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ECS25
Carbon compliance market adoption accelerating around world amid impact of EU’s CBAM
The adoption of carbon compliance markets is accelerating around the world amid the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), despite the US rolling back on climate policies after the election of President Donald Trump, a heard Wednesday.
Major EU airline warns Brussels needs “reality check” over flagship Fit for 55 climate package
A large European airline has warned Brussels it should reconsider the impact of its flagship Fit for 55 climate package due to wishful thinking around the cost of sustainable aviation fuel in the legislation, a conference heard Wednesday.
Urgency to implement CBAM keeps growing as 2026 start date looms
Complexity continues to challenge the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), but any delay to the carbon leakage mechanism would be counterproductive to its environmental and economic aims, a conference heard on Wednesday.
EU’s “fantastic” CRCF at risk of over-regulation, warns project developer
The EU’s Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming (CRCF) regulation is a major opportunity to create a market for carbon removals (CDR) big enough to attract investors, but overly prescriptive rules risk causing fragmentation before it even begins, according to a project developer.
EMEA
Germany moves to cancel EU ETS allowances linked to 2022 coal plant closures
Germany’s Federal Cabinet this week adopted a formal communication to the European Commission seeking the cancellation of EU ETS allowances linked to the closure of two coal-fired power plants in 2022, in a bid to ensure that the phaseout delivers genuine climate benefits.
Swiss govt brings revised CO2 law into force
The Swiss government formally approved on Wednesday a revised CO2 legislation, which establishes emission reduction targets across various sectors for 2030 and implements the measures adopted by lawmakers last year, with several provisions affecting the country’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).
EU releases draft rules for green jet fuels reporting under UN’s CORSIA scheme
The European Commission on Tuesday released draft implementing rules for the monitoring, reporting and verification of fuels eligible under the UN’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
INTERVIEW: EU railway could drive transport decarbonisation, as ETS2 bites into road fuels
A new generation of European trains could reignite continental momentum for sustainability, just as the EU’s carbon pricing is set to expand into road transport and the bloc’s policy evolves.
High network tariffs threaten Europe’s decarbonisation
High network tariffs – and projections of further increases still – are making businesses uncompetitive and disincentivising the electrification Europe depends on for net zero, said electricity and industry groups on Wednesday.
German multinational to receive first carbon credits from rice farming project in India
A Germany-headquartered multinational is receiving the first 250,000 carbon credits from a sustainable rice farming project in India, it announced Wednesday.
Germany’s DWS accepts €25 mln fine to settle greenwashing probe
DWS, Germany’s largest asset manager and a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, has agreed to pay a €25 million fine to settle a long-running greenwashing investigation by the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office.
EU advisory group recommends including nature-based solutions in taxonomy
An EU-commissioned advisory group has recommended including more nature-based solutions (NbS) in its list of climate-related sustainable investment activities to stop investors bypassing them.
UK-EU link could help business, carbon price volatility -report
Linking the UK and EU emissions trading systems could benefit British businesses and help with price stability in the UK ETS, said a report on Thursday.
Drax received higher UK renewables subsidies in 2024, mostly for biomass -report
UK power company Drax earned its second-highest level of public subsidies for biomass generation last year through the country’s renewable support scheme, according to an analysis published on Thursday.
Euro Markets: EUAs dragged lower by falling gas after EU member states propose loose storage rules
European carbon fell away on Wednesday afternoon as gas prices dropped on reports that EU member states had proposed more flexible storage mandates and commodity markets calmed in anticipation of the announcement of new US tariffs later in the day, while weekly position data showed a 10% decrease in speculative length but large drops in futures holdings among compliance companies.
AMERICAS
North American Clean Fuels Markets: Evolving regulatory, political landscape drives credit price shifts
California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit values decreased heading into April amid regulatory silence while Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard (WCFS) units rose to year-to-date highs supported by progress on a legislative effort to strengthen the scheme, as recent political developments continued to weigh on North American clean fuels markets.
Gas-fired power generators pushing CCS additions as electricity demand surges -experts
As AI growth and data centres continue fuelling demand for electricity, baseload power providers are prioritising speed for getting new generation capacity online while planning for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) additions years down the road, market experts said Wednesday during the UT Energy Week conference.
New York Senate targets gas corps for CCS implementation
Gas corporations would have to implement and help advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies under a proposed New York Senate bill – potentially moving the needle on targets outlined in the state’s flagging GHG abatement act.
Canada could lead data centre development by balancing natural gas and CCS, experts say
Canada is positioned to be a leader in data centre development because of the country’s low-carbon energy sources, carbon capture and storage (CCS) opportunities, and regulatory frameworks, experts said on a webinar Wednesday.
TIER transaction volumes in March remain high, price recovers slightly post February tumble
The Alberta Technology Innovation and Emission Reduction (TIER) programme’s spot price rose in March after a major decline in February, with no new offsets or EPCs serialised for the month, according to a report published Tuesday.
DAC energy, water consumption needs to be addressed before further buildout -analysis
As the US considers buildout of direct air capture (DAC) projects, a climate non-profit is urging developers to consider the impacts on energy and water resources.
Japanese startup to develop reforestation monitoring scheme in Brazil
A Tokyo-based carbon credit due diligence provider has teamed with a non-profit to develop a monitoring scheme for reforestation projects in Brazil, it announced Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC
ANALYSIS: Australia’s draft IFLM method shows long way to go to resolve key outstanding issues, stakeholders say
The release of the Australian government’s update on the new integrated farm land management (IFLM) method has been given a lukewarm reception, with stakeholders raising concerns about the volume of outstanding issues yet to be settled.
South Korea urged to raise ambition levels in next NDC
An NGO has called for South Korea to cut GHG emissions by two-thirds by 2035 or reach its carbon neutrality target at least five years earlier to meet its carbon budget.
New partnership aims to help small businesses tackle emissions
An Australian-headquartered global business platform is teaming up with a carbon accounting software provider to help small businesses address their emissions.
Japanese energy giant agrees to invest in credit-generating green methanol project
A major energy company in Japan will invest in a US-based renewable energy project to grow its global green methanol portfolio while creating carbon removal credits.
VOLUNTARY
ANALYSIS: Slow uptake, high costs seen hindering growth of carbon credit insurance
The emerging market for carbon credit insurance faces several barriers, with slow adoption and cost concerns holding back its wider uptake, according to industry experts.
New clean cooking methodology to be sent to UN, voluntary carbon standards within months
A much-anticipated new clean cooking methodology will be finalised and sent to the UNFCCC and major voluntary carbon standards this quarter after technical reviews and tweaks have been conducted.
Voluntary removals market diversifying beyond BECCS and DAC, says IEA
The voluntary carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credit market is diversifying as corporate buyers seek high permanence, with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) maintaining leadership but newer technologies steadily gain market share, according to an International Energy Agency report released Wednesday.
TotalEnergies expands renewables portfolio with purchases in Europe, Africa, and Canada
French oil and gas major TotalEnergies has finalised three renewable energy acquisition deals, with projects planned and underway in Europe, Africa, and Canada, it announced on Wednesday.
BRIEFING: Chile consults on new biodiversity offsetting regulation
Chile last week launched the public consultation period for a new regulation that seeks to codify and clarify an existing but fledgling mandatory biodiversity offsets scheme.
Brazilian REDD+ credits could reach $16/t by 2035, but future dependent on domestic emissions reductions -report
Brazil’s REDD+ carbon credits are expected to rise to $16 per tonne by 2035 and play a role in determining the marginal price of nature-based solutions (NbS) credits, but this impact will depend on the country’s ability to reduce its own emissions, according to a new report.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
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FEATURE: New round of NDCs ‘unprecedented opportunity’ to integrate nature into climate action
The update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement poses an unprecedented opportunity to integrate nature protection into countries’ climate strategies, as early submissions have sparked hope despite the need for stronger targets, experts told Carbon Pulse.
UK to launch Nature Market Accelerator as part of green finance push
The UK has announced it is launching a Nature Market Accelerator to stimulate green financing for activities that boost biodiversity, ranging from biodiversity net gain (BNG) to voluntary carbon markets.
Nature-positive investments largely outsized by harmful spending in national budgets, study shows
Investments in activities harmful to nature are significantly outsizing nature-positive ones globally, with high-income countries performing better domestically but falling short of supporting environmental efforts abroad, a study has shown.
OECD forecasts ocean economy decline amid biodiversity loss
The global ocean economy could decline by 20% below 2020 levels by mid-century due to multiple threats, including climate change and biodiversity loss, according to the OECD.
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EVENTS
Carbon Forward Turkiye – May 7-8, Izmir – Following the success of our inaugural event in Izmir, we are excited to host the second annual instalment of Carbon Forward Turkiye. With the country about to launch its national ETS, attendees will learn what’s in store for participants and other stakeholders. Also, take a tour of the region’s other carbon markets, consider the financial impact of the EU’s CBAM, and hear from experts about developments in the voluntary carbon market, CO2 removals, CORSIA, and decarbonisation in the power, industrial, and shipping sectors. The agenda will be released shortly but registration is now open, with a 30% super-early bird discount available for a limited time.
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ADVERTISE WITH US
Carbon Pulse has published its 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
AVIATION
Turbulence – Global airlines have issued their strongest warning yet that the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 is in jeopardy, with the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh, criticising other parts of the aviation sector and oil companies for failing to meet their commitments. Walsh said airline leaders are increasingly frustrated that the burden of decarbonisation is falling disproportionately on carriers, while others – such as airports, aircraft manufacturers, energy firms, and air traffic control – are not pulling their weight. He warned that pressure is growing to reassess the 2050 target if broader support does not materialise. Although IATA does not currently plan to revisit the target formally, Walsh acknowledged that calls to do so may arise at its upcoming annual meeting in June. He noted that the original commitment was based on the assumption that all stakeholders would contribute fairly. Airports and aerospace groups pushed back on Walsh’s remarks, with ACI Europe claiming airports are already doing more than their share, and manufacturers citing supply chain problems as a barrier. Walsh also criticised the long-delayed reform of European airspace and warned against allowing others to benefit reputationally from airlines’ efforts without matching their commitment. (Reuters)
EMEA
Leap forward – The expansion of Norway’s Northern Lights CCS project to store 5 mln tonnes of CO2 by 2028 marks a “great leap towards a scaled European market for CCS”, writes think tank Bellona. The Longship project encompassing the Northern Lights storage site followed a long-lasting Bellona campaign for a multi-source CO₂ storage infrastructure, with the organisation campaigning for Norway-Sweden cooperation on industrial decarbonisation for many years. The realisation of the bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) Stockholm project by way of Stockholm Exergi is an important step towards unlocking this potential, according to Bellona. First-mover projects like Northern Lights and Stockholm Exergi’s carbon capture operation are key for climate tech development, serving as proof of the economic, and operational viability of capturing, transporting, and sequestering CO2, and helping building confidence across emitters, investors, regulators, and the public.
State aid – The EU Commission has approved a €380 mln French scheme to support the production of renewable energy and decarbonisation equipment. The measure will back the production of batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and equipment for carbon capture usage and storage, as well as for the production of their key components and the production or recovery of related critical raw materials. The aid will take the form of direct grants and repayable advances, until no later than Dec. 31, 2025.
Tax it higher – The OECD has called for higher carbon taxes, particularly on natural gas, in Israel, as well as more stringent green building codes and the potential of taxing carbon-emitting building materials. The report published Wednesday noted that Israel’s power generation uses the highest percentage of fossil fuels in the OECD, and said emissions from this sector are “strongly underpriced by international standards”. Only a tenth of these carbon emissions in 2021 were taxed at over €60/t, the price estimated as necessary to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and a mid-range benchmark of current carbon costs in the OECD. Current carbon tax rates in Israel are too low, particularly on natural gas, where only a gradual increase to €18/t is planned by 2030, it said. Taxing natural gas at a rate consistent with other carbon sources will avoid over-investing in natural gas-based power generation, the OECD noted. (Times of Israel)
UK maritime emissions – The UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), backed by £30 mln in its latest round, is inviting bids from UK-based organisations to develop low-emission maritime technologies. Applications are open until Apr. 16. The programme, delivered by Innovate UK for the Department for Transport’s UK SHORE initiative, supports innovation in areas such as alternative fuels, electrification, and green shipping corridors. Recent projects include the integration of a 20-metre autonomous wing sail on the UK-flagged Pacific Grebe aimed at reducing fuel use and CO₂ emissions.
ASIA PACIFIC
Electrifying – An Australian Coalition-led senate committee has published a report calling on federal and state governments to work together to promote and coordinate the update of home electrification, Renew Economy reports. The report finds that residential electrification is a significant measure for achieving better energy outcomes in Australia, which could help boost household energy efficiency and contribute to achieving emissions reduction targets. However, the report argued that it was important consumers be given “genuine choice” about the electrification upgrades they could make, which noted the need to maintain social licence in the shift to net zero emissions.
City-to-city partnerships – Japan’s environment ministry has selected 20 projects for its low-carbon city development programme, where Japanese local governments use technology and know-how to support decarbonisation in developing countries, according to a notice released this week. The implementation of the programme is conditional on the final FY2025 budget. To date, around 30 environmental infrastructure projects have been further realised through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), based on the results of the city-to-city collaboration projects.
Renewables to gas switch – Australia’s Northern Territory has cancelled its 50% renewable energy plan, which the Country Liberal Party – who are conservatives – initially supported when they were in opposition. The target date was 2030. The nation has an 82% renewable target by the same date, which was legislated by Canberra after Labor took office in 2022. However, the ABC reported that the government has scrapped the plan after revealing it would cost A$5 billion ($3.14) when the NT has A$11 bln in net debt and the target is only 20% met. Instead, the party plans to use gas to meet generation needs. The A$5 bln figure has been disputed.
Offshore wind buy in – Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has invested in a Taiwanese offshore wind service company via a new share issue. NYK said Wednesday it had bought into IOG, which provides support such as marine survey, construction support and vessel chartering, at the end of last month. The two hope to work together on Japan’s offshore wind sector. The nation has little installed capacity but great potential.
Solar gold – AngloGold Ashanti will cut 65,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its Safeguard Mechanism-covered Tropicana gold mine in the West Australian outback via a 61 megawatt solar-wind power station. It will cut gas and diesel use by a reported 50% and 96%, respectively. When the gas system is incorporated, the mine’s total capacity is 115 MW. It was installed by remote power specialist Pacific Energy.
‘Neutered’ NVES – Australia’s conservative Coalition plans to drop fines from the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) if it wins the May 3 election. This means car companies that breach emissions standards won’t face fines, infuriating environmentalist groups like Greenpeace which suggested the move would “neuter” the NVES and allow car importers to send their most polluting cars to Australia, a nation that is heavily car dependent. Criticism of the NVES is that it will drive up car prices.
AMERICAS
Rules rolled back – The US DOE rescinded a 2023 policy on Tuesday that imposed stricter conditions on LNG exporters seeking to extend their commencement deadlines for approved projects. The now-withdrawn policy required projects to be under construction and to prove delays were due to factors beyond their control before an extension would be considered. With the change, the DOE will return to a case-by-case review process for such requests.
Transportation talk – At a US Senate Committee on Environmental and Public Works (EPW) hearing Wednesday, Sean Duffy, head of the Department of Transportation (DOT), fielded questions from both sides of the political aisle as lawmakers prepare to begin efforts to prepare the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, which provides federal funding for transportation. During the hearing, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) said permitting reform for transportation projects should ensure protection against climate-related lawsuits from left-leaning and environmental groups to fulfil President Donald Trump’s day one executive order on unleashing American energy, while Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) questioned Duffy on the potential of efforts to scrub away a focus on climate to add bureaucracy to transportation projects and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) said she hopes grants for sustainability mobility are not put under the chopping block. Secretary Duffy said the department would focus on developing projects faster while still protecting the environment. Earlier this year, the DOT dropped its defence of Biden-era highway emissions rules after Duffy announced he would rescind the regulations.
Nuclear option – Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) signed House Bill 25-1040 (HB 25-1040) on Monday, which defines nuclear as a clean energy source, a status that determines which energy projects are eligible for clean energy project financing at the county and city level. This definition also dictates which energy resources may be used by a qualifying retail utility to meet the state’s 2050 clean energy targets.
Blending battle – A coalition of US oil and biofuel industry groups met with the US EPA on Tuesday to advocate for higher federal biomass diesel blending mandates, proposing an increase to between 5.5 and 5.75 bln gallons from 3.35 bln, Reuters reported. The meeting was seen as a potential step toward the EPA releasing updated Renewable Fuel Standard quotas, expected to cover two years. The group has agreed on maintaining corn-based ethanol mandates at 15 bln gallons. However, internal divisions have emerged, with groups such as the Fueling American Jobs Coalition opposing the proposed increases. The EPA has not commented on the matter.
Biodiesel boost – Illinois increased its required biodiesel blend to B17 from B14 on Tuesday, as part of a 2022 bipartisan law aimed at promoting cleaner fuel use. The law raises the minimum blend level eligible for a tax exemption, meaning 17% of each gallon of eligible diesel fuel must come from biodiesel, largely derived from soybean oil. The Illinois Soybean Association, which represents over 43,000 farmers, supported the measure, citing benefits for energy security, rural economies, and emissions reductions. In 2026, the blend requirement will rise further to B20. The initiative is backed by lawmakers from both parties and Gov. Pritzker (D).
Ferry good news – New York City has begun transitioning its ferry fleet to renewable diesel as part of a broader effort to reduce GHG emissions from municipal vessels. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services awarded the first tender for renewable diesel (RD) fuel, following an Oct. 2024 announcement to convert the Staten Island Ferry and other city ships. The initiative includes testing the fuel on the Marchi Staten Island Ferry and aims to replace ultra-low sulfur diesel with R99 RD, which does not require engine modifications. Additional plans include retrofitting 13 large NYC Ferry vessels to meet US EPA Tier 4 emissions standards. The city is also considering the feasibility of achieving zero-emission port operations by 2040.
See you in 2026 – A lawsuit led by trade group US Chamber of Commerce against California’s state climate disclosure laws could see trial in Nov. 2026, if a summary judgement is not made before then, according to docket filings. Both parties agreed that the case is “likely amenable to resolution” by summary judgement. However, if the court sees it necessary to put a trial date on calendar, they estimate the trial will last between 5-10 court days in Nov. 2026. Discovery will close in Feb. 2026, followed by a series of expert reports and discovery through Mar. 2026.
Disclosure deficit – A new analysis published Wednesday by the Governance and Accountability Institute, along with Ceres, Carbon Accountable, and Persefoni, argues that most of California’s top state suppliers are not currently disclosing key climate-related information, raising concerns about readiness for proposed legislation. The research comes as California introduces Senate Bill 755, which would require suppliers with more than $25 mln in state contracts to report climate-related financial risks and full-scope GHG emissions, and those with $5 to $25 mln in contracts to report Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The report suggests that mandated reporting could significantly improve transparency.
Biochar win – San Francisco-based climate strategy consultancy 3Degrees has listed the first biochar project on the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) registry. The project, by Arizona-based project developer, Southwest Biochar, scaled commercially in January.
Electric evolution – Conagra Brands, a major North American packaged food company, has signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with Bloom Energy, a provider of solid oxide fuel cell technology, to install about 6 MW of fuel cells at its Troy and Archbold, Ohio production sites. The combustion-free system is expected to supply 70-75% of the electricity needs at both facilities and reduce their GHG emissions by 19%.
AI, carbon collide – GEP Software, an AI firm out of New Jersey, is expanding its partnership with carbon disclosure platform, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The company said it would provide clients with real-time, data driven insights to track emissions with CPD’s comprehensive emissions database.
Agricultural aspirations – Brazilian grain and fibre company Amaggi and Anglo-Brazilian climate tech firm NaturAll Carbon announced Wednesday a joint renewable agriculture carbon credit project in the Brazilian state of Rondonia. The project will be developed in an area of 25,000 hectares, and is expected to be certified by Verra’s VM0042 methodology, the partners said. The project aims to develop CDR credits starting from a baseline comprised of degraded pastures and conventionally managed crops and regenerative practices such as the no-till system, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops. In March, the government of Rondonia signed an agreement with Portuguese technology organisation the Center for Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA) to map carbon stock in forest and rural prosperities in the state.
Comments welcome – Brazilian standard Tero Carbon opened public consultation on Version 2.0 of its carbon credit certification, methodology, and assets programmes, it announced Monday. The company said technical enhancements in Version 2.0 include some related to risk management, socio-environmental safeguards, risk mitigation flexibility, and software approval. VCM stakeholders can submit comments until Apr. 30. Earlier this month, Tero Carbon signed an MoU with Buenos Aires-based carbon project development platform and marketplace Forestblock to expand its foothold in Latin America, with an initial focus on Brazil and Argentina.
Come together – In Para, Brazil, State Secretary of Environment and Sustainability Raul Protazio Romao from the Semas agency met on Monday with State Attorney General Cesar Mattar Jr at the headquarters of the State Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPPA) to discuss Para’s jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD) programme (Agencia Para). The purpose of this visit was reportedly to “reinforce dialogue on the process”. Para’s high-profile J-REDD initiative, which is still under development, has been an ongoing point of contention between the two agencies. The J-REDD programme grabbed headlines in Sep. 2024 when Governor Helder Barbalho announced a R$1 bln ($180 mln) offtake deal with the LEAF Coalition public-private buyers’ club. This deal promptly provoked the ire of the MPPA, as well as the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, on the grounds that there was insufficient transparency and public consultation with local stakeholders prior to signing the deal. The two penned a joint letter to Semas stating as much and demanding that SEMAS take steps to ensure that the deal align with a list of four legal requirements.
The one and only – The first auction for the Triunfo do Xingu concession in Para, Brazil concluded on Friday with only one bidder. Previously, Folha de Sao Paulo reported that some of Brazil’s largest project developers did not plan to participate, citing operational difficulties as the main factor in the companies’ withdrawal as well as a perceived lack of flexibility by the Para government. Systemica, a company with a minority stake in BTG Pactual Bank, won concession at the auction held by the B3 stock exchange (Diario do Para). Systemica’s competitor, Genuino Reflorestamento, was disqualified because it did not present all the required documentation and did not prove the legitimacy of its legal representative, according to text in the Official Gazette of Para. The Triunfo do Xingu restoration concession, valid for up to 40 years, is expected to generate R$1.2 bln ($214 mln) over the course of the contract but would also require an estimated investment of R$250 mln. Para has furthermore estimated that the winner of the bid would need to invest R$76 mln for the first seven years of the project until credit revenues are expected to become available in 2032.
VOLUNTARY
Carbon accounting partners – Small business platform Xero has announced an expanded partnership with Sumday, a provider of carbon accounting software, making it easier for small businesses to track and manage their carbon footprint. Sumday will provide Xero customers with 12 months free access to its carbon accounting tools, while financial data from Xero will be linked directly into Sumday, stated the press release Wednesday. The partnership should help small business owners to prepare the necessary carbon footprint information required by larger companies up the supply chain.
Discredited – Amsterdam-headquartered non-profit Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) in its report Discredited has accused reports of two voluntary carbon market organisations – Ecosystem Marketplace and MSCI Carbon Markets – to be flawed in their analysis of the market. SOMO claims that recent reports that companies that use carbon credits to offset their emissions are likely to decarbonise their operations further and faster than those that do not have no causal link between carbon credit buyers and emission reductions.
Transparent partnership – The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) has partnered with AlliedOffsets in a bid to expand its data offerings on cookstove carbon markets with an aim to advance transparency within the sector, it has announced. Updated every three days, CCA’s free dashboard now features detailed insights into demand and pricing trends for cookstove credits across voluntary and compliance markets, which will complement the existing dataset from MSCI Carbon Markets, it said.
New partnership – Carbonplace, a credit management and transaction platform, has partnered with carbon registry Isometric, helping companies to navigate carbon markets. The partnership aims to strengthen market confidence by ensuring that only high-quality, scientifically rigorous credits are traded, enable businesses to know their purchases support tangible climate impact, and help scale the VCM by improving trust and transparency.
What do you think? – International Carbon Registry (ICR) has launched the public consultation of M-ICR011: Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) Destruction Using Photocatalysts. Developed by Crop Intellect, the methodology aims to tackle nitrous oxide—a potent GHG—by spraying a photocatalyst onto crop leaves during farming practices. The catalyst actively destroys the atmospheric N20 and the methodology quantifies N₂O destruction through flux measurements derived from air sampling and environmental data. The methodology is here and the public consultation is open from Apr. 1 – May 1, 2025. Submit feedback here.
Bids for biochar – Supercritical has launched a call for early-stage biochar projects, offering strategic exposure to leading buyers and a route to multi-year offtakes for those it selects. “We’re looking for teams building new production capacity with a credible path to 200,000+ tonnes of durable carbon removal per year by 2030,” the company said. Deadline for applications is Apr. 18. Winning teams will receive expert support from its climate team and they’re particularly looking for new projects that aren’t yet operational and haven’t already signed major offtakes. Apply here.
Carbon ratings transition – A transition study by carbon ratings agency BeZero found that 88% out of 379 carbon projects retained the same rating over the 2024 calendar year. Of the remainder, 3% (10 projects) were upgraded and 9% (33) were downgraded. Rating movements were minor, with most changes limited to a single notch and none exceeding two, according to the analysis. The ratings demonstrated a high degree of stability and low volatility, with figures broadly in line with one-year transition rates seen in financial sector credit ratings, BeZero said.
Gold star – Peer-reviewed research published last week by academics at the University of Toronto – Mississauga has analysed 675 VCM projects to isolate key determinants of a positive ‘gender inclusion scale’ score. These indicators include Gold Standard certification, recent vintage, household devices or carbon removal project types, and African or South American geographies. According to the study’s authors, the importance of embedding gender equality in the VCM is gaining recognition, but gender impacts are still not well understood because research typically studies specific projects or standards. To improve the baseline level of gender inclusion, the researchers proposed mandatory disclosure of gender impacts and collaboration with women-focused NGOs or local governments.
INVESTMENT
Fairmat funding – French startup Fairmat has raised €51.5 mln in a Series B funding round to accelerate the industrialisation of its next-generation carbon composite recycling materials and expand internationally. The round consists of €26.5 mln in equity and €25 mln in venture debt from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The round is led by Bpifrance’s Large Venture fund and Slate VC, with additional participation from Cape Capital and long-term investors Singular, Temasek, CNP, and Pictet Group. The additional funding should help the company scale its industrial operations and strengthen its US presence where demand for sustainable materials is growing. (Tech Funding News)
AND FINALLY…
Smart business – CEOs with high academic qualifications are more likely to pursue corporate decarbonisation than those who are lower qualified or educated, according to research by Durham University Business School. The study investigated company governance data between 2000 and 2021, as well as financial data, greenhouse gas emissions and the level of CEO compensation, and found that not only is education a key factor, but also that having board members from different countries and of different ages encourages CEOs to clamp down on carbon emissions more quickly. “The more power a CEO holds the more likely they are to tackle carbon emissions,” the study added. And it isn’t just knowledge or awareness, the researchers said: “CEOs with strong power over their organisations were focused on reducing carbon emissions due to the fact that their financial remuneration is closely linked to company performance.”
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