst these complexities, forest carbon offsets present both opportunities and challenges in achieving carbon neutrality. Collaborative efforts among governments, project developers, and market stakeholders are essential to address concerns, establish transparent methodologies, and ensure the credibility and effectiveness of forest carbon offset projects.

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