Top 10 Carbon Removal Credits in 2024

SkyClean produces high-quality biochar, which is both created and sequestered on Danish farmland. Their technology emphasizes affordability and scalability. With the launch of a new commercial-scale facility in 2024, the project aims to capture substantial amounts of CO2.

• Long-Lasting Sequestration: The carbon sequestration lasts for more than 100 years, providing a long-term solution for carbon removal.
• Scalability and Technological Advancement: SkyClean's focus on low-cost, large-scale production is a significant advantage. With the operation of their second prototype plant and the upcoming commercial-scale plant, the project demonstrates a clear pathway to expanding its capacity and impact, which is crucial for making a substantial difference in carbon sequestration efforts.
• Regional Impact and Innovation in Northern Europe: By being located in Denmark and targeting the Northern European region, the project can inspire and drive similar projects, enhancing overall climate action in Europe.

• New Project Uncertainties: As a relatively new project with a commercial-scale plant expected to start operating in 2024, there are inherent uncertainties associated with its long-term performance and scalability. Factors such as operational efficiency, market acceptance, and unforeseen technical challenges could impact the project's success and its ability to meet the intended goals.

Corigin's project in Merced, California, utilizes almond shells as a feedstock to produce high-quality biochar. This biochar is directly incorporated into the soil, effectively preventing the agricultural residue from decomposing or being incinerated. The initiative emphasizes scalable biochar production and has a verified capacity for substantial carbon sequestration.

• Utilization of Agricultural Waste: The project effectively uses almond shells, a by-product of almond farming, as feedstock for biochar production. This adds value to agricultural residues and supports sustainable farming practices.
• Proven Market Acceptance: With 57% of its capacity already utilized, the project demonstrates proven market acceptance and operational effectiveness. This indicates a level of reliability and market trust in the project's ability to deliver on its promises.
• Durable Carbon Sequestration: The project ensures that biochar is applied directly to the soil, guaranteeing that the carbon remains sequestered for over 100 years. This long-term sequestration is crucial for meaningful climate impact and aligns with stringent EBC-Sink guidelines.

• Feedstock Dependency: The project's reliance on almond shells as a primary feedstock may pose challenges if there are fluctuations in almond production / availability. This dependency on a specific agricultural residue could limit the project's scalability and resilience to changes in the supply chain.

This portfolio is based on the agricultural application of biochar in Vorarlberg, Austria and surrounding areas. The focus of this project is on regional application and minimizing transport distances. The biochar was applied in Southern Germany and neighboring regions, sequestering CO2 for over 100 years.

• Regional Focus and Low Transport Emissions: By concentrating on local application within Austria and Germany, the project minimizes transportation emissions, enhancing its overall environmental benefit. This regional approach supports local agriculture and ensures the sustainability of the biochar application process.
• Capacity: With a total capacity of 52.5107 tCO₂e, this project has the potential for substantial carbon sequestration. Although only 2% of the capacity has been utilized, the large remaining capacity presents a significant opportunity for future carbon removal.
• Longevity: The biochar used in this project sequesters carbon for over 100 years, providing a long-term solution for carbon storage and contributing to the fight against climate change.

• Older Vintages: The majority of the vintages in this portfolio are from 2021 (61%), which might be considered less current compared to newer projects. This could impact the perception and relevance of the credits.

Dutch Carboneers support smallholder farmers in Odisha, India, to produce, own, and benefit from biochar application and carbon credit sales. This project empowers local farmers with the rights, technology, and training to produce biochar, and it helps to fight droughts as well as improves soil health. Biochar's porosity increases soil water holding capacity, enhances productivity, and provides additional environmental benefits, while carbon credit revenue supports local communities and poverty reduction.

• Empowerment of Local Farmers: This project empowers smallholder farmers by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and technology to produce and benefit from biochar. This approach enhances local capacities and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
• Environmental and Economic Benefits: Biochar application helps combat drought, increases soil water holding capacity, reduces nitrogen leaching, and minimizes erosion. Additionally, the revenue from carbon credit sales boosts local communities' resilience and protects against poverty.
• Decentralized Production Model: The decentralized approach of this project ensures that biochar production and application are sustainable and locally managed. This model supports rural agricultural areas in the global south, making the technology accessible and beneficial for farmers.

• Scalability: The project has a capacity of 15.2409 tCO₂e at the moment. This is relatively small compared to larger industrial projects. While it has significant local benefits, the overall impact on global carbon sequestration may be limited unless the model is widely replicated.

The Yacumama Forest Carbon Project in Peru protects 11 square miles of tropical rainforest along the Rio Yarapa. This area supports diverse wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, pink dolphins, and seven species of primates, focusing on long-term carbon sequestration.

Founded in 1992, the project funds its conservation efforts through eco-tourism, research, education, and carbon credit sales. Sustainable practices, like solar power and responsible waste management, are integral. The project aligns with global sustainability goals and has been featured in major media outlets like The New York Times and BBC Television.

• Long-Term Carbon Sequestration: The project ensures over 100 years of carbon storage, significantly aiding in climate change mitigation.
• Biodiversity Protection: It protects a diverse range of species, including jaguars, tapirs, and pink dolphins, preserving crucial ecosystems.
• Community Support: By creating sustainable economic opportunities, it supports local livelihoods and promotes conservation efforts.

• Leakage Risks: There may be a potential for "leakage," where deforestation activities might shift to nearby areas not covered by the project, thus reducing the overall environmental benefits.

The Tayazú project, led by the Saving the Amazon Foundation, aims to conserve the Amazon rainforest and enhance the well-being of indigenous communities. By planting 15,000 trees, the project sequesters approximately 15,000 tons of CO2 and generates income for 50 families over 36 months.

• Empower Indigenous Communities: Provides tools, training, and financial support to local communities, promoting sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods.
• Environmental Benefits: Planting trees helps combat deforestation, increases carbon sequestration, and enhances soil health.
• Sustainable Development: Aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action.

• Dependence on External Funding: The project's success heavily relies on continuous funding and support from external sources.

The Campo Alegre Project by Saving the Amazon is an initiative aimed at combating climate change and supporting indigenous communities in the Vaupés region of Colombia. This project involves the planting of 33,000 trees, covering significant areas of tropical rainforest in collaboration with the Campo Alegre and San Pedro communities.

• Empower Indigenous Communities: The project provides financial support, tools, and training to 110 indigenous families, fostering sustainable development and improving their livelihoods.
• Environmental Benefits: Planting 33,000 trees helps combat deforestation, increases carbon sequestration, and enhances the local ecosystem.
• Sustainable Development: The initiative aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action.
• Economic Impact: By generating income for families over a 36-month period, the project helps alleviate poverty in one of Colombia's most impoverished regions.

• Dependence on External Funding: The success of the project relies on continuous financial support from external sources.

The Fujian Qingliu IFM (Improved Forest Management) Project is implemented by Fujian Qingliu Forestry Co., Ltd. in Qingliu County, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China. Spanning 5,856 hectares across various towns, this project aims to convert logged forests into protected forests to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This project focuses on local tree species such as Chinese Fir, Masson Pine, and Broad-leaf trees. It aims to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 2,858,234 tCO2e over 30 years, averaging an annual reduction of 95,274 tCO2e.

• Environmental Conservation: The project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated reduction of 2,858,234 tCO2e over 30 years, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Biodiversity and Soil Protection: By converting logged forests to protected forests, the project enhances biodiversity conservation and soil erosion control, promoting healthier ecosystems.
• Economic and Social Benefits: The project promotes sustainable economic growth and provides productive employment opportunities for local communities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for decent work and economic growth.

• Monitoring: Ensuring compliance with protection measures across the forest area can be challenging in the remote regions

This project utilizes biochar for urban applications in Stockholm, Sweden. It aims to enhance the green urban environment, boost biodiversity, and improve stormwater management. The biochar used in this project sequesters carbon for over 100 years, contributing to long-term carbon removal.

• Urban Environmental Benefits: The application of biochar in urban areas improves green spaces, increases biodiversity, and enhances stormwater management. These benefits contribute to a healthier urban environment and improved quality of life for residents.
• High Utilization Rate: With 63% of its capacity already utilized, this project demonstrates strong market acceptance and effectiveness in its implementation. This high utilization rate indicates reliability and confidence in the project's ability to deliver results.
• Long-Term Carbon Sequestration: The biochar used in this project sequesters carbon for over 100 years, providing a durable and long-term solution for carbon removal. This aligns with stringent EBC-Sink guidelines and ensures a lasting positive impact on the environment.

• Geography: While the project has significant benefits for the urban environment in Stockholm, its reach is for this one city only.  

This project highlights the use of biochar by smallholder farmers in Kenya, who have received thorough training and certification via the Global Artisan C-Sink Standard to sustainably produce and apply biochar. BiocharLife collaborates with these farmers, providing an additional revenue stream to enhance their livelihoods and benefit the local community. Over 80% of the proceeds from carbon removal credit sales are directly paid to the smallholder farmers. Besides the social benefits, biochar applications in Kenya help remediate soil damage and improve crop yields.

• Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers: The project provides thorough training and certification for smallholder farmers in Kenya, teaching them to sustainably produce and apply biochar. This not only enhances their farming practices but also provides an additional revenue stream, improving their livelihoods and benefiting the local community.
• Soil Remediation and Crop Yield Improvement: The application of biochar helps remediate damaged soils, leading to improved crop yields. This enhances food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.
• High Utilization Rate: With 82% of its capacity already utilized, the project demonstrates strong market acceptance and effectiveness. This high utilization rate indicates reliability and confidence in the project's ability to deliver results.

• Leakage: Deforestation may shift to other areas outside the project boundary, reducing the net environmental benefit.