In a significant step towards combating climate change, Microsoft has signed a new agreement with UNDO, a carbon removal project developer, to capture 15,000 tonnes of CO2 using enhanced rock weathering (ERW) techniques. This partnership builds upon a previous agreement between the two companies, which facilitated the removal of 5,000 tonnes of CO2.

Founded in 2022, London-based UNDO specializes in ERW-based carbon removal. The process involves spreading crushed silicate rocks, such as basalt and wollastonite, on agricultural soils. As plants and soil microbes interact with the rocks, they accelerate natural weathering processes that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. This method not only helps remove CO2 but also enriches the soil with vital nutrients, providing agricultural co-benefits. UNDO’s technology has the potential to scale significantly, with the goal of removing billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide in the future.

Under the new agreement, UNDO will spread 65,000 tonnes of crushed rock across agricultural land in the UK and Canada. In addition to carbon removal, the project will fund crucial research into ERW, particularly in measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon capture processes. This will involve setting up field trials and monitoring sites to gather data on ERW’s effectiveness and scalability.

Jim Mann, CEO and Founder of UNDO, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that Microsoft’s support will enable the company to expand its research and scale up its operations. Mann emphasized that the deal is a milestone for ERW technology, which he believes can play a vital role in large-scale carbon removal.

For Microsoft, this agreement is part of a broader strategy to achieve carbon negativity by 2030. The tech giant has been involved in a variety of carbon removal initiatives, including direct air capture (DAC), ocean-based carbon removal, and biochar projects. This partnership with UNDO aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to explore diverse solutions for reducing its carbon footprint while delivering benefits to soils, farmers, and rural communities.

Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy Markets at Microsoft, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration with UNDO, emphasizing the importance of advancing research on carbon removal technologies at various scales. This partnership, he noted, will generate valuable data to enhance the understanding and application of ERW in the fight against climate change.