Microsoft’s Green Horizon: Pioneering Biochar Collaboration in Africa for a Carbon-Negative Future

Microsoft secures 10,000 biochar carbon removal credits from Bio-Logical Carbon in a groundbreaking deal for Africa. Bio-Logical’s circular economy model transforms agricultural waste into biochar-fertilizer, enhancing soil health. Microsoft’s commitment aligns with its goal to be carbon negative by 2030, fostering sustainable practices and diverse removal credit portfolios.

February 28, 2024

1–2 minutes

Microsoft has recently struck a significant deal with Bio-Logical Carbon, a Kenyan biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More project developer, acquiring 10,000 carbon removal credits. Each credit represents the removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and will be delivered by 2025. Bio-Logical’s biochar production involves burning organic material in a low-oxygen environment, storing carbon to prevent its release during decomposition.

The circular economy approach employed by Bio-Logical involves collecting agricultural waste, creating biochar, mixing it with fertilizer, and redistributing it to local farmers. This carbon-rich fertilizer aids in regenerating degraded soil. The company plans to scale its facility to process over 30,000 metric tons of agricultural waste annually, targeting the removal and storage of 1 million metric tons of CO2 yearly by 2030.

The credits will be issued through puro.earth, and although not registered on the Accelerate platform, similar biochar credits range from €90.00/mt to €500/mt. Microsoft, committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030, values biochar credits higher than other nature-based options. The tech giant has been proactive, signing agreements with various developers, such as Grassroots Carbon, Catona, and Neustark, reflecting its dedication to a diverse carbon removal portfolio.

In its Fiscal Year 2022 portfolio, Microsoft purchased 1.5 million credits, with a focus on forestry projects, sustainable agriculture, biochar, blue carbon, bio-oil, and CO2 utilization. The company’s transparent removal credit procurement strategy, inviting developers to submit proposals, aligns with its broader vision for a sustainable and carbon-negative future. This collaboration with Bio-Logical marks Microsoft’s pioneering step in biochar carbon removal in Africa, serving as a catalyst for environmental and social impact in the region.