Microsoft Azure: Microsoft announces CO2 removal initiative with Running Tide

Microsoft is teaming up with Running Tide to remove 12,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from its operations. This will be done through Running Tide's carbon capture and removal technology, which utilizes photosynthesis and ocean alkalinity enhancement to fix carbon from the fast carbon cycle, and then through utilizing low energy mass transfer techniques, it sinks the carbon into ocean, moving it to long-term storage in the slow carbon cycle.

Commenting on Microsoft's decision to purchase this carbon capture and removal technology, Phillip Goodman, director of Microsoft's carbon removal portfolio, said that supporting innovative solutions is part of "Microsoft's carbon removal strategy."

He added: "Running Tide's dedication towards continued improvements in ocean-based MRV systems aligns with Microsoft's pursuit of innovative CDR projects, and we look forward to Running Tide's further development of the ocean-based carbon removal space."

Meanwhile, Running Tide CEO Marty Odlin said: "This agreement represents a joint investment in an abundant future: both in removing a significant amount of carbon while restoring ocean health for future generations. Our deal develops the system and technologies needed to responsibly steward our natural resources and to further our knowledge of and connectivity to the ocean."

Carbon capture and removal technologies are still in their nascent stage and require significant scaling up to become an effective climate action technology. It is also an incredibly expensive climate solution, with direct carbon capture currently priced at around $1000 per ton of carbon. Further, some have argued that carbon capture technology is at risk of becoming a distraction from the higher priority of cutting emissions.