India is preparing a major public funding push for carbon capture, utilization, and storage, also known as CCUS. In the Union Budget for 2026–27, the government set out a plan to support CCUS with a proposed outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years. That is ₹200 billion, which is about US$2.2 billion.
The budget document places the measure under efforts to improve long-term energy security and stability. It also describes CCUS as a scheme with that ₹20,000 crore outlay.
The amount matters because CCUS is expensive and hard to scale. A clear budget line signals that India wants to move beyond small pilots and research projects. It also shows the government is looking for options to reduce emissions in industries that are difficult to clean up quickly.
The plan comes as India faces a practical challenge. The country is building large amounts of renewable energy, but parts of the economy still rely on high-emitting industrial processes.
Cement, steel, refineries, chemicals, and thermal power remain central to growth. These sectors often cannot cut emissions to near zero with renewables alone, at least not in the short term. This is where the government sees a role for carbon capture.
From Policy Papers to Pipes and Storage
The budget measure points to CCUS as a way to raise “technology readiness” and expand end-use applications. In plain terms, that means the government wants more projects that move from study to real equipment in real plants. It also suggests the plan will target large emitting sectors where capture and storage could, in theory, reduce emissions without shutting down existing production too quickly.
India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already described CCUS as an area where it is working to build a practical strategy and encourage collaboration across the oil and gas sector. That includes planning for how to implement capture, transport, use, and storage options in India’s energy system.
This new budget funding could connect to that effort in two ways.
- First, it can reduce early financial risk for companies. Carbon capture equipment adds cost. It also adds operating needs, such as energy use, maintenance, and monitoring. Without support, many firms delay investment because they do not see a near-term return.
- Second, it can help build shared infrastructure. CCUS is not just one machine, and it often needs pipelines, compressors, monitoring systems, and long-term storage sites. Shared infrastructure can lower costs when several plants connect to the same transport and storage network.
The budget document does not yet list every rule, incentive rate, or eligibility condition in the public summary. But the stated five-year outlay sets a clear ceiling for public support and signals that the government expects a pipeline of projects, not a single pilot.
Why India is Looking at Carbon Capture Now
India has set a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. That pledge has shaped policy planning across power, industry, fuels, and carbon markets.
In a 2022 press release on a national CCUS policy study, the government highlighted India’s climate direction, including steps toward net zero by 2070 and the need to cut emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.
In late 2025, India also released a national R&D roadmap for CCUS through the Department of Science and Technology. The roadmap aims to guide coordinated action and speed up technology deployment, with a focus on hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, and power.
These moves show a pattern. India is building the “soft” parts of a CCUS system first—research priorities, policy frameworks, and coordination. The budget outlay is a step toward the “hard” parts—real projects and infrastructure.
There is also an external trade pressure. Many Indian exporters expect stricter carbon rules in major markets. Policies such as the European Union’s carbon border measures have pushed firms to look for ways to reduce the emissions tied to their products.
CCUS is one option that can reduce emissions at the facility level, especially in cement, steel, and refining, where process emissions are hard to remove.
At the same time, India still needs to expand its energy supply for growth. That includes reliable power for industry and cities. A CCUS program can fit into this reality because it aims to cut emissions without requiring an immediate shutdown of existing assets.
A Tool for Tough Emissions, Not a Silver Bullet
CCUS works in three main steps. First, a plant captures carbon dioxide from flue gases or industrial streams. Second, it compresses and transports the CO₂. Third, it stores the CO₂ underground or uses it in products such as fuels, chemicals, building materials, or enhanced oil recovery.
In practice, storage is the main constraint. Projects need suitable geology, injection tests, monitoring systems, and long-term rules on liability. Without proven storage, capture alone does not deliver lasting emissions cuts. Below is India’s carbon storage capacity shown in a geological map:
Globally, CCUS remains far below the scale required in net-zero scenarios. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global carbon capture capacity reached just over 50 million tonnes of CO₂ per year as of early 2025. This is up modestly from earlier years but still far below the levels needed in most net-zero climate pathways.
In its Net Zero pathway, capture rises to 1,024 Mt by 2030 and 6,040 Mt by 2050. As of early 2025, only just over 50 Mt per year of capture capacity is operating worldwide.
The IEA reports that even if all planned projects move forward, global capture capacity will only hit about 430 Mt per year by 2030. The planned storage capacity is around 670 Mt. This gap explains why the IEA stresses faster storage development and shorter project lead times.
India has been laying the groundwork for this challenge. A draft 2030 CCUS roadmap linked to the oil and gas sector compiles early estimates of national storage potential.
It identifies deep saline aquifers as the largest category, with about 291 gigatonnes (Gt) of estimated capacity. It mentions potential storage of 97–316 Gt in basalt formations, 3.5–6.3 Gt in coal reservoirs, and around 1.2 Gt in oil fields for CO₂-enhanced oil recovery. These figures reflect theoretical or early-stage estimates and still require site-level validation.
CCUS is most relevant in hard-to-abate sectors where emissions come from chemistry, not just fuel use. Cement is a clear example. Even with clean power, roughly half of cement emissions come from the calcination process itself. Steel also poses challenges, as the sector emits high carbon.
Costs remain a key barrier. The IEA estimates capture costs of $15–25 per tonne of CO₂ for high-purity industrial streams. In contrast, more diluted streams, like cement or power generation, cost $40–120 per tonne. Transport, injection, and long-term monitoring add further costs and complexity.
These limits explain why CCUS is not a replacement for renewables, efficiency, or electrification. India’s policy shows that the government views CCUS as a helpful tool. It can cut emissions in tough sectors, but only if storage, regulation, and project delivery happen quickly.
Where the Money Goes Will Matter Most
The headline figure—₹20,000 crore over five years—sets the scale. What matters next is how the money is used.
Project selection will shape outcomes. A focus on a few large hubs could support shared CO₂ transport and storage. A scattered approach may fund pilots but limit infrastructure build-out.
Sector priorities also matter. Budget signals point to power, steel, cement, refineries, and chemicals—all high-emitting industries with large and, in some cases, concentrated CO₂ streams.
Rules will be just as important as funding. India is developing an Indian Carbon Market under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. Companies will need clarity on whether captured and stored CO₂ can earn credits and under what standards.
Storage readiness remains a final test. Proven sites, test drilling, and long-term monitoring will be essential to move from plans to scale. If these pieces align, public funding could accelerate real deployment. If not, it may support pilots without delivering deep emissions cuts.
For now, the budget line makes one point clear. India is putting real public funding behind carbon capture, and it is doing so with an amount large enough to change corporate planning in several heavy industries.
The post India Puts $2.2 Billion for Carbon Capture in 2026-2027 Budget appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
China Cuts Battery Export Rebates, Sending Lithium Prices Up and Boosting NILI’s Role in Global Lithium Supply
Disseminated on behalf of Surge Battery Metals Inc.
Global lithium markets are reacting to a major policy change in China. Beijing announced it will phase out VAT export rebates on battery products. The move caused a surge in lithium-related material prices and caught the attention of producers, buyers, and investors worldwide.
This change is more than a short-term lithium price spike. It may shift global lithium supply chains. Companies that relied heavily on Chinese exports now need to think about alternative sources. Non-Chinese producers, especially in stable countries, could gain a competitive advantage.
China’s rebate rollback affects how battery makers plan production and exports. Some companies may sell more lithium at home or adjust prices for overseas shipments. This policy highlights that government rules can shape the lithium market just as much as supply and demand.
Global Supply Chains Feel the Shock
China has long been the leader in battery-grade lithium production and battery manufacturing. Export rebates made Chinese batteries and lithium products cheaper for global buyers. Removing these rebates changes the economics for Chinese companies.
One short-term effect may be less lithium available for export. Companies could focus on domestic sales or reduce shipments abroad due to higher costs. Buyers in other regions may need to seek new suppliers or invest in local production.
This shows that geopolitics and policy now influence lithium markets heavily. Global buyers are increasingly aware of supply risks caused by policy changes. As a result, companies with high-quality lithium projects in politically stable countries are likely to become more important.
NILI: A Stable Bet in Uncertain Times
Surge Battery Metals (TSX-V: NILI | OTCQX: NILIF) is in a strong position to benefit from these changes. Its flagship project, the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP), is located in a mining-friendly U.S. region. The project has access to roads, power, skilled labor, and regulatory clarity, which reduce risks for development.
Unlike areas where policies can change quickly, Surge Battery Metals offers a stable, high-quality lithium source. Early exploration at Nevada North shows lithium clay grades of up to 8,070 ppm, considered high for clay-based deposits.
More notably, ongoing metallurgical tests show the project could operate at competitive costs and deliver strong financial returns. This makes NILI ready to meet the growing demand from electric vehicles (EVs), grid storage, and other industrial applications.
China’s export policy change increases the strategic importance of projects like Nevada North. Buyers who want a secure supply of lithium may turn to projects in stable regions. Surge Battery Metals is well-positioned to fill that role.
Strategic Advantages Beyond Location
Surge is also building a strong team to advance the project. Recent executive hires bring experience from the battery supply chain, including sourcing lithium for automakers. This expertise helps NILI form strong partnerships and prepare for commercial production.
With China cutting export rebates, some buyers may face higher costs or delays. NILI’s Nevada project can provide a reliable alternative. This is especially important for North American battery makers and EV companies that want supply security close to home.
The project’s economic potential is strong. Preliminary assessments indicate Nevada North could produce tens of thousands of tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) per year, 86,300.
The project is now moving toward a Pre-Feasibility Study targeted for completion in late 2026, with engineering led by global firm Fluor Corporation.
The project also benefits from favorable operating costs, US$5,243/t LCE, and the potential to expand its resource base through continued drilling. Surge recently strengthened this position with new drill results from Nevada North.
The company reported a 30.6-meter intercept grading 4,196 ppm lithium from surface in a 640-meter step-out hole to the southeast. This wide step-out confirms that strong lithium grades extend beyond the current resource boundary.
In infill drilling, Surge also reported 116 meters averaging 3,752 ppm lithium, including 32.1 meters grading 4,521 ppm near surface. This confirms the presence of a strong, high-grade core within the deposit.
These results highlight the scale and growth potential of the project. These factors make NILI a strategically important player in the global lithium market.
Key advantages that position Surge Battery Metals strategically in the market today:
- NILI’s 100% owned NNLP: 20,000+ acres prime Nevada clay – grades rival brine peers.
- Recent Wins: Oct 2025 BLM plan filed; Q1 2026 drilling planned.
- Investor Edge: TSX-V NILI up 25% post-China news – early positioning pays.
SEE MORE: Lithium Prices Climb Again in 2026, Sending Stocks Upward
The Bigger Picture: Supply Chain Security Matters
The lithium market is changing. In the past, supply and demand drove prices and investment decisions. Today, policy, geopolitics, and supply chain security are just as important. China’s export rebate rollback shows how quickly government decisions can affect global markets.
Companies with projects in stable, well-regulated regions are becoming more valuable. Investors and battery makers are looking for high-quality lithium resources that can provide a consistent supply without the risk of sudden policy changes. NILI’s Nevada North project fits this need.
The market is also paying more attention to long-term demand trends. Beyond EVs, lithium is needed for industrial storage systems, AI data centers, and grid-scale energy storage.
Benchmark’s insights show that data centre electricity demand will rise sharply. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) will be crucial for ensuring power reliability as data centre capacity expands. The growing need for BESS will boost long-term demand for lithium storage. This reinforces lithium projects like NILI’s Nevada North, which can help meet future energy storage needs for expanding data centers.
Long-Term Implications for Investors and Industry
The Nevada North Lithium Project offers high-grade lithium in a politically stable region, with strong infrastructure and skilled labor. The company is positioning itself to meet rising demand from both EVs and other battery markets.
The policy shift in China highlights this strategic importance. With reduced incentives for Chinese exports, buyers are looking for alternative sources. NILI provides a safe, reliable, and high-quality supply, making it a strong partner for battery manufacturers in North America and beyond.
The company’s focus on commercial readiness further strengthens its position. Experienced executives and industry veterans are helping NILI form partnerships and prepare for eventual production. This approach ensures that Nevada North is not just a resource but a fully integrated solution for the lithium supply chain.
NILI in the New Supply Chain Era
For investors, projects like NILI offer exposure to high-grade resources in stable jurisdictions. For battery manufacturers, Nevada North represents a secure supply chain option that can reduce dependence on any single country or region.
China’s policy change is a reminder that supply chain risk matters in the lithium market. Investors, manufacturers, and policymakers are increasingly focused on reliable and diversified sources of lithium.
For anyone looking for safe, high-quality lithium, Surge Battery Metals is a company to consider. As global supply chains adjust to policy changes, the lithium junior is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities and strengthen its role in the lithium market.
Live Lithium Spot Price
DISCLAIMER
New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers, or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. Surge Battery Metals Inc. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $75,000 to provide marketing services for a term of three months. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options of the companies mentioned.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility, the state of financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.
Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2025, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances except as may be required by applicable law.
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Carbon Footprint
Fervo Energy’s $421M Breakthrough and The Rise of Geothermal Power for Clean Electricity
A major new investment is bringing geothermal energy back into focus. Fervo Energy has secured $421 million to build and expand its Cape Station geothermal project in Utah. The deal marks one of the largest recent financings in the U.S. geothermal sector.
This move comes at a time when energy systems are changing fast. Demand for reliable, carbon-free power is rising. Solar and wind are growing quickly, but they depend on the weather. Geothermal offers a different advantage. It provides steady electricity, day and night.
Fervo’s project shows how this technology is starting to scale. It also highlights a broader shift in clean energy markets. David Ulrey, Chief Financial Officer at Fervo Energy, said:
“Non-recourse financing has historically been considered out of reach for first-of-a-kind projects. Cape Station disrupts that narrative. With proven oil and gas technology paired with AI-enabled drilling and exploration, robust commercial offtake, operational consistency, and an unrelenting focus on health and safety, we have shown that EGS [enhanced geothermal systems] is a highly bankable asset class.”
A Major Investment in Next-Generation Geothermal
Fervo’s $421 million financing includes a mix of debt and credit support. The package is designed to fund the construction and early operations of the Cape Station project.
RBC Capital Markets is the coordinating lead arranger, working with Barclays, BBVA, and HSBC, with additional support from J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank’s New York branch.
Sean Pollock, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, remarked:
“As demand for firm, clean, affordable power accelerates, EGS is set to become a core energy asset class for infrastructure lenders. Fervo is pioneering this step change with Cape Station, a vital contribution to American energy security that RBC is proud to support.”
The project is located in Utah and is expected to become one of the largest EGS in the United States. Its initial phases could reach hundreds of megawatts of capacity, with long-term plans to scale up to 2 gigawatts (GW).
Conventional and EGS in the U.S.
This is a significant size. A 1 GW power plant can supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes, depending on usage levels. At full build-out, Cape Station could rank among the largest clean energy facilities in the country.
Fervo’s approach uses advanced drilling methods adapted from the oil and gas sector. These techniques allow developers to access deep heat resources that were once too difficult to reach. This expands the potential for geothermal energy beyond traditional locations.
From Niche to Necessary: Geothermal’s Small Share but Large Potential
The United States currently has about 2.7 gigawatts (GW) of conventional geothermal capacity, per the US Energy Information Administration. This is only 0.2% of total U.S. summer generating capacity, which refers to the maximum power available during peak demand in summer.
The potential for EGS is much larger. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 135 GW of power could be developed from EGS in the Great Basin alone.
Other estimates suggest that up to 150 GW of cost-effective geothermal capacity could be built in the coming decades, depending on market conditions and technological progress.
- In 2023, the National Laboratory of the Rockies estimated that about 90 GW of EGS capacity could be economically developed across the United States by 2050.
The small share reflects past limitations. Traditional geothermal projects require natural underground reservoirs of hot water or steam. These are only found in certain regions.
Technology Is Unlocking New Geothermal Resources
However, new technologies are changing that. Enhanced geothermal systems can create artificial reservoirs by injecting water into hot rock formations. This makes geothermal viable in many more areas.
The key to geothermal growth lies in innovation. Traditional geothermal systems are limited by geography. Enhanced systems aim to remove that constraint.
Fervo uses horizontal drilling and hydraulic stimulation. These methods are similar to those used in shale oil and gas production. They allow wells to reach deeper and hotter rock formations.
The company has already tested this approach. Its pilot project, known as Project Red, produced about 3.5 megawatts (MW) of continuous electricity. It also showed strong flow rates, which are critical for long-term performance.
Scaling up from pilot to commercial size is the next step. Cape Station represents that transition. If successful, it could prove that enhanced geothermal systems can operate on a large scale. This would open the door for wider adoption across the United States and other countries.
Why 24/7 Clean Energy Is in High Demand
Electricity demand is rising across the United States and globally. This is driven by electrification, population growth, and new industries.
At the same time, the energy system is shifting toward renewables. Solar and wind are now among the fastest-growing sources of electricity. However, these sources are variable. Solar only produces power during the day. Wind output can change with weather conditions.
This creates a need for stable energy sources that can run at all times. Geothermal meets this need. It provides baseload power, meaning it can operate continuously without interruption.
Other low-carbon baseload options include nuclear and hydropower. Geothermal adds another layer to this group, especially in regions where other options are limited.
As renewable energy expands, the value of steady power is increasing. This trend is driving interest in geothermal projects.
Investment Trends Support Geothermal Growth
Fervo’s funding reflects a broader shift in energy investment. Clean energy technologies are attracting increasing amounts of capital.
The company has raised about $1.5 billion in total funding since its founding in 2017. This includes equity investments and project-level financing.
Government policy is also playing a role. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits and incentives for clean energy projects, including geothermal. These incentives help reduce project costs and improve returns for investors.
At the same time, utilities and large energy users are seeking long-term clean power contracts. This creates stable revenue streams for projects like Cape Station.
Global energy investment trends show continued growth in renewables, including geothermal. The International Energy Agency reports that clean energy investment is expected to exceed $2 trillion annually in the coming years, with solar leading but other technologies gaining support.
Geothermal is still a small part of this total today. However, its role could expand as the need for reliable clean energy increases, reaching nearly $3 trillion by 2050.
A New Role for Geothermal in the Energy Transition
Fervo’s $421 million project highlights a shift in how energy systems are evolving. The focus is no longer only on adding renewable capacity. It is also about building a stable and balanced grid.
Geothermal can help fill gaps left by solar and wind. It provides continuous, carbon-free electricity that supports grid reliability. This makes it useful for a range of applications, including:
- Powering cities and industrial operations.
- Supporting renewable-heavy grids.
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuel backup.
If enhanced geothermal systems continue to scale, they could become a key part of the clean energy mix. Fervo’s project is still in its early stages, but it represents a broader trend. Energy markets are starting to value not just clean power, but also consistent power.
As this shift continues, geothermal may move from a niche resource to a core component of the energy transition.
- READ MORE: Google Taps Earth’s Heat in 150MW Geothermal Deal with Ormat Technologies to Power Data Centers
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Carbon Footprint
Climate Impact Partners Unveils High-Quality Carbon Credits from Sabah Rainforest in Malaysia
The voluntary carbon market is changing. Buyers are no longer focused only on large volumes of cheap credits. Instead, they want projects with strong science, long-term monitoring, and clear proof that carbon has truly been removed from the atmosphere. That shift is drawing more attention to high-integrity, nature-based projects.
One project now gaining that spotlight is the Sabah INFAPRO rainforest rehabilitation project in Malaysia. Climate Impact Partners announced that the project is now issuing verified carbon removal credits, opening access to one of the highest-quality nature-based removals currently available in the global market.
Restoring One of the World’s Richest Rainforest Ecosystems
The project is located in Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. This region is home to tropical dipterocarp rainforest, one of the richest forest ecosystems on Earth. These forests store huge amounts of carbon and support extraordinary biodiversity. Some dipterocarp trees can grow up to 70 meters tall, creating habitat for orangutans, pygmy elephants, gibbons, sun bears, and the critically endangered Sumatran rhino.
However, the forest within the INFAPRO project area was not intact. In the 1980s, selective logging removed many of the most valuable tree species, especially large dipterocarps. That caused serious ecological damage. Once the key mother trees were gone, natural regeneration became much harder. Young seedlings also had to compete with dense vines and shrubs, which slowed the forest’s recovery.
To repair that damage, the INFAPRO project was launched in the Ulu-Segama forestry management unit in eastern Sabah.
- The project has restored more than 25,000 hectares of logged-over rainforest.
- It was developed by Face the Future in cooperation with Yayasan Sabah, while Climate Impact Partners has supported the project and helped bring its credits to market.
Why Sabah’s Carbon Removals are Attracting Attention
What makes Sabah INFAPRO different is not only the size of the restoration effort. It is also the way the project measured carbon gains.
Many forest carbon projects issue credits in annual vintages based on year-by-year growth estimates. Sabah INFAPRO followed a different path. It used a landscape-scale monitoring system and waited until the forest moved through its strongest natural growth period before issuing removal credits.
- This approach gives the credits more weight. Rather than relying mainly on short-term annual estimates, the project measured carbon sequestration over a longer period. That helps show that the forest delivered real, sustained, and measurable carbon removal.
The scientific backing is also unusually strong. Since 2007, the project has maintained nearly 400 permanent monitoring plots. These plots have allowed researchers, independent auditors, and technical specialists to observe the full growth cycle of dipterocarp forest recovery. The result is a large body of field data that supports carbon calculations and strengthens confidence in the credits.
In simple terms, buyers are not just being asked to trust a model. They are being shown years of direct forest monitoring across the project landscape.
Strong Ratings Support Market Confidence
Independent assessment has also lifted the project’s profile. BeZero awarded Sabah INFAPRO an A.pre overall rating and an AA score for permanence. That places the project among the highest-rated Improved Forest Management, or IFM, projects in the world.
The rating reflects several important strengths. First, the project has very low exposure to reversal risk. Second, it has a long and stable operating history. Third, its measured carbon gains align well with peer-reviewed ecological research and independent analysis.
These points matter in today’s market. Buyers have become more cautious after years of debate over the quality of some forest carbon credits. As a result, they now look more closely at durability, transparency, and third-party validation. Sabah INFAPRO’s rating helps answer those concerns and makes the project more attractive to companies looking for credible carbon removal.
The project is also registered with Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard under the name INFAPRO Rehabilitation of Logged-over Dipterocarp Forest in Sabah, Malaysia. That adds another level of market recognition and verification.
A Wider Model for Rainforest Recovery
Sabah INFAPRO also shows why high-quality nature-based projects are about more than carbon alone. The restoration effort supports broader ecological recovery in one of the world’s most important rainforest regions.
Climate Impact Partners said it has worked with project partners to restore degraded areas, run local training programs, carry out monthly forest patrols, and distribute seedlings to support rainforest recovery beyond the project boundary. These efforts help strengthen the wider landscape and expand the project’s environmental impact.
That broader value is becoming more important for buyers. Companies increasingly want projects that support biodiversity, ecosystem health, and local engagement, along with carbon removal. Sabah INFAPRO offers that mix, making it a stronger fit for the market’s shift toward higher-integrity credits.
Why IFM is Getting More Attention in the Carbon Market
The project’s launch also fits a wider shift in the voluntary carbon market. Improved Forest Management refers to practices that help existing forests store more carbon or avoid emissions through better stewardship. Unlike afforestation or reforestation, which involve creating or replanting forests, IFM focuses on improving the way current forests are managed.
These practices can help forests grow older, become more diverse, and stay healthier under climate stress. They can also support timber production in some cases by improving harvest cycles rather than stopping forest use altogether.
Because IFM projects often operate over very long periods, sometimes 100 years or more, they can generate lasting climate benefits. Still, buyers must be careful. Quality varies widely across projects, and strong due diligence remains essential.
That is why Sabah INFAPRO is drawing attention. Although IFM supply has grown in recent years, truly high-quality carbon removal credits within the category remain limited.
Nature-Based Carbon Removal Still Leads the Market
Nature-based carbon removal continues to dominate the spot market, as reported by Carbon Direct. In 2025, about 95% of all carbon dioxide removal credits issued in the voluntary carbon market came from nature-based pathways. Only 5% came from higher-durability pathways such as biochar or BECCS.
This shows two things at once. First, nature-based carbon removal still plays the leading role in today’s market. Second, high-durability removal technologies are still at an early stage of deployment.
Demand Side:
Within nature-based credits, supply conditions differ sharply by project type.
- Afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation, known as ARR, have remained tight. Over the past four years, ARR issuances and retirements have stayed close to a 1:1 ratio, while annual issuance has held nearly flat at around 7 million to 8 million metric tons. That has left limited ARR inventory available for spot buyers.
- IFM has followed a different path. Issuances have grown about 2.5 times since 2023, making it one of the biggest growth areas in nature-based carbon credits. Even so, the supply of top-tier IFM carbon removal credits remains much smaller than headline volumes suggest.
Supply Side:
At the same time, buyer behavior is shifting. Demand has moved away from many older REDD+ projects and toward IFM, ARR, agriculture-based projects, and other credit types viewed as more credible or better aligned with corporate climate goals.
Retirements have dipped slightly, but that does not necessarily mean interest is fading. Buyer participation has remained steady. What changed is the purchasing strategy. Companies are becoming more selective about what they buy, when they buy, and how much they are willing to pay for quality.
Meanwhile, long-term nature-based offtakes and purchase commitments have risen above 90 million tons of future delivery. Most of those commitments are concentrated in ARR projects. That trend shows both how tight ARR supply is today and how seriously buyers are trying to secure future volume.
Against that backdrop, Sabah INFAPRO enters the market at the right time. It offers a rare mix of long-term monitoring, strong scientific backing, high biodiversity value, and verified removals. For buyers looking for high-quality nature-based carbon removal, this Malaysian rainforest project may become an important benchmark.
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Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
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Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
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Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
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Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
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