Microsoft purchases 3.6 million metric tons of bioenergy plant decarbonization

Microsoft announced Thursday that it will purchase 3.6 million decarbonization credits from a biofuel plant in Louisiana owned by C2X. The plant, which is scheduled to become operational in 2029, will process forest waste into methanol, which can be used to power ships and aircraft and as a raw material for chemical manufacturing. In total, the facility will produce more than 500,000 metric tons of methanol. About 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide will be captured and stored, likely underground.

The purchase is one of many Microsoft has made in the past year or so, including this one A deal worth 4.9 million metric tons With Vaulted Deep, a 3.7 million metric tons agreement With CO280, and 7 million metric tons Buy from Chestnut Carbon. Microsoft’s rapid expansion of its data center footprint has jeopardized its 2030 pledge to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it produces. While the company also purchases large quantities of Renewable and Nuclear Energy, carbon replenishment purchases like this will help offset future fossil fuel emissions.