TechCrunch Industry News Google strikes world’s largest biochar carbon removal deal with Indian startup Varaha
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Jan 20, 2025 Google is making waves with a huge agreement to buy 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal credits from Varaha, an innovative Indian startup. The focus is on biochar, a game changer for carbon sequestration and soil health. Discover how this deal not only helps combat climate change but also supports local agriculture and ecosystems. The discussion emphasizes the dual impact of technology and sustainability in addressing environmental challenges.
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Google's Biochar Deal
- Google's carbon credit purchase from Varaha is its largest biochar deal and its first with an Indian carbon project.
- Varaha uses an invasive plant species in Gujarat, restoring native grasslands while generating biochar.
Varaha's Biochar Process
- Varaha, listed on Puro.Earth, uses industrial biochar production, processing large amounts of biomass daily.
- Their process involves converting invasive plants into biochar, aiming for long-term carbon removal (1,000-2,500 years).
Google's Carbon Footprint
- Google's deal with Varaha is small compared to their 14.3 million tons of CO2 emissions in 2023.
- AI development's growth is predicted to increase emissions, despite Google aiming for net zero by 2030.