AtmosClear has signed a 15-year contract with technology giant Microsoft to capture 6.75 million tonnes a year of carbon dioxide from its bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facility in Louisiana.
The plant, developed by the Fidelis portfolio company, will be located at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with commercial operations expected by 2029.
Once operational, the facility will use sustainable materials, such as sugar cane waste and responsibly sourced wood, to produce clean energy. It will capture 680,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, for either sequestration or for use in low-carbon fuels.
The deal with Microsoft is believed to be the world’s largest for permanent CO2 removal to date and will help the global business achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, which is a goal it set in January 2020.
Daniel Shapiro, CEO of Fidelis, called the agreement a “transformative moment” for the carbon removal market.
“AtmosClear showcases how proven technologies, paired with sustainable feedstocks like sugar cane bagasse and forest management materials, can deliver meaningful climate impact,” he added.
Last year, Microsoft signed a similar agreement with Sweden’s Stockholm Exergi to remove 3.33 million tonnes of CO₂.
Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, described AtmosClear’s project as a compelling model for carbon removal in the US.
