Carbon Credits vs. Carbon Offsets: What’s the Difference?
At their core, both carbon credits and carbon offsets are accounting mechanisms. They provide a way to balance the scales of pollution. The big idea behind credits and offsets is that since CO2 is the same gas anywhere in the world, it doesn’t matter where emissions reduction happen.
For both consumers and companies, it makes financial sense to reduce emissions where it is cheapest and easiest to do so, even if that does not involve their own operations.
Offset and Credit Similarities
At the simplest level, a carbon credit or offset represents a reduction in or removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that compensates for CO2 emitted somewhere else. The instruments do have two major attributes in common:
- One carbon credit or offset equals one tonne of carbon emissions.
- Once a carbon credit or offset is purchased and the CO2 is emitted, that credit is “retired” and cannot be sold or used again.
Carbon Offsets and Carbon Credits Defined
While the terms “carbon credits” and “carbon offsets” are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct products that serve two different purposes. Before you begin purchasing either, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and which one will help you meet your goals. Here is a broad definition of the terms:
- Carbon offset: A removal of GHGs from the atmosphere.
- Carbon credit: A reduction in GHGs released into the atmosphere.
To help visualize the difference, imagine a water supply polluted by a nearby chemical plant. A “chemical offset” would mean pulling chemicals out of the water to help purify it. A “chemical credit” would mean paying another chemical company to release fewer chemicals into the water, so the overall level of pollution stays the same. Clear as mud? Great.
A Carbon Offset and Carbon Credit Primer*
Let’s dive a bit deeper into these products one at a time. Creating a carbon offset involves a fancy term we call “carbon sequestration.” Recall how a judge can order a jury to be sequestered—meaning they have to be sealed off from the outside world.
It works the same way with carbon: offsets involves CO2 emissions pulled out of the atmosphere and locked away for a period of time.
There is a growing list of ways to do this, including planting forests, blasting rock into tiny pieces, storing carbon in manufactured devices, capturing methane gas at a landfill, and the holy grail of carbon sequestration: using sophisticated technology to turn CO2 emissions into a usable product.
Carbon offsets are produced by independent companies that pull CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. The offsets are then sold to companies that emit (or have emitted) CO2. In a sense, offset-producing companies are directly funded by those companies that emit GHGs.
Carbon credits, on the other hand, are generally “created” by the government. Governments limit the amount of GHGs organizations can emit by placing a cap on them—a specific number of tons of CO2 the company can emit. Each of those tons are referred to as a carbon credit.
Companies comply with that cap by reducing the emissions produced in their operations through improving energy efficiency or switching to renewable energy sources. An organization that brings its overall emissions below what is required by law can sell the excess credits to businesses that are unable or unwilling to cut their own emissions to become compliant.
There are a few other ways to produce carbon credits. For more detail, see our article on carbon credits.
The Two Carbon Markets
There’s one more important distinction between carbon credits and carbon offsets:
- Carbon credits are generally transacted in the carbon compliance market.
- Carbon offsets are generally transacted in the voluntary carbon market.
Mandatory schemes limiting the amount of GHG emissions grew in number. And with them, a fragmented carbon compliance market is developing. For example, the EU has an Emissions Trading System (ETS) that enables companies to buy carbon credits from other companies.
California runs its own cap-and-trade program. Nine other states on the eastern seaboard have formed their own cap-and-trade conglomerate, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
The voluntary carbon market (think: offsets) is much smaller than the compliance market, but expected to grow much bigger in the coming years. It is open to individuals, companies, and other organizations that want to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint, but are not necessarily required to by law.
Consumers can purchase offsets for emissions from a specific high-emission activity. An example would be a long flight. Or they can buy offsets on a regular basis to eliminate their ongoing carbon footprint.
Do I Need Carbon Offsets or Carbon Credits?
Now that you know their differences and what they have in common, here’s how carbon credits and carbon offsets work in the grand, global scheme of emissions reduction.
The government is putting heavy caps on GHG emissions, meaning that companies will have to reconfigure operations to reduce emissions as much as possible. Those that cannot be eliminated will have to be accounted for through the purchase of carbon credits. Ambitious organizations, corporations, and people can purchase carbon offsets to nullify previous emissions or to reach net zero.
So which do you need? If you’re a corporation, the answer is likely “both”—but it all depends on your business goals. If you’re a consumer, carbon credits are likely unavailable to you. But you can do your part by purchasing carbon offsets.
Returning to the illustration from earlier, our vital, global goal is to both stop dumping chemicals into the metaphorical water supply, and to purify the existing water supply over time. In other words, we need to both drastically reduce CO2 emissions. And then we work to remove the CO2 currently in the atmosphere if we want to materially reduce pollution.
*Note: See our in-depth articles on carbon credits and carbon offsets for a closer look at how they work.
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Disseminated on behalf of StorEn.
Demand for home energy storage is booming, with up to 47% of US homes expected to have rooftop solar installations by 2050. But there’s one major flaw: the batteries powering those systems don’t last.
That’s why StorEn has created a home battery with the potential to last twice as long as Tesla’s Powerwall (the current market leader).
Here’s why investors need to watch this company.
How StorEn Is Solving the Home Battery Problem
Most home battery systems, including Tesla’s Powerwall, rely on lithium-ion technology. These batteries degrade quickly, pose safety risks, and create environmental waste. They typically need replacement every 5–10 years and aren’t built for long-term use. They can also burn for days when disaster strikes, releasing toxic fumes, as we saw in the recent California wildfires.
That’s why the most advanced power plants in the world have been using vanadium flow technology. It’s the same reliable, low-risk battery tech that powers major cities around the world today.
No one has been able to scale vanadium flow tech down to the residential level. But StorEn is doing it with their first-of-its-kind vanadium flow battery for homes. Instead of 10 years, it’s built to last 20. It’s also small enough to fit inside a garage, with a non-flammable and 100% recyclable design.
Why StorEn Is A Major Energy Disruptor
The residential energy storage market is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2033, and lithium-ion batteries simply aren’t sustainable enough to meet demand.
That’s why, while Tesla’s Powerwall holds 62% of the market, StorEn is a prime contender to dominate in the rise of home energy storage.
Not only can StorEn power homes for up to 20 years, but their solution also unlocks major commercial potential in the telecom and microgrid markets.
Amid this once-in-a-generation shift in energy, StorEn has all the pieces to thrive. What’s more, they have the track record to prove it.
StorEn Is Proving Themselves As We Speak
With a pipeline of $11M+ in forecasted revenue and a community of 9,000+ investors already, StorEn is on track to become the leader in long-duration home energy storage.
The company is led by pioneers in energy storage and battery chemistry, including CEO Angelo D’Anzi, a 23-year veteran in fuel cell and electrolyzer development. Angelo himself holds 18 WIPO patents in Vanadium Flow Batteries and Fuel Cells.
Now, this team has patented a vanadium flow battery compact enough to power homes—with the same durability and reliability trusted by cities and industrial plants.
And you have an opportunity to join them.
Why Now Is the Time to Invest in StorEn
As clean energy adoption grows, the need for longer-lasting, safer, and more sustainable batteries is becoming urgent.
StorEn has raised $12.5M from 9,000+ investors and is preparing for global expansion.
As lithium supply chains face pressure and investors seek genuine innovation, StorEn’s vanadium flow technology offers the long-term solution the market has been anticipating.
Become a StorEn shareholder as they redefine energy storage.
This is a paid advertisement for StorEn’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.storen.tech/
Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.
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Carbon Footprint
Saudi Arabia’s Carbon Ambition: NEOM’s Enowa and VCM Ink 30M Tonnes Carbon Credit Deal
The Voluntary Carbon Market Company (VCM) and Enowa, NEOM’s energy and water arm, have struck a landmark deal to deliver at least 30 million tonnes of high-integrity carbon credits by 2030. This long-term agreement shows Enowa’s promise to offset its unavoidable emissions. It also supports global climate action. This is especially true for projects in the Global South, which gain stable, long-term funding. The first delivery occurred in December 2024.
VCM launched Saudi Arabia’s first carbon credit exchange in November 2024. It was founded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) with 80% ownership and the Saudi Tadawul Group with 20%.
The platform offers top-level carbon trading, clear price discovery, global registry access, and aims to support Islamic finance structures. It also operates an auction system and will introduce spot trading in 2025.
This agreement highlights the growing demand. The global voluntary carbon market is expected to rise from $2 billion in 2020 to $250 billion by 2050. This growth is fueled by both companies and projects.
A Game-Changing Carbon Credit Pact
The VCM–Enowa agreement is a big step in voluntary carbon markets. It moves from one-time purchases to a long-term approach. Under the deal, Enowa will secure 30 million tonnes of high-quality carbon credits by 2030—about 3 million tonnes annually. This steady volume helps stabilize the market for everyone. It also unlocks vital funding for climate projects worldwide.
For developers, especially in the Global South, such long-term offtake agreements mean:
- Reduce risk,
- Support scalability, and
- Allow for better project planning.
As VCM CEO Riham ElGizy noted:
“The long-term agreement between VCM and Enowa to facilitate the delivery of over 30 million tons of carbon credits by 2030 marks a significant moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey to drive growth in global voluntary carbon markets. It helps Enowa compensate for today’s emissions while creating sustainable infrastructure for the long term.”
Enowa, already active in previous VCM auctions, becomes the first company in Saudi Arabia to enter such a long-term deal. Acting CEO Jens Madrian said it reflects their commitment to NEOM’s goal of 100% renewable energy. NEOM’s green infrastructure vision aligns closely with Enowa’s emissions management strategy.
This deal is huge: 30 million tonnes over ten years equals the yearly emissions of a mid-sized industrial country. This sets a high standard for corporate climate action in the area.
Building a Mature Carbon Market in Saudi Arabia
The VCM–Enowa deal also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing carbon trading ecosystem. Launched in November 2024, VCM’s voluntary carbon exchange is the Kingdom’s first institutional-grade platform. It provides key market tools such as auctions, RFQ features, block trades, and a new spot market. These tools improve price transparency, boost liquidity, and give access to a global registry.
Through successful auctions in 2022, 2023, and 2024, VCM has transacted over 4.7 million tonnes of carbon credits with buyers from 15+ countries. Projects include reforestation, soil carbon, clean cookstoves, and renewables. These show a strong demand for quality credits in many regions.
VCM stands out by aligning with both international standards and regional needs. It is creating Shariah-compliant infrastructure. This allows more MENA-based investors to use ethical finance tools. Its support ecosystem helps project developers in Africa and the Middle East. It includes advisory services and registry integrations. This way, developers can gain visibility and find long-term buyers.
This platform arrives as voluntary carbon markets face scrutiny over credibility. Backed by PIF and Tadawul, VCM provides a transparent, high-integrity marketplace. As ICVCM and COP29’s Article 6.4 advance global standards, VCM is positioning itself to lead regionally and globally.
Saudi Arabia aims to replicate its energy market leadership in climate finance. VCM’s success could channel billions into emerging economies and close the climate finance gap—estimated at $1.5–$2 trillion annually by the UN and World Bank. Voluntary carbon markets are increasingly vital to this mission.
Enowa and NEOM: A Blueprint for Net Zero
Enowa, the energy and water subsidiary of NEOM, plays a central role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s carbon neutrality goals. As part of the futuristic NEOM development, Enowa is building a 100% renewable-powered energy system that relies on solar, wind, green hydrogen, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. This carbon-free framework is central to NEOM’s ambition to become a global model for low-emission urban living.
Enowa’s long-term agreement with VCM reflects its strategy to tackle unavoidable emissions through high-integrity carbon credits, complementing its broader sustainability efforts.
The company is actively involved in deploying smart grid technologies and water recycling systems that support circular economies. Its approach aligns with international net-zero frameworks, aiming to drastically reduce operational emissions while fostering innovation in climate resilience.
$250B and Counting: Why Voluntary Carbon Markets Are Booming
Voluntary carbon markets are set for explosive growth. Reports predict an increase from $2 billion in 2020 to $250 billion by 2050, with interim estimates ranging from $45 billion to $100 billion by 2030.
MSCI forecasts market expansion from $1.4 billion in 2024 to potentially $35 billion in high-demand scenarios by 2030. Around the world, projects that cut or eliminate carbon are getting more funding through voluntary carbon credits. There is strong demand for credits that also support community development and protect biodiversity.
Why Corporate Commitments Demand Certainty
Companies—especially those in tech, energy, and manufacturing—seek reliable offsets to meet net-zero goals. Long-term purchase agreements like VCM–Enowa’s offer greater credibility and transparency than spot buys.
They make sure that top-quality credits come from projects in developing countries. This aligns emissions cuts with sustainable development. In turn, these agreements help build carbon market capacity in the Global South.
Challenges and the Path to Integrity: Fixing Trust in Carbon Credits
However, voluntary carbon markets face credibility issues. High-profile cases, such as problems in Kenya’s Northern Rangelands project—backed by Meta and Netflix—have sparked concerns. With Verra reviewing the project amid legal and environmental scrutiny, trust in carbon credits has taken a hit.
New rules from COP29’s Article 6.4 and efforts like ICVCM’s framework seek to enhance market integrity and transparency.
VCM’s institutional focus, long-term contracts, and integration with recognized standards are designed to reduce these risks by ensuring quality and oversight.
Saudi Arabia’s Big Carbon Bet Has Global Stakes
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s move through VCM positions it at the forefront of voluntary carbon market expansion in the Middle East. Globally, Asian and South American countries are also scaling their own platforms and frameworks. Deals involving multinational firms and sovereign or semi-sovereign buyers lend scale and legitimacy to these markets.
This shift supports climate finance goals:
- Global climate funding currently stands at roughly $120 billion annually for low‑ and middle‑income countries, well short of the $300 billion yearly target by 2035 agreed at COP29.
Carbon markets like VCM can help fill that gap, particularly in driving private investment.
The VCM–Enowa agreement sets a new standard in voluntary carbon trading—long-term, high-volume, and high-integrity. Voluntary markets will likely grow a lot in the coming decades, and deals like this build trust and stability. They also provide financial security for climate projects in developing economies. With improved standards in place, voluntary carbon credits can become a powerful tool in global efforts to reach net-zero.
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Carbon Footprint
Europe’s €240B Nuclear Revival and the Rise of BWX Technologies (BWXT) & Électricité de France (EDF.PA)
The European Commission released a draft version of its Nuclear Illustrative Programme, known as PINC. This roadmap lays out how nuclear energy will contribute to the European Union’s net-zero and energy goals through 2050. The report makes it clear: if the EU is to meet its clean energy targets while ensuring energy security, nuclear must play a bigger role.
The Commission estimates that achieving its nuclear goals will require around €241 billion in investment by 2050. That includes €205 billion for new nuclear plants and €36 billion for extending the lives of existing reactors.
How the EU Plans to Fund Its Nuclear Revival
Currently, nuclear power supplies about 24% of the EU’s electricity. The bloc has 98 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity today and wants to increase that to 109 GW under its base scenario by 2050.
In a more ambitious plan, capacity could reach as high as 144 GW. These figures show how nuclear energy can help Europe move to a net-zero economy. It can also keep power reliable and affordable.
Twelve EU countries run nuclear power plants. Many more plan to build new ones or restart old projects. France is still the top nuclear producer in the region. However, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic are now working on small modular reactors (SMRs) and other new systems.
To meet its €240 billion investment needs, the European Commission is exploring new financing tools. One of the most important is a proposed €500 million pilot program to support nuclear power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The fund, probably created with the European Investment Bank, aims to lower financial risks for investors. It also makes nuclear energy more appealing to private capital. The Commission hopes that adding nuclear to the EU Taxonomy will open new paths for green investment.
Delays are a major concern. According to the PINC draft, if large projects are delayed by just 5 years, total costs could rise by €45 billion. This estimate shows how vital it is to have effective permitting and financing. These tools help keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Nuclear energy not only provides low-carbon electricity but also supports Europe’s economy and job market. Today, the sector generates about €251 billion in economic value annually and supports around 883,000 jobs. These include roles in construction, operation, maintenance, fuel supply, and decommissioning.
New studies say that if EU nuclear capacity reaches 150 GW by 2050, it could create over €330 billion in yearly output. This growth might also support around 1.5 million jobs. As such, nuclear power is crucial for Europe. It supports climate goals and boosts industrial competitiveness, and helps with energy independence.
Nuclear also supports other parts of the energy system. It can offer steady baseload electricity. This helps balance out the variable supply from wind and solar energy. In colder areas of Europe, nuclear heat can help district heating systems. This replaces fossil fuels and cuts emissions even more.
Small but Mighty: SMRs and the Next Nuclear Frontier
A major part of the EU’s nuclear future involves small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced systems. SMRs are small, factory-made reactors. They offer flexibility, lower initial costs, and easier grid integration. The first commercial SMRs in Europe are expected between 2030 and 2035, with wider deployment possible by 2040.
The European Commission’s draft PINC also mentions advanced modular reactors (AMRs), microreactors, and even fusion energy as part of the long-term mix. These technologies are still in development but could offer benefits such as higher safety margins, more efficient fuel use, and easier siting.
France is developing the Nuward SMR, while Poland is advancing projects with U.S. companies like NuScale and GE Hitachi. Romania plans to build NuScale reactors at the Doicești site, supported by U.S. and Canadian funding. The UK government is funding faster SMR licensing. Companies like Rolls-Royce and GE Hitachi are competing for contracts.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global SMR capacity could reach 190 GW by 2050, up from nearly zero today, if costs decline and licensing processes become more efficient. SMRs could play a vital role in energy systems with high shares of renewable power by providing firm, dispatchable energy.
Small modular reactor global installed capacity by scenario and case, 2025-2050
Turning Tides: Politics, Public Opinion, and Nuclear Momentum
Nuclear energy policy in the EU is changing quickly. In 2025, Germany, which used to oppose nuclear power, changed its position under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Now, Germany treats nuclear energy like renewables and is working with France on new reactor technology. This could help more countries work together on nuclear projects.
Other countries are rethinking their plans, too. In Spain, major utilities want to keep the current nuclear plants running longer instead of shutting them down. The UK continues to expand its nuclear program with large projects and faster approval for new designs.
Moreover, public support for nuclear energy is growing. In the UK, about 65% of people are in favor. In Germany, support ranges from 31% to 56%, depending on age and politics. Many now see nuclear as a clean, reliable way to meet climate goals and avoid power shortages.
However, there are still big challenges. Past nuclear projects in Finland and France faced long delays and high costs. Europe also depends on imported nuclear fuel, which is risky if supply chains are disrupted.
There are also problems with closing old plants and managing nuclear waste, and there is a large funding gap for these tasks. Solving these issues will require better planning, investment, and teamwork.
Movers and Makers: Who’s Building Europe’s Nuclear Future?
As the EU increases its investment in nuclear energy, several companies—both European and international—are playing major roles in driving innovation, building new reactors, and strengthening supply chains. These firms represent a mix of state-owned utilities, private startups, and publicly traded industry leaders, all contributing to Europe’s evolving nuclear landscape.
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Électricité de France (EDF) – Public Utility, France
EDF is central to Europe’s nuclear energy future. It operates the largest nuclear fleet in the EU and is developing the Nuward SMR, France’s flagship small modular reactor. The Nuward is designed to replace aging fossil fuel plants and support export strategies across Europe.
As a state-owned utility, EDF plays a critical role in executing the EU’s nuclear roadmap, from extending the life of current reactors to launching new build projects. EDF is also involved in collaborative efforts with Germany and other EU nations as nuclear power regains political momentum.
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BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT) – United States
BWX Technologies is a major U.S.-based publicly traded company specializing in nuclear components, fuel, and services. It is a key supplier to the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program and is actively expanding into commercial advanced reactor technologies, including modular microreactors and HALEU fuel production. The company is exploring partnerships in Europe to support fuel and component supply.
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Newcleo – Private, UK/Italy
Newcleo is a fast-rising European startup focused on lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs) using fuel from reprocessed nuclear waste. The company has raised over €500 million and plans to build reactors in France and the UK. It aligns well with EU goals around sustainability, waste reduction, and energy sovereignty.
Newcleo’s promise to “close the fuel cycle” directly addresses long-term waste and supply chain concerns that are central to the EU’s nuclear strategy.
As EU nations explore a mix of SMR and advanced reactor types, Kairos offers a safe, efficient, and scalable option that fits EU goals for grid flexibility and industrial decarbonization.
Overall, Europe’s nuclear revival is no longer a distant vision—it’s a fast-moving strategy backed by billions in investment, rising public support, and bold policy shifts. With key players like EDF, Newcleo, and BWXT leading the charge, the EU is building a nuclear sector fit for a decarbonized, secure energy future. If successful, nuclear energy could become the backbone of Europe’s net-zero transition.
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