Which Indian Start-Up is Partnering with Google to Tackle CO2 Emissions? Check Here

Google has announced plans to purchase carbon credits from an Indian project that converts large amounts of farm waste into biochar. Biochar is a type of charcoal that helps remove carbon dioxide from the air and improves soil quality.

The agreement, which was made between Google and Indian supplier Varaha, is one of the largest biochar deals ever made and marks the internet giant's first entry into the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market in India.

Google Joins Tech Giants in Carbon Removal Efforts

Google is among several major tech companies exploring carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods to offset their emissions. CDR encompasses a variety of techniques designed to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and oceans, addressing the growing challenge of climate change.

What is Biochar?

Biochar, a form of charcoal that stores carbon dioxide in soil, is emerging as a practical and affordable alternative to advanced technologies that directly extract CO2 from the atmosphere. While these newer methods are still under development and costly, biochar offers an immediate and scalable solution.

Google’s Partnership with Indian Startup

In partnership with the Indian company Varaha, Google aims to create biochar by processing agricultural waste collected from smallholder farms across India. Varaha plans to construct reactors to produce biochar, which can store CO2 for hundreds of years. Farmers will also benefit from the process by using biochar as a substitute for traditional fertilizers.

Google has committed to purchasing 100,000 tons of carbon offsets from Varaha between now and 2030. According to Madhur Jain, Varaha’s CEO, India’s agricultural waste could generate enough biochar to store over 100 million tons of CO2 annually, highlighting the potential for significant growth in this sector.

The Promise and Challenges of CDR

While CDR currently represents a small portion of global carbon trading, it is expected to expand rapidly as countries and businesses adopt innovative methods to combat emissions. However, critics argue that CDR cannot replace the need to reduce emissions at the source. They also caution that techniques like biochar may not guarantee permanent CO2 removal, underscoring the importance of combining such efforts with broader climate action initiatives.

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