Google has announced its agreement to purchase carbon credits from an Indian initiative focused on converting substantial amounts of agricultural waste into biochar. Biochar, a type of charcoal that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reintroduces it back into the soil, is at the core of this partnership with Varaha, marking Google's initial venture into India's carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry.
The collaboration between Google and Varaha represents a significant deal concerning biochar, as the tech giant seeks to offset emissions by employing CDR strategies aimed at removing existing CO2 from the atmosphere and oceans. While some companies are exploring costly methods to directly extract CO2 from the air, solutions such as biochar could present a more cost-effective option in the near term.
Randy Spock, Google's carbon removal lead, emphasized the global scalability and eco-friendly benefits of biochar, noting its potential positive impact on soil health. Varaha's approach involves sourcing waste from numerous smallholder farms in India to produce biochar through specially designed reactors, capable of sequestering CO2 for extended periods. Additionally, the biochar will be distributed to farmers as an alternative to traditional fertilizers.
Under the agreement, Google plans to purchase 100,000 tons of carbon credits by 2030. Varaha's CEO, Madhur Jain, envisions substantial growth potential, estimating that India's agricultural waste could yield enough biochar to store over 100 million tons of CO2 annually. Despite CDR currently representing a small portion of the global carbon trading market, its prominence is anticipated to escalate as nations and businesses explore novel emission offsetting methods.
Critics have voiced concerns about CDR's efficacy, pointing out the uncertainties surrounding solutions like biochar that may not ensure permanent CO2 removal. Jain acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the pressing need to address climate change by implementing measures, even if they offer temporary relief.