Google has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Indian startup Varaha to purchase 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal credits. This partnership marks Google’s first carbon project deal in India and represents the largest transaction involving biomass-produced biochar to date. Varaha, which is the only Indian company listed on the carbon removal standard and registry Puro, aims to reach 1 million credits annually by 2030. The startup currently operates 14 tech-driven carbon projects across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya.
Varaha’s Biochar Production and Impact
Varaha’s innovative approach involves the production of industrial biochar from Prosopis Juliflora, an invasive plant species. This process takes place at a pyrolysis facility located in Gujarat. Biochar, known for its potential permanence of up to 1,600 years, holds promise as a scalable carbon removal solution. Each ton of biochar generated by Varaha equates to 2.5 carbon credits, aligning with Google’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Google’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 were approximately 14.3 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.
“Biochar is a promising approach to carbon removal because it has the ability to scale worldwide, using existing technology, with positive side effects for soil health,” said Randy Spock.
In recent years, Varaha has successfully processed over 40,000 tons of biomass and produced 10,000 tons of biochar annually. The startup’s efforts have transitioned more than 100,000 small farmers to sustainable practices, collectively removing over 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. With backing from prominent funds such as RTP Global, Omnivore, Orios Venture Partners, and Japan’s Norinchukin Bank, Varaha has raised a total of $12.7 million. This includes $8.7 million secured in a Series A funding round last year.
Madhur Jain of Varaha expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities, stating:
“Even if we don’t grow our skills, we have already reached a level with which we are able to successfully process 40,000 tons of biomass per annum, which means that we can easily reach the target of 100,000 tons of biochar by 2030.”
The collaboration between Google and Varaha highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in mitigating climate change. As global concerns over carbon emissions intensify, initiatives like this set a precedent for the role technology and innovation can play in environmental conservation. By focusing on biochar as a carbon removal technique, the partnership not only addresses emission reduction but also enhances soil health, providing a holistic approach to ecological preservation.
Varaha’s ambition to generate 1 million carbon credits annually by 2030 underscores its commitment to scaling operations and maximizing impact. The company’s strategic projects span various regions, each tailored to leverage local resources and expertise. As part of this endeavor, Varaha is poised to expand its influence in the carbon credit market while contributing significantly to global sustainability goals.
What The Author Thinks
The partnership between Google and Varaha is a significant stride towards integrating advanced technology with environmental sustainability. By investing in biochar, Google not only contributes to reducing its carbon footprint but also supports innovative approaches that could revolutionize carbon sequestration technologies. This collaboration not only benefits the environment but also sets a model for other corporations to follow, demonstrating the powerful role of corporate responsibility in tackling global climate challenges.
Featured image credit: Shawn Collins via Flickr
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