In a landmark move for corporate climate action, Microsoft has signed a record-breaking agreement to purchase 6.75 million metric tons of engineered carbon removals over the next 15 years. The deal marks the largest-ever permanent carbon removal offtake globally and underscores Microsoft’s commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030.

READ MORE: Google Strikes 10-Year Wind Energy Deal with Exus Renewables to Power Spanish Operations.

Historic Commitment: Microsoft Doubles Down on Carbon Removal Through BECCS

The carbon credits will be sourced from the future AtmosClear facility, a bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project being developed by Fidelis, a Houston-based infrastructure firm. The plant is set to begin construction in 2026 near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is expected to become operational by 2029.

Using sustainable biomass such as sugarcane bagasse and forest residue, the facility will generate clean energy while capturing carbon dioxide for permanent geological storage or use in low-carbon synthetic fuels. The dual benefit—renewable power generation plus net-negative emissions—positions AtmosClear as a blueprint for next-generation carbon removal.

“We are proud to work with Fidelis on this pathbreaking project, which will bring together science, engineering, and commercial innovations to offer a compelling model for carbon removal in the United States,” said Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy & Carbon Removal at Microsoft. “High-quality, durable carbon removal solutions from experienced developers like Fidelis are vital for Microsoft in progressing its goal to become carbon negative by 2030.”

Strategic Scale: More Than 10M Tons in April Alone

This is Microsoft’s second BECCS deal announced in April, bringing its monthly total carbon removal commitment to over 10 million metric tons. Few companies globally have shown this scale of procurement in the engineered removal space, signaling Microsoft’s clear intent to shape the future of carbon markets.

According to Fidelis, the AtmosClear project will involve over $800 million in investment and create around 600 construction jobs and 75 permanent roles—delivering both environmental and economic impact. The project is also expected to support forestry management employment, especially in regions affected by paper and pulp mill closures.

“This contract with Microsoft marks a transformative moment for the high-quality, engineered carbon removal market,” said Daniel J. Shapiro, CEO of Fidelis. “AtmosClear showcases how proven technologies, paired with sustainable feedstocks like sugarcane bagasse and forest management materials, can deliver meaningful climate impact while providing quality jobs, economic development, and other community benefits.”

Broader Impact: Engineered Removals Become Corporate Reality

The agreement adds to a growing trend where major corporations are moving beyond nature-based offsets toward engineered, measurable, and verifiable carbon removal solutions. BECCS, direct air capture (DAC), and mineralization are emerging as trusted pathways for permanent carbon removal—with Microsoft, Stripe, Shopify, and others taking early leadership positions.

AtmosClear also contributes to regional clean tech development, strengthening Louisiana’s role in the U.S. energy transition. With Microsoft’s early commitment, the project has gained strong financial credibility and is likely to unlock further institutional capital.

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