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Verra

Verra, a leading non-profit VCM registry in the US has recently released its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) modular methodology VM0049 for carbon capture and storage (CCS). Carbon dioxide removals play a crucial role in corporate net-zero strategies. Thus, VM0049 is a global framework for tech-based CCS activities that generate carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) and emission reductions.

Unlocking the Future of Carbon Capture: VM0049’s Modular Approach

CCS involves CO2 capture directly from the atmosphere or from high-emission industrial sources. It is then transported or permanently stored underground. CCS is a highly efficient technique to combat CO2 emissions in tough sectors like industrial manufacturing (e.g., cement), oil and natural gas, and power generation.

VM0049 underscores the key requirements essential for CCS projects. Verra’s press release describes that these projects can choose from various modules for CO2 capture, transport, and storage activities to quantify their CDRs and emission reductions. Furthermore, the modules are customizable to fit a project’s design and technological needs. The unique modular format adapts to project expansions, shared infrastructure development, and future innovations.

Verra is set to launch the initial modules in the upcoming months, encompassing the following activities:

  • Direct air capture
  • CO2 transportation
  • CO2 storage in saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs

At present, multiple additional modules are under development to encompass a wide range of activities supported by VM0049.

Image: An overview of Verra’s CCS and Transport Model

Verra

Pre-requisites for Carbon Capture from Ambient Air

This module governs projects that capture CO2 from ambient air using the latest VM00XX Methodology for Carbon Capture and Storage. Verra’s draft highlights that these projects must meet the following conditions:

  1. Capture activities must extract atmospheric CO2, potentially alongside CO2 from on-site point sources such as oxy-fuel combustion. Methods may include chemical or physical absorption/adsorption with solvents or sorbents (e.g., amines), membrane processes, electrochemical processes, or cryogenic processes.
  2. The primary capture fluid or media must be regenerated to prevent one-time use. It should yield a concentrated CO2 stream available for subsequent transport and storage.
  3. Capture facilities must either be new, expand existing ones, or refurbish those that would otherwise be decommissioned at the project’s start.
  4. Both existing and new capture facilities can share auxiliary equipment like utilities.

Notably, this framework ensures that CO2 capture from ambient air meets rigorous standards, facilitating effective carbon storage and utilization. The draft is yet to be finalized.

Milestones for Geologic Carbon Storage (GCS)

The methodology is evolving in stages using a modular approach. The initial phase will emphasize storing carbon in saline aquifers and depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs. Later phases will focus on using captured carbon, storing it, and carbon mineralization in geological formations. Each type of GCS project (CCS, GCM, or CCUS) will have specific requirements. Verra has outlined all the rules applicable to GCS projects under the VCS Program.

Verra examines two approaches to managing risks in GCS projects. Regulatory measures establish eligibility criteria, operational requirements, and closure obligations outlined in the VCS Standard and GCS Requirements. The Geologic Carbon Storage Non-Permanence Risk Tool assesses project risks. It allocates funds to the GCS pooled buffer account to protect the validity of all issued Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) from possible reversals.

CO2 Transport Module Boundary

The CO2 transport module covers all processes in the CO2 transport value chain. Key processes include CO2 conditioning (like dehydration and cooling), compression, and loading/unloading from ships, trains, and trucks. It also provides for the propulsion of these transport modes, maintaining CO2 conditions in pressure vessels, and reconditioning CO2 for different transport modes or delivery conditions.

Verra signifies defining module and segment boundaries crucial for projects with diverse ownership. For now, the activities are divided into intermediate storage sites and transport segments within the transport module. Intermediate storage sites handle temporary CO2 storage during transfer, while transport segments involve equipment and processes for moving CO2 through a consistent transportation system. All documents are currently in their draft stage.

Figure: Verra’s Module boundary for CO2 transport (for public consultation)

Verrasource: Verra

Overall, Verra’s framework supports various capture, transport, and storage technologies. They ensure real, additional, and high-integrity emission reductions and removals (ERRs) globally. Deploying CCS and engineered CDR technologies is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5℃. These technologies complement emission reduction efforts, offset residual emissions, and provide a net negative CO2 option.

Disclaimer: Information in the content has been sourced from Verra

The post What’s New in Verra’s Latest CCS Methodology Update? Find Out! appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally

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The uranium price has continued its upward trajectory this week, climbing to 85.67 USD. This represents a solid 2.19% gain over the last seven days and extends the year-to-date performance to a 5.09% increase. After a period of consolidation, the market is witnessing renewed momentum driven by the converging forces of a widening supply deficit and escalating energy demands from the technology sector.

Uranium Price

Unit: USD/lb

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Market Drivers for the Uranium Price

The primary catalyst behind the recent movement is the intensifying focus on nuclear energy as a critical solution for powering artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. As data centers expand globally, tech giants are increasingly seeking reliable, carbon-free baseload power, prompting a reassessment of long-term demand. Recent reports indicate that major utilities are accelerating their contracting cycles to secure fuel inventory, anticipating a squeeze as new reactors come online in Asia and dormant facilities restart in Japan.

On the supply side, geopolitical friction continues to tighten the market. Persistent restrictions on Russian nuclear fuel imports have forced Western utilities to pivot toward alternative suppliers, creating bottlenecks in conversion and enrichment services. Additionally, recent activity from physical funds—most notably a reported purchase of 100,000 pounds of yellowcake by Sprott—has removed spot inventory, adding immediate upward pressure to the uranium price.

Technical Outlook

Technically, uranium has firmly established support above the psychological $80 level. The breakout above $85 signals bullish sentiment, with analysts eyeing the $90 mark as the next key resistance zone. The 30-day movement of 8.27% suggests that buyers are stepping in aggressively on dips, reinforcing a strong uptrend. If the price can sustain a close above $86, it may open the door for a retest of the cyclical highs seen in previous years. However, investors should remain attentive to upcoming production reports from major miners like Kazatomprom and Cameco, which could introduce short-term volatility.

The post Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Lithium Price Today: China’s Supply Crackdown and Tax Overhaul Fuel 7% Rally

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The Lithium Price surged to a fresh two-year high today, closing at 170,999.81 CNY per tonne. This marks a significant 7.55% gain over the last seven days and extends a powerful year-to-date rally of 44.38%. After a prolonged period of consolidation, the battery metal has broken critical resistance levels, driven by a convergence of aggressive policy shifts in China and renewed supply constraints.

Lithium Price

Unit: CNY/Tonne

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Market Drivers for the Lithium Price Rally

The primary catalyst for this week’s 7.55% move is the sudden tightening of supply in China’s Jiangxi province. Authorities have canceled 27 mining permits in the hub as part of an environmental "anti-involution" campaign, effectively removing significant feedstock from the market. This supply shock coincided with Beijing’s announcement that export tax rebates for battery products will be cut from 9% to 6% starting in April. This policy shift has triggered a massive "front-running" effect, with manufacturers rushing to secure raw materials and export finished goods before the deadline.

Adding fuel to the fire, industry giant CATL reportedly placed a massive $17.2 billion order for cathode materials earlier this week. This demand signal has forced downstream players to cover spot positions aggressively, exacerbating the squeeze created by the Jiangxi permit cancellations.

Technical Outlook

Technically, the Lithium Price has staged a decisive breakout above the psychological 170,000 CNY level. The 30-day movement of 71.86% suggests the market is in a steep markup phase, fueled by short covering and panic buying. Momentum indicators are currently in overbought territory, but the fundamental supply deficits suggest support remains strong at the 155,000 CNY breakout zone. If the rally sustains, the next key resistance target lies near 200,000 CNY, a level not seen since the market began its correction two years ago.

The post Lithium Price Today: China’s Supply Crackdown and Tax Overhaul Fuel 7% Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally

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The Lithium price continued its explosive start to 2026, surging to 170,999.81 CNY per tonne on Friday. The battery metal has posted a remarkable 7.55% gain over the last seven days alone, extending a massive 71.86% rally over the past month. Year-to-date, lithium prices are up 44.38%, marking a definitive reversal from the surpluses that plagued the market in previous years.

Lithium Price

Unit: CNY/Tonne

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Market Drivers

Two primary factors are fueling the current rally: a surge in utility-scale energy storage demand and sudden supply constraints in China’s mining hubs.

  • Energy Storage Demand Spike: While EV sales remain steady, the demand for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in energy storage systems (ESS) has outperformed expectations. Analysts forecast a 55% growth in ESS installations for 2026, driven by Beijing’s mandate to double EV charging capacity and grid storage infrastructure by 2027.
  • Jiangxi Supply Crunch: On the supply side, Chinese authorities recently canceled 27 mining permits in the lithium hub of Jiangxi as part of an environmental crackdown. This follows the suspension of operations at CATL’s Jianxiawo mine, effectively removing significant monthly tonnage from the market just as downstream battery makers rush to restock ahead of reduced export rebates.

Technical Outlook

Technically, the Lithium price has decisively broken through the psychological resistance level of 150,000 CNY. The steep vertical ascent suggests intense buying pressure, likely exacerbated by short covering from traders who were positioned for a surplus. With the price now firmly establishing support above 160,000 CNY, market participants are eyeing the 200,000 CNY level as the next major target. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates the metal is in overbought territory, suggesting potential volatility in the short term as the market digests these rapid gains.

The post Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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