Google has just announced two of the largest biochar-based carbon removal deals in history, committing to purchase 200.000 tons of carbon removal credits from two partners: Varaha (India) and Charm Industrial (California), expected to be completed in 2030.
Biochar – Sustainable Solution for Carbon Removal
Biochar is produced by heating biomass (wood, agricultural waste) in the absence of oxygen, creating a stable form of carbon that can be buried underground to sequester carbon for centuries. In addition, biochar helps improve soil fertility.
Image source: Google
Varaha: Supporting Small Farmers in India
Founded in 2022, Varaha focuses on natural solutions and works with smallholder farmers for large-scale carbon removal.
- Facility in Gujarat (launching 2023) uses invasive plants Prosopis juliflora to produce biochar.
- Biochar is used as a soil amendment, helping to increase fertility and support farmers' livelihoods.
- The project also contributes to controlling invasive species and protecting local ecosystems.
- Google will also work with Varaha to study the impact of removing Prosopis in India.
Varaha CEO, Madhur Jain, shares:
“Google’s investment in Varaha will help us accelerate the building of digital infrastructure and markets to drive smallholder-led carbon decarbonization, not just in India but globally.”
Charm Industrial: Diversifying carbon removal products
Charm (founded in 2021) previously focused on bio-oil production and underground carbon sequestration. With the new agreement, Charm expands its biochar offering alongside bio-oil, leveraging the distinct benefits of each approach:
- Bio-oil: Long-term carbon sequestration underground.
- Biochar: Benefit the ecosystem through soil improvement.
Charm CEO Peter Reinhardt said:
“This is the largest biochar deal to date and leverages our unique diversified approach to carbon removal.”
Google's Sustainability Commitment
Google aims to achieve NetZero and is leading the way in advancing large-scale carbon removal solutions. Since March, Google has committed to spending at least 35 million USD for 12 months for carbon removal credits.
Randy Spock, Head of Google's Carbon Removal Team, shares:
“We are not only purchasing 200.000 tonnes of credits to reach our Net Zero target, but also to accelerate biochar production to a scale that can help the planet fight climate change.”
Journey for a sustainable planet
Not only does this deal help Google reach its Net Zero goals, it is also a major step forward in advancing sustainable technologies to tackle the global climate crisis.