Large-Scale Carbon Removal Advancements

Large-scale carbon removal is at the center of Microsoft’s latest climate initiative, as the tech giant partners with carbon capture startup CO280 to remove 3.7 million tons of CO₂ over 12 years. The deal supports a novel approach that integrates carbon removal into pulp and paper mills -- an established industrial sector ripe for decarbonization.  CO280 captures emissions from biomass recovery boilers, capitalizing on the biogenic carbon absorbed by trees and preventing it from being re-released during combustion.

The process is a joint venture with a major Gulf Coast pulp mill and marks the first of over a dozen similar projects in development. By aligning with Microsoft and other undisclosed buyers, CO280 secures critical offtake agreements, enabling private investment and reducing risk for first-phase implementation. The initial phase targets 400,000 tons of annual removal capacity by early 2029.

This partnership validates CO280’s model and highlights Microsoft’s commitment to pioneering scalable carbon removal strategies. It’s a key step toward integrating climate solutions into heavy industry infrastructure.

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