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DAC CONFERENCE

DAC carbon removal capacity to hit 5.5 MtCO2 by 2032 in “hugely conservative” outlook, say analysts

At least 5.5 million tonnes CO2 will be removed annually by DAC facilities worldwide by 2032, attendees heard at the 2025 Global Direct Air Capture Conference in New York on Monday.

US DOE’s DAC hubs advancing under Trump administration

The US DOE is advancing a direct air capture (DAC) programme written into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) after its funding was previously paused by guidance from President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a programme manager at a conservative clean energy group.

BRIEFING: Current DAC buyers are built different, not just less price-sensitive

Lowering direct air capture (DAC) costs may not have the hoped-for effect of crowding in plentiful buyers, attendees heard at the 2025 Global Direct Air Capture Conference on Monday in New York.

Hybrid DAC developer to launch 450 tCO2/yr module in summer 2025

A US-based developer that uses proprietary hybrid direct air capture (HDAC) technology will bring a scalable module online by summer 2025, the CEO said in New York on Monday.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Carbon Pulse and Veyt partner to provide carbon market news and intelligence

Veyt customers can now get direct access to breaking news and intelligence on carbon markets, greenhouse gas pricing, and climate policy from Carbon Pulse, thanks to a tie-up between the two carbon market specialists.

INTERNATIONAL

Net-Zero Banking Alliance in talks to raise warming target above 2C, says former member

The world’s largest alliance of net zero-committed banks is considering rolling back its mitigation target to just above 2C, from 1.5C at present, a former member said at an event in New York on Monday.

World Bank insurance agency issues $180 mln guarantee to carbon project developer against political risk

The World Bank’s insurance agency has issued a $179.6 million guarantee to a clean cooking carbon project developer covering political risk affecting its credits such as expropriation, international transfer restrictions, and breach of contract.

Major investment gap threatens buildings sector decarbonisation goals -report

While emissions from the buildings sector have stopped rising for the first time since 2020, a $1.1 trillion investment gap could derail global objectives to decarbonise the sector, according to a report released Monday.

Governments could cut emissions by a third if they nix fossil fuel subsidies -study

By eliminating the $7 trillion worth of subsidies granted for fossil fuels worldwide, governments can significantly boost their economic welfare and cut global CO2 emissions by about a third, according to a study published on Monday.

Global forum announces over $900 mln for clean energy transition initiatives

Governments and organisations at a global forum in Barbados last week committed more than $900 million to expand energy access and support the clean energy transition across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

EMEA

Power sector flags “major issues” with EU-UK electricity trade ahead of CBAM

Electricity producers have called on the European Commission to improve the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) before it starts applying next year, pointing to the risk of “double paying” CO2 charges when importing from the UK, and asking for “more realistic default values” to be applied when evaluating the emissions intensity of Britain’s electricity exports to Europe.

South Africa likely to face carbon credit shortage for another decade, analysts find

The current shortfall of carbon offsets in the South African market is expected to continue over the next decade under a default compliance scenario, with supply expected to supersede demand only in 2038, according to a recently published analysis.

EU ministers converge on need to cut energy costs, clash on mix preferences

The EU’s 27 energy ministers broadly endorsed the European Commission’s proposed action plan for affordable energy but revealed deep fault lines over national approaches and choices of energy mix.

Danish fund manager raises €12 bln for latest renewable energy fund

A Copenhagen-based investor has secured €12 billion for its largest renewable energy fund to date, it announced last Friday.

UK’s largest solar and battery project reaches record debt financing

The largest co-located solar and battery storage project ever to be installed in the UK has reached financial close with record debt finance.

Green steel labelling will be a tricky task for EU, campaigners say

Steel used in construction, such as reinforcement bars, is fundamentally different from the high-quality flat steel needed in the automotive industry, which rules out a one-size-fits-all approach to CO2 labelling, environmentalists say.

Global irrigation company sets up carbon farming programme in Turkiye

A global irrigation company is expanding into Turkiye by partnering with a US-based carbon credit company to launch a crediting initiative for farmers, it announced on Monday.

Banks won’t voluntarily shift towards net zero – they need a regulatory push, study finds

Swiss banks have the necessary tools to hit net zero emissions by 2050, but the fear of losing competitiveness is holding them back, according to a study that raises doubts about the effectiveness of voluntary commitments from banks worldwide.

Euro Markets: EUAs drift lower amid steady selling despite pull of March options

European carbon allowance prices began the week on a quiet note, with trade volume and volatility somewhat diminished compared to recent weeks, as the looming March options contract expiry continued to keep prices within range of key strike price levels at €70-€75.

AMERICAS

US President signs bills repealing offshore drilling restrictions, EPA’s methane emissions fee

US President Donald Trump signed two joint resolutions into law on Friday, nullifying recent regulations that established the US EPA’s methane emissions fee and restricted offshore drilling for oil and gas exploration.

RGGI Market: Power demand to drive near-term RGA prices

With the Q1 auction completed last week, market participants expect RGGI allowance (RGA) futures prices to take their cue near-term from power demand in the absence of progress on the regulatory front.

BRIEFING: Oregon expands support for manufacturers in transition to ZEVs

Oregon regulators proposed a new mechanism on Monday to support truck manufacturers with the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), following industry concerns of insufficient sales to meet compliance with regulations.

Renewable developer partners with carbon companies to build DAC park in Texas

A group of carbon and renewable developers are partnering to establish a direct air capture (DAC) park in Texas that is expected to have the capacity to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to a Monday announcement.

California calls for comment on net zero cement strategy

California regulator ARB is calling for public comment on drafting its net zero emissions strategy for the cement sector.

New York comptroller warns of IRA funding uncertainty for state energy, climate programmes

New York has received a total of nearly $2 billion in grants to date from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), although federal funding uncertainty could jeopardise the impact of those dollars, according to a new report published by the state.

Canadian gov’t watchdog assumes production cuts, compliance cost at C$800/t under oil and gas emissions cap

The Canadian Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) assumed the oil and gas industry would cut production rather than mitigate emissions under a proposed emissions cap, which they expect could result in compliance costs of nearly C$800 ($560) per tonne of CO2e, well below environment ministry projections.

LATAM Roundup: How to indigenise Brazilian carbon markets

In a globalised voluntary carbon market with standards, developers, and validation and verification bodies often based in the Global North, Brazilian entities moved last week to ‘indigenise’ carbon markets – bringing them under the control of local peoples and the federal government.

ASIA PACIFIC

PREVIEW: NZ ETS auction tipped to fail as spot price well below auction floor

New Zealand’s upcoming emissions trading scheme (ETS) auction is all but guaranteed to decline as secondary market prices sit some NZ$8 below the auction price floor, according to market participants.

ID Market: Int’l trading fades away as domestic buying dominates

Indonesia’s carbon market saw a large uptick in traded volumes in February, data published by its National Carbon Exchange (IDX Carbon) showed, however this was largely only domestic players, with international trading almost absent.

China thermal power drops 5.8% in Jan-Feb, but coal production continues to grow

Thermal power generation in China declined in the first two months of 2025 despite continued coal production increase, while renewable power posted stable growth, government data showed Monday.

Japanese firms partner on CORSIA-compliant wood-based sustainable aviation fuel

Four Japanese firms along with Airbus have partnered to develop wood-biomass based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that will also be CORSIA compliant, the companies announced Monday.

Japanese project developer gets fresh funds for business expansion

A Tokyo-headquartered carbon project developer backed by one of Japan’s leading gas suppliers has secured fresh funds from domestic investors, it announced Monday.

Indonesia plans to expand carbon trading to nine industries by 2027

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry on Monday announced plans to lead nine industrial sub-sectors in carbon trading activities scheduled to begin in 2027, according to state news agency Antara.

Singapore duo launch fund to invest in Article 6 compliant carbon credits

Two companies headquartered in Singapore have launched a carbon neutrality fund that will invest in international carbon credit assets compliant with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, they announced Monday.

Australia urged to up emissions target, improve Safeguard Mechanism

Australia will need to update its Nationally Determined Contribution and set an emissions reduction target above 60% while also better managing the Safeguard Mechanism if it hopes to reach net zero by 2050, according to a Melbourne-based think tank.

Wildfires threaten 495 mln tonnes of carbon in Nepal, study warns

Forest fires in Nepal could potentially release more than 495 million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere whilst endangering critical biodiversity hotspots as climate change makes the Himalayan nation more susceptible to blazes, according to researchers.

VOLUNTARY

VCM Report: Prices drift lower, but market buoyed by signs of sovereign support

Prices generally drifted lower as buying appetite continued to favour the cheap end of the market, but national support for voluntary carbon buoyed sentiment.

BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)

All our nature and biodiversity articles remain free to read (no subscription required). However, we now require that all readers have a Carbon Pulse login to access this content in full. To get a login, sign up for a free trial of our news. If you’ve already had a trial, then you already have a login.

Digital asset fund secures $100 mln to advance Amazon protection

An infrastructure investment fund has pledged $100 million to a digital asset security investment platform to scale financing towards conservation in the Amazon.

UK biodiversity net gain demand reaches 7,700 units, report estimates

Demand for off-site biodiversity net gain (BNG) units in England may have reached around 7,700 units last year, a report has suggested.

No natural asset companies in Utah, say US congressmembers

A bill introduced in Congress looks to prohibit Natural Asset Companies (NACs) from engaging in business in Utah.

Italian cohort weighs biodiversity credits for wetland restoration plan

A public-private cohort in Italy is leading an initiative to advance the restoration of the country’s largest wetland, with biodiversity credits among the tools being explored to mobilise financing.

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NEW REPORT

How offtake agreements are shaping the future of biochar: Long-term offtake agreements are transforming the biochar carbon removal market — securing supply, stabilizing prices, and providing financial certainty. Supercritical’s latest report, Locked in or Left Behind?, explores key shifts in procurement strategies and what they mean for the future of carbon removal. With 62% of high-quality biochar credits for 2025 already committed and prices rising 18% in 2024, securing an offtake could be the key to guaranteeing supply and price stability.

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EVENTS

North American Carbon World (NACW) – Mar. 25-27, Los Angeles – The annual NACW conference addresses the most pressing issues in climate policy and carbon markets to the largest gathering of climate professionals in North America. NACW 2025 will dive into major new policies and developments that will shape and scale carbon markets and climate solutions with integrity and ambition. In addition to outstanding speakers, discussions, and insights, NACW provides premier networking opportunities with an active and engaged audience of carbon professionals. Join us for the content, community, and connections for successfully navigating the low-carbon landscape and advancing market-based climate solutions. www.nacwconference.com

European Climate Summit – Apr. 1-3, Lisbon – To kick off our Annual Regional Climate Summit Series of this year, we at IETA look forward to welcoming delegates this Spring to our flagship European Climate Summit (ECS) 2025, taking place at the Pavilhao Carlos Lopes. ECS will take place amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, even as carbon markets in the EU and globally continue to mature and expand. A new political cycle for EU climate action has begun, and the task of preparing carbon markets for their next stage presents both new challenges and opportunities. In this dynamic context, competitiveness, integrity, and innovation will be at the heart of our discussion. Be part of the conversation driving the next phase of carbon market evolution. Join us at ECS to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and climate market pioneers who are shaping the future of carbon markets. Organised by IETA, ECS is an in-person event. Register

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Job listings this week

• *Nature and Biodiversity Correspondent, Carbon Pulse – Remote
• Climate Pollution Reduction Deputy Program Manager (WMS Band 3), Washington State Department of Ecology – Lacey

*Premium listings

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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

EMEA

Porthos permit – The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) has issued a permit to the Porthos project to store CO2 underground, marking the first time such an emissions permit has been granted in the Netherlands and EU. Porthos will store about 2.5 mln tonnes of CO2 annually in empty natural gas fields under the North Sea from 2026. It’s a partnership between the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Gasunie, and Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN). The CO2 will come from industrial processes in the Rotterdam port area and the quantities of received and stored CO2 that Porthos must report on annually must be accurately determined, in line with the monitoring required under the EU ETS. This is so that companies capturing the CO2 do not have to surrender emissions rights for it. Further CCS projects are expected, such as Aramis, where work is underway to store CO2 in several smaller natural gas fields in the North Sea.

Steel industry woes – The British steel industry is calling for capped energy prices for heavy industry to be in line with France and Germany, as companies grapple with the impacts of Trump’s steel tariffs. Trade group UK Steel has proposed the government set a maximum price for energy through a contract for difference (CfD), citing producers face electricity costs up to 50% higher than those in France and Germany. The US President imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium producers last week, which is expected to hit British companies hard, while they’re also battling a global glut in supply, largely from China. The UK government has in place a £2.5 bln fund to invest in a cleaner steel industry but some executives say it would be better spent on curbing high energy prices. (the Guardian)

See you in court – Belgian fertiliser company EuroChem Antwerp has launched legal proceedings against the European Commission in the EU Court of Justice, saying the EU executive denied the company an exemption to surrender allowances for certain fertiliser products under the EU ETS. A Commission regulation, published last year, says CO2 should be considered non-emitted if the gases are stored underground or “are permanently chemically bound in a product”. A short annex to the regulation lists eligible products, including aggregates, cement, concrete, blocks, pavers, bricks, tiles or other masonry units that are made with mineral carbonates. EuroChem Antwerp argues that the Commission committed “a manifest error of assessment” by not including precipitated calcium carbonates, for the amount of CO2 that remains permanently chemically bound, in the Annex of the regulation. The company also contends that the Commission exceeded its powers and breached its obligations to conduct a thorough impact assessment and expert consultation before putting forward its regulation. With the action brought before the ECJ, EuroChem Antwerp is requesting the annulment of the regulation in question.

From Russia with love – With the prospect of a possible end to the war in Ukraine, analysts have started mapping out scenarios for increased Russian gas flows back into Europe. Consultancy  Timera Energy put out three scenarios on Monday – although it also said the increase is “unlikely”. Energy Intelligence Group last week said “a number of industry observers expect increased Russian gas flows into Europe” if the war ends, with Hungary, Greece, Austria and Slovakia seen as the likeliest buyers. “A potential [peace] deal would likely include the restoration of at least some gas flows,” according to a research note from Japan’s MUFG Bank. Increased flows from Russia should pull European gas prices down, potentially by 30-65% by year end, the analysts added. Russia wants to sell Europe more gas as part of a ceasefire, Bloomberg reported. However, Germany’s outgoing Green energy minister, Robert Habeck, on Monday said Nord Stream pipeline revival would be the “wrong direction”, reported Reuters in Brussels. “Of all the possible sources of Russian gas coming back, I find NS2 [Nordstream 2] the least likely,” wrote gas analyst Anne-Sophie Corbeau on LinkedIn. She also said she understood why, in 2025, Europeans would benefit from bringing back Russian pipeline gas.

Energy storage support – The European Commission has approved a €699 mln Spanish scheme to support investments in energy storage as part of the bloc’s goal for net zero by 2050. The scheme’s aim is to provide investment support for the rollout of large-scale energy storage, ensuring independence from fossil fuels and higher renewable energy penetration. The aid, partially financed by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), will take the form of direct grants to support the construction of 1,800 MWh of new electricity storage capacities. It will be open to all storage technologies and shall be granted through a competitive bidding process.

Fair balance – African nations need to advocate for fair and equitable carbon-pricing mechanisms that balance climate action with sustainable development, given the continent’s socio-economic realities, argues Elizabeth Khumalo in Further Africa. Africa faces unique energy and economic challenges, with nearly 600 mln people lacking electricity and biomass accounting for 45% of its energy supply. If not carefully structured, carbon taxes could raise energy costs for rural and low-income households, hinder industrialisation, and slow down the renewables transition. Carbon revenue should be strategically invested in education, health, clean energy, and rural electrification, and there’s a need for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent fraud and market instability. A phased approach with modest initial pricing would help economies gradually adapt, whilst also making the most of their natural ecosystems to generate carbon finance. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank can play a vital role in technical training and infrastructure development, whilst a pan-African carbon market could possibly be coordinated through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Africa NbS project – A new project to develop nature-based solutions (NbS) for sustainable agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa has been launched by partners, including scientists from CABI, the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, Exotic Green Enterprises in Zambia, and Twiga Chemical Industries in Kenya. The initiative aims to increase the use of NbS in agrifood systems and will focus on four products in Benin, Kenya, and Zambia. The partnership aims to increase crop yield through better soil productivity, improve biodiversity, and consumer safety. Biostimulants and biofungicides will form a key part of the initiative. (CABI)

Ghana calling – Ghana is calling on the private sector to boost investments in wildlife conservation, Further Africa has reported. Hugh Brown, acting chief Executive at the Forestry Commission, urged businesses to step up, as private funding is essential to protect endangered species like Bongos, leopards, lions, chimpanzees, and African elephants, which inhabit the country’s national parks and reserves. The Forestry Commission oversees 21 protected areas, including 7 national parks, 6 resource reserves, and 5 coastal wetlands.

ASIA PACIFIC

PNG’s climate report card – The IMF Technical Assistance Report on Climate Policy Diagnostic for Papua New Guinea (PNG) highlights the country’s severe vulnerability to climate change, detailing its exposure to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, sea level rise, and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides. The 2024 Enga Province landslide, which resulted in over 2,000 deaths and $130 mln in damages, underscores the urgent need for climate resilience measures. PNG’s low electrification rate (13-21%), high poverty levels (40% below the extreme poverty line), and heavy reliance on natural resources make it particularly susceptible to climate-related shocks. Without intervention, the economic cost of sea level rise alone could reach 2% of GDP annually by 2090. The report evaluates PNG’s climate adaptation and mitigation policies, identifying gaps and recommending targeted reforms. The disaster risk management (DRM) framework is outdated, and early warning systems (EWS) are not yet operational, limiting the country’s preparedness for climate-related disasters. In the agriculture sector, climate-smart policies are underdeveloped, exposing rural communities to declining crop yields. The IMF recommends reforming water pricing, strengthening disaster financing mechanisms, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure to address these vulnerabilities. On climate mitigation, the report finds that deforestation from commercial logging and land conversion is PNG’s largest source of emissions, while 75% of electricity generation still relies on fossil fuels. The IMF suggests introducing a carbon levy on deforestation and fossil fuels, alongside incentives for forest conservation and renewable energy investment. Strengthening regulatory frameworks for off-grid renewables, adjusting electricity tariffs to cost-recovery levels, and improving waste sector emissions management are also recommended. Institutionally, PNG has a strong legal and policy framework for climate action, but implementation remains weak due to limited Treasury engagement, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and lack of climate finance mobilisation. The report calls for establishing a Climate Unit within the Treasury, improving sub-national government roles in climate policy, and leveraging green finance to attract private investment. Overall, the IMF underscores that aligning climate action with fiscal sustainability and economic growth is crucial for PNG’s long-term resilience and development.

Mapping it out – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has launched a project that will set out roadmaps for how several Southeast Asian countries can achieve an aspirational target of cutting rice-related methane emissions by some 15% by the end of the decade whilst also mainstreaming MREV systems. Funded by the Global Methane Hub, the Accelerating Methane Reductions in Rice Production in Southeast Asia (AcceLER) was launched in the Philippines last week.

We make it easier – Japanese startup BlueArch has developed a method to measure the coverage of blue carbon ecosystems using commercially available underwater drones, and the patent has been registered, it announced Monday. The method can not only reduce the physical burden on investigators, but also eliminate the need to put on diving suits or prepare tanks. It has been applied to a blue carbon project implemented in Yokosuka city.

One by one – Japanese project developer ByWill, which aims to contribute to carbon neutrality in all 47 prefectures in Japan, has teamed up with the government of Matsusaka city and a regional bank to create and distribute environmental value, such as domestically issued J-Credits, it announced Monday. The alliance said it will consider introducing LED equipment to the region first. A separate deal was announced with Mino city in Gifu prefecture and the Ogaki Kyoritsu bank. ByWill has now announced six such arrangements in March alone.

Paper cuts – Meanwhile, offset project developer Green Carbon has collaborated with Paper Co, a long-established paper manufacturer based in Nara prefecture, to measure emissions during the production of rice-based paper (“kome-kami”) and offset the associated emissions with J-Credits.

Make it at home – A Queensland town will be home to a new steel works, according to The Chronicle, with GM Steel planning a 350,000 tonne per annum mill in Toowoomba. The new mill would produce steel rebar and use an electric iron furnace which does not need coal and can use scrap steel instead of iron ore. Local news said it will produce steel rebar, used in construction, with technology from Italian company Danieli. Australia exports most of its scrap steel and reimports it as finished products. 

NZ, India PMs green talk – New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to explore cooperating on green and agriculture technologies, in a joint statement following talks in New Delhi on Monday. They also acknowledged the challenges facing both economies from climate change and the low-carbon transition, and Modi welcomed New Zealand’s joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which aims at ensuring infrastructure is resilient and to fulfil the objectives of the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

AMERICAS

Anything you can do… – Canada’s Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is vowing to do one better than newly inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney and scrap the rest of the country’s carbon tax. Carney cut the consumer portion of the tax as his first order in office last week. Poilievre has pledged to also cut the industrial portion of federal carbon pricing, and boost federal tax credits to reward companies that lower emissions, according to local media. Getting rid of the carbon tax has been a core tenant of the Conservative Party’s election campaign, with Canadians set to head to the polls later this year. The party appears to be haemorrhaging support amid former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Carney’s distancing from the tax.

Competition crunch – Canada must navigate its energy and economic future as the US pursues aggressive deregulation under the Trump administration, creating a more competitive investment environment, according to recent analysis published by the BOE Report. The US EPA’s rollback of climate regulations is expected to attract capital and industrial growth south of the border, putting pressure on Canada to reassess its policies. According to the article, Canada risks falling behind the US unless the country takes decisive action to attract capital and maintain industrial competitiveness.

Rulemaking revisions – The Washington Department of Ecology (ECY) is preparing to update its Cap-and-Invest rulemaking process to align with SB 6058 and facilitate programme linkage with California and Quebec. The forthcoming rulemaking will address emissions allowance budgets for the 2027-30 compliance period, adjustments to emissions baselines to incorporate municipal waste-to-energy facilities, regulations on imported electricity, and modifications to the allocation of no-cost allowances for electric utilities. The process will also include amendments to clarify statutory requirements and implement new legislative directives. ECY will solicit public input and consider potential adjustments based on legislative developments and regulatory changes in California and Quebec. ECY expects linkage to be implemented in 2026 or 2027.

Proposition problems – California lawmakers rejected Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to use funds from the recently approved Proposition 4 climate bond to replace cuts to existing climate and energy programmes. During a Senate Budget Subcommittee hearing on Mar. 13, Democratic legislators argued that voters intended the $10 bln bond to supplement rather than replace current funding. Newsom’s budget plan, introduced in January, proposed redirecting $273 mln in previously allocated general fund spending back into state coffers while using bond revenue to cover the reductions. (E&E News)

Small ask for energy dominance – Several clean fuels, agriculture, and feedstock advocacy groups sent a letter to US EPA Monday to establish Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and beyond without delay, adding a request for the 2026 biomass-based diesel volume to be 5.25 bln gal (19.9 bln litres) – a YoY bump up of 57% – along with a commensurate increase in the advanced biofuel volume. The groups said that volumes would further US President Donald Trump’s goal for US energy dominance, along with supporting farm security, creating jobs, and economic opportunity.

Early worm gets the bird – US EPA approved Ohio and nine counties in South Dakota for a one-year delay for E15 implementation on Friday to address concerns regarding fuel supply transitions. The consideration came in response to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s (R) request to the EPA to delay year-round E15 blending across the Midwest until 2026, asking for a federal legislative solution that would eliminate the state-by-state approach, based on concerns from the petroleum industry in his state. In February, EPA confirmed year-round E15 use in eight Midwest states, beginning Apr. 28.

6 mln heat pumps – The California Heat Pump Partnership has released a large-scale plan developed through public-private partnership to scale heat pump adoption in California. The blueprint outlines near-term strategies to address technical, market, and policy barriers to heat pump adoption to meet the state’s goal of 6 mln electric heat pumps installed by 2030 — amid the state’s net zero goals by 2045. They include: improving the value proposition of heat pumps; streamlining sales and installation processes; accelerating market adoption; supporting a skilled workforce; ensuring benefits are accessible to all communities; and improving market visibility.

Fir the future – US Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and Roger Wicker (R) have reintroduced the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act, which aims to protect working forests and provide landowners with conservation options. The bill seeks to expand the Healthy Forests Reserve programme and prioritise keeping forests intact to support the economy, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. If passed, the bill would enable land trusts, tribes, and NGOs to acquire conservation easements, preventing forestland from being converted to other uses.

Carbon cuts, sugar slumps – Green Plains, a US biorefining company specialising in low-carbon biofuels and renewable feedstocks, announced on Monday that it began construction on compression infrastructure for its carbon capture and storage initiative in Nebraska as part of its Advantage Nebraska strategy. The new equipment will enable the sequestration of 800,000 tCO2 annually from its Central City, Wood River, and York facilities, with operations expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Green Plains also announced a temporary idling of its Clean Sugar Technology facility in Shenandoah, Iowa, to refine its dextrose production process and optimise commercial potential.

Canopy crew – The Arbor Day Foundation, a US non-profit dedicated to tree planting and conservation, announced that seven companies – Enterprise Mobility, Publix, Truist, PwC, Clayton, Niagara Bottling, and KPMG – have joined the Arbor Day Foundation’s Evergreen Alliance, a corporate initiative focused on tree planting and sustainability efforts. The Alliance includes members such as FedEx and Marriott International, and aims to promote trees as a natural solution for corporate environmental goals.

Gas to graphite – Homeostasis, a Washington-based advanced materials startup, has raised $1.2 mln in pre-seed funding, including matching funds from the Washington Department of Commerce, to develop technology that synthesises American-made graphite from waste CO2. The funding will be used for reactor development and key technical hires in 2025. Homeostasis aims to reduce US reliance on foreign graphite by using modular electrochemical reactors to convert captured CO2 into graphite and other carbon materials.

Green ammonia project – Rio de Janeiro’s Port of Acu is set to host its third green ammonia development, with the announcement by green hydrogen developer Yamna and renewable fuels specialist Sempen that they aim to produce 1 Mt of green ammonia annually by 2030. The two recently signed a land reservation agreement at the port’s industrial complex, and the project will tap into Brazil’s ample wind and solar energy resources. The final investment decision for the project is expected between 2027 and 2028, setting the stage for production to ramp up in 2030. Green ammonia can be used as a key component in the production of fertilisers as well as a sustainable shipping fuel. While industries like steelmaking could adopt it either as a direct feedstock or indirectly via hydrogen extraction.

Mapping match – Rondonia signed an agreement last week with Portuguese technology organisation the Center for Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA) to map carbon stock in forest and rural prosperities in the Brazilian state. The mapping is intended to support the development of carbon credits, Governor Marco Rocha said, and the action plan involved is envisioned to last three years. The agreement also intends to develop a methodology for certifying the amount of CO2 stored, according to Avenilson Trindidade, the assistant secretary of the State Secretariat for Economic Development (Sedec). The full plan will be unveiled at the COP30 conference, taking place in Belem in November.

Here we go again – Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutors’ Office (MPF) is investigating a carbon credit project in the region in the state of Amazonas in the central part of the Jurua River for the violation of Indigenous rights and coercion of riverside dwellers and extractivist communities with the offering of goods such as water tanks and Starlink satellite internet, reported Folha de Sao Paulo. According to the outlet, the MPF’s office in Amazonas issued a recommendation for the company responsible – BR Arbo Gestao Florestal – and for the certifier sought by the project – Verra – to suspend the Mejurua project (VCS 4485) immediately. According to an MPF investigation, there is an overlap between the Riozinho community’s territory and the project. BR Arbo Gestao Florestal said the project is developed in a private area and with consolidated possession for 50 years, and the project entailed public hearings and consultations with approval from city officials. Meanwhile, Verra said the project is still in the registration phase, in which information is collected about it, and that it is not possible to suspend an enterprise that does not yet have formal registration with the standard. The MPF recommendation states that the project involved the intermediation of a manager and a former employee of NGO Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS), who worked with traditional communities to convince them to accept the project and give up the right to collective regularisation, without mentioning their ties to the company, which the MPF alleges constituted bad faith. FAS said the individual in question FAS is an advisor to BR Arbo and has no executive or management role in the project, and there is no conflict of interest, as the project is outside their operations. BR ARBO said land regularisation is underway, and there are no traditional communities in the area, only local families that recognise the project. Allegations of malpractice are also untrue, the company said. Last year, the MPF’s recommendation to suspend REDD+ activities in Amazonas was suspended by its oversight body, although the prosecutors’ office has since also called for the suspension of carbon credit concessions in the state.

Rio carbon rules – Representative Rosenverg Reis (MDB) has introduced in the legislative assembly of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro a bill establishing a carbon market incentive programme, reported Folha da Terra. The bill creates a carbon market management committee, responsible for: defining the rules and guidelines for the operation of the carbon market; monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of emission reduction policies; promoting training and awareness about the carbon market; establishing partnerships with academic and research institutions for the development of methodologies and technologies aimed at mitigating climate change. The executive branch will be authorised to institute a carbon credit registration system, which should aim to ensure the traceability and validity of carbon credits generated in the state and facilitate the trading of carbon credits between market participants. The resources from the sale of carbon credits should be allocated to projects to mitigate climate change and adapt to its consequences, prioritising vulnerable areas of the state. Within the context of Brazil’s national carbon market law, the proposed programme in Rio de Janeiro aims to promote the reduction of GHG emissions and encourage sustainable practices, such as the creation and maintenance by municipalities of Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) and “legal reserves” through the rural environmental registry.

Brazilian industry investing – The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), with the support of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP) and the Climate Investment fund, linked to Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OCGI), has launched the Net Zero Solutions programme, reported Exame. Initially, the idea is to enable five investment projects in Brazil, with estimated investments of more than R$100 mln ($17.6 mln), aimed at the development of sustainable and technological solutions for decarbonising Brazilian industry, including CCS and those for addressing methane output. According to ApexBrasil, based on the identification of the interest of these companies, Apex has developed a one-year programme to train companies and facilitate the preparation of a plan for market access, development of partnerships, and new customers. Then, integration into the Brazilian market will take place during technology conference OTC Brasil in October. The aim is to plug the initiative into the decarbonisation mission of New Industry Brazil (NIB), which plans to reduce emissions from the national industry by 30% by 2033.

TFFF takeoff – Brazil intends to launch its Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a $125 bln fund to protect tropical forests, at COP30, reported Bloomberg. Talks are in an advanced stage, and Germany, France, the UAE, and Singapore are amongst the countries that have expressed interest in contributing to the fund, which should be able to receive contributions when the international climate conference kicks off in Belem in November. Earlier this month, Brazilian COP30 President-Designate Andre Correa do Lago on Monday published his first open letter, emphasising forest conservation, amongst other priorities such as climate finance.

Costa Rican conversation – Costa Rica will analyse the potential of forest plantation soils to generate carbon credits in a workshop to be held on Monday, Mar. 24 at the Museum of Popular Culture, in Barva de Heredia. The event, organised by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the National Institute of Agricultural Technology of Argentina (INTA), and the Institute of Forest Research and Services of the National University (INISEFOR-UNA) seeks to promote a pilot project in the country. The workshop will bring together specialists, plantation owners, and key actors from the forestry sector. Experts in methodologies for measuring and certifying carbon in forest soils will participate in the workshop, topics such as requirements for certification, recarbonisation of agricultural soils, and financing opportunities will be addressed. The workshop is aimed at forest plantation owners and managers, researchers, government institutions, companies interested in sustainability and carbon markets, and environmental organisations.

INTERNATIONAL

Partnership – Hedera has announced a partnership with Xeptagon to integrate the UNDP-initiated Digital Public Goods (DPG) National Carbon Registry with the Hedera Guardian. The Hedera Guardian is an open-source platform built on Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT) that enables the digitalisation, verification, and tokenisation of environmental assets like carbon credits. It provides a governance framework for ensuring compliance with methodologies, automating MRV processes, and allowing transparent and auditable tracking of carbon credit lifecycles. This integration aims to improve transparency and accountability in carbon credit tracking by leveraging blockchain technology. The DPG National Carbon Registry is an open-source tool designed for recording, verifying, and reporting carbon credit data. Its integration with the Hedera ecosystem will strengthen carbon project data management and provide scalable solutions for governments and organisations. The registry will also benefit from Hedera Guardian’s features, including data comparison and quality indicators.

INVESTMENT

Money trees – Stafford Capital Partners has raised $1.1 bln for its Stafford International Timberland Fund X, surpassing its initial target. The fund, which focuses on the secondaries market, secured $1.04 bln in commitments and an additional $100 mln in co-investment. Chief Executive Angus Whiteley highlighted to Reuters that the secondaries market offers higher returns – around 8% compared to the 5-6% typical of traditional timber funds – by acquiring stakes at a discount from motivated sellers. The potential for increased returns has attracted more institutional investors, particularly pension schemes. Nearly 75% of the 13 institutions investing in the fund had also backed Stafford’s previous fund. Investors include pension schemes, an insurance company, and an investment trust, with 48% of commitments from the UK, 23% from Germany, 19% from South Korea, and 10% from North America. The fund has already committed $330 mln across five investments covering 1 mln hectares and expects to finalise a further $140 mln deal soon. Across its broader portfolio, Stafford holds interests in 127 forestry assets spanning 6.4 mln acres, collectively sequestering 16 mln tonnes of carbon annually.

VOLUNTARY

Certification certified – Kenya-based biochar company Biosorra has achieved ICROA certification, the first industrial CDR firm in the African nation to achieve this. In a LinkedIn post, Biosorra said this is a “massive milestone in quality and integrity” for the firm and a significant step in its mission to lead on CDR in Africa and the Global South. “ICROA certification is a testament to our adherence to the highest standards of environmental integrity, and we are proud to set this precedent in Kenya,” the company added.

SCIENCE & TECH

Teflon in CCUS – A study in Nature Energy has found coating gas flow channels with a non-stick substance can hinder salt crystal buildup in carbon capture and storage technology, according to a report by Rice University.

AND FINALLY…

Corn-undrum – A recent op-ed contends that the ethanol industry has created a system that limits farmers’ autonomy and financial independence through government mandates, subsidies, and corporate influence. The piece, published on Mar. 15 by ESG University, argues that US policies such as the Renewable Fuel Standard and land use regulations have effectively trapped farmers in a cycle of dependence, resembling historical sharecropping systems. While ethanol production is promoted as an economic and environmental benefit, the article claims it primarily benefits large agribusinesses and fuel refiners, leaving farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations, debt, and restricted crop choices. The article calls for policy reforms that would allow farmers to operate in a more market-driven agricultural system, free from ethanol mandates and subsidies.

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