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Microsoft bets a carbon removal bake-off will help offset its skyrocketing AI emissions | TechCrunch

Nov 15, 2024 - techcrunch.com
Microsoft, despite its commitment to being carbon negative by 2030, has seen its emissions increase by over 40% since 2020, largely due to its growing AI business. To counter this, the tech giant has invested heavily in direct air capture (DAC), a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and has committed to buying carbon credits in advance. In a recent announcement, Microsoft, in partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada, plans to pre-purchase 10,000 metric tons of carbon over 10 years from Deep Sky, a DAC project developer.

Deep Sky is unique in its approach to DAC, inviting eight different startups to its site in Alberta, Canada, to compete in finding the most efficient carbon capture method. The startups will share resources, including power and carbon storage facilities, allowing them to focus solely on carbon removal. Deep Sky is sourcing solar power through a third party and handling permitting for carbon storage. The project is expected to be operational by April, with Microsoft and RBC receiving carbon credits by June.

Key takeaways:

  • Microsoft's emissions have increased by over 40% since 2020, despite its commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030.
  • The tech giant has invested heavily in direct air capture (DAC), a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, to help offset its emissions.
  • Microsoft and the Royal Bank of Canada have pre-purchased 10,000 metric tons of carbon over 10 years from Deep Sky, a DAC project developer that is hosting a competition among eight startups to find the most efficient carbon capture method.
  • Deep Sky's project, powered by solar energy and offering carbon storage, is expected to be operational by April, with Microsoft and RBC receiving carbon credits by June.
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