Microsoft has announced a new deal with London-based UNDO, a developer of a carbon sequestration program targeting rocky weather (RW), to remove 15,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Created in 2022, UNDO uses technology that accelerates the natural process of stone weathering. Spreading weathered silicate rocks such as basalt and wollastonite on agricultural land accelerates weathering with the help of plants and microbes.
This process not only sequesters carbon, but also enriches the soil with essential nutrients, which is beneficial for agriculture. UNDO says this process has the potential to rapidly increase and remove billions of tons of CO2. This latest agreement follows an initial 2023 deal between the two companies in which UNDO committed to removing 5,000 tonnes of CO2 by spreading 25,000 tonnes of crushed basalt across agricultural soils in the UK.
The new agreement will see 65,000 tonnes of basalt and wollastonite spread across agricultural lands in both the UK and Canada, increasing the amount of CO2 captured to 15,000 tonnes. Additionally, the partnership will support further research into ERW technology. UNDO plans to use this funding to set up field trials and monitoring sites to enhance measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) techniques for ERW-based carbon removal projects. UNDO CEO and Founder Jim Mann hailed the agreement as a significant step forward for both the company and the broader field of ERW, noting that it demonstrates the potential for ERW to scale as a solution for climate change. He emphasized that Microsoft’s continued support will allow UNDO to expand its research activities and gather important data to refine the process and increase confidence in its effectiveness.
The contract is the latest in a series of carbon emissions initiatives by Microsoft as the company strives to become carbon neutral by 2030. The tech giant is exploring a number of solutions, including direct ocean air capture (DAC). Carbon sequestration and biochar projects. The agreement with UNDO is consistent with Microsoft’s strategy to invest in innovative technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and support a broader transition to sustainability. Brian May, Microsoft’s general manager of electronic markets, expressed his excitement about the partnership, and highlighted the benefits for the country, farmers and rural communities.