In a significant move that underscores the growing market for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, Frontier, a fund backed by leading technology giants, has inked a new offtake agreement with biomass carbon removal and storage specialist, Vaulted Deep. This $58.3 million deal marks a substantial commitment to removing over 152,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere from 2024 to 2027, signaling a robust push towards innovative climate solutions.
The new agreement with Vaulted Deep enables the commissioning of three new wells, strategically located to optimize feedstock availability, transportation, and well capacity. This initiative not only expands Vaulted Deep’s operational capabilities but also significantly boosts its carbon removal outputs. An anticipated 18,000 tonnes of CO2 are expected to be captured and permanently stored by the end of this year alone, illustrating a proactive approach to scaling effective carbon management solutions.
Frontier's choice of Vaulted Deep, along with 15 other project developers in its September purchase cycle, reflects a strategic approach to fostering partnerships that promise scalable and sustainable carbon removal. Notably, prominent US fintech company Stripe and electronic payments leader Shopify have already engaged with Vaulted Deep, purchasing a substantial number of CDRs on a forward basis. This engagement demonstrates the confidence in Vaulted Deep’s methodologies, particularly its Great Plains Organic Waste Sequestration project based in Kansas.
Vaulted Deep’s technology is distinguished by its promise of over 10,000 years of carbon permanence and its potential for near-term scalability. The cost-effectiveness of this technology is also noteworthy, with a projected cost of under $100 per ton of CO2 removed. This blend of affordability, long-term security, and scalability positions Vaulted Deep’s approach as a viable solution for substantial corporate buyers aiming to meet their carbon neutrality goals.
The partnership between Frontier and Vaulted Deep is more than just a financial transaction; it is a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change through technological innovation. The fund’s investment reflects a growing trend among tech companies to support and deploy high-impact environmental strategies, thereby contributing to a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices.
This deal not only reinforces the economic viability of carbon removal technologies but also highlights the critical role of strategic collaborations in advancing global environmental goals. As more companies like Frontier facilitate the expansion of such technologies, the path to achieving global carbon neutrality becomes increasingly tangible.