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In a major leap toward commercial fusion energy, Washington-based Helion has begun site work on its first fusion power plant, Orion. The move marks a defining moment for both Helion and its key partner, Microsoft.

In 2023, Helion signed the world’s first power purchase agreement (PPA) for fusion energy, committing to supply electricity to Microsoft once the plant is operational. Located in Chelan County, Washington, the site was selected for its easy access to power transmission and its legacy of energy innovation.

This project represents a significant step in Helion’s mission to bring fusion electricity to the grid by 2028. Constellation Energy will serve as the power marketer. Now, with construction efforts underway, Helion is staying on track to meet the 2028 target.

helion fusion
Source: Helion

Helion’s Fusion Breakthrough: A Clean Energy Milestone

Fusion energy—the process that powers the sun—has long been viewed as the ultimate solution to the world’s energy needs. It offers virtually unlimited, clean energy without carbon emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. If Helion succeeds in delivering fusion electricity to the grid, it could mark a paradigm shift in how the world powers itself.

Over the past decade, Helion has built six fusion prototypes and made steady technical progress through rapid iteration and testing. Its sixth machine, Trenta, made history by achieving a fuel temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius—considered the minimum threshold for fusion to become commercially viable.

Now, Helion is constructing its seventh and most advanced prototype, Polaris. This machine is expected to go further than any before it: demonstrating not just fusion reactions, but also the first electricity produced directly from fusion.

Polaris: A Critical Step Toward Commercial Fusion

Polaris represents a major step in Helion’s roadmap to build a zero-carbon fusion generator. It will improve upon previous machines in several key ways:

  • Higher Frequency Pulses: Polaris is designed to pulse faster than Trenta, allowing more frequent fusion reactions.
  • Stronger Magnetic Fields: Enhanced magnets will provide improved plasma confinement, essential for sustaining the extreme conditions needed for fusion.
  • Direct Electricity Generation: Unlike traditional fusion designs that rely on steam turbines, Polaris is built to demonstrate direct electricity generation from fusion reactions, a critical innovation for scalable deployment.

If successful, Polaris will become the first fusion machine—public or private—to show that fusion can generate electricity in a compact system. Its success will provide the foundation for Orion, the first commercial-scale plant aiming to deliver fusion electricity to Microsoft and the wider grid.

polaris fusion
Source: Helion Energy

From Permits to Power: Orion Prepares to Energize the Grid

Helion began building the Orion facility on leased land from the Chelan County Public Utility District. The project cleared Washington’s rigorous environmental review process, receiving a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) under SEPA guidelines.

Since 2023, Helion has actively collaborated with government agencies, Tribal Nations, and local stakeholders to prepare for the construction and operation phases. The company’s transparent approach to permitting and community engagement has helped smooth the path for the project.

After a one-year ramp-up period, the fusion power plant is expected to generate at least 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity. If successful, the Orion project could fast-track fusion’s role in global clean energy supply—years ahead of other industry projections.

Microsoft’s Energy Shift: From Solar to Fusion and Fission

Helion’s fusion energy isn’t the only clean power solution Microsoft is betting on. As the tech giant races to meet its ambitious climate goals to become carbon negative by 2030, it has also turned to traditional nuclear energy. The growing power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing have made constant, reliable energy a top priority.

While wind and solar remain crucial parts of Microsoft’s strategy but their intermittency creates challenges for powering massive data centers around the clock.

That’s where nuclear energy enters the equation. Microsoft has invested in multiple nuclear projects, including a 20-year PPA to purchase power from the restarted Three Mile Island nuclear facility in Pennsylvania. This deal alone will supply over 800MW of carbon-free electricity to Microsoft’s operations starting in 2028.

Microsoft MSFT emissions
Source: Microsoft

AI and the Rising Demand for Energy

Microsoft’s clean energy push is largely driven by surging electricity needs tied to AI development and cloud infrastructure. Industry analysts expect data center energy use to double by 2028, fueled by generative AI technologies and hyperscale computing. Between 2020 and now, Microsoft’s total energy use rose by 168%, driven by a 71% increase in revenue and significant expansion in its cloud operations.

At the same time, Microsoft’s emissions have gone up by 23.4% compared to its 2020 baseline. While this rise is modest relative to the company’s operational growth, it underscores the difficulty of decarbonizing at scale. Fusion and nuclear energy offer Microsoft a path forward—delivering stable, 24/7 clean electricity that wind and solar alone can’t guarantee.

Supporting Innovation and Clean Energy Leadership

The tech giant is becoming a leader in reshaping the nuclear and fusion energy industry. The company signed its first large-scale nuclear PPA with the Crane Clean Energy Center in 2024. That agreement will enable the restart of an 835MW nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, retired in 2019. The plant’s return will inject new clean energy into the PJM power grid, one of the largest in the U.S. and critical to Microsoft’s East Coast data centers.

By partnering with emerging fusion firms like Helion and supporting small modular reactor (SMR) projects, Microsoft is also fueling innovation in next-generation nuclear technologies. These efforts don’t just benefit Microsoft—they send a strong signal to markets, encouraging other corporations to invest in scalable, zero-carbon power solutions.

In fact, Microsoft’s influence is already visible across the energy sector. Its clean energy strategy is helping revive shuttered nuclear facilities, create local jobs, and guide public policy toward advanced carbon-free solutions.

Economic and Community Benefits

The economic ripple effects of Microsoft’s nuclear partnerships are expected to be substantial. Reviving plants like Three Mile Island will bring billions of dollars in investment and long-term job creation to surrounding communities. These projects also help maintain grid stability as power demand continues to grow.

Moreover, Helion’s Orion project could turn Chelan County into a global showcase for fusion innovation. If Polaris succeeds in producing electricity, Helion would not only lead the private fusion race but also bring global attention to the Pacific Northwest as a clean tech hub.

How Big Tech Is Reshaping the Clean Energy Landscape

Alongside Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta are the hyperscalers driving renewable and nuclear energy adoption. As projected by S&P Global Insights, collectively, these tech giants have amassed more than 84 gigawatts of clean energy capacity across 29 countries. This scale is transforming global corporate energy markets, shifting clean energy from a sustainability perk to a business necessity.

Additionally, Microsoft has also joined influential advocacy groups like the Fusion Industry Association and the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC), strengthening its voice in policy and industry discussions around the future of energy.

NUCLEAR

The partnership between Helion and Microsoft is more than a fusion pilot—it’s a turning point for nuclear energy innovation. As the Orion plant moves forward, it could accelerate the arrival of commercial fusion while giving Microsoft a reliable, zero-carbon energy source to support its rapidly growing AI infrastructure.

The post Microsoft (MSFT) to Get Fusion Power as Helion Energy Kicks Off Orion Plant Construction appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF

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Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF

Amazon, once again, is one of the top corporate buyers of clean and renewable energy in the world. For the fifth year in a row, the company leads global corporate renewable energy procurement. BloombergNEF again recognized Amazon as a top corporate purchaser of carbon-free power, with a portfolio that adds significant new clean energy to grids.

Amazon’s clean energy projects now span more than 700 global initiatives. These include utility-scale solar and wind farms, battery storage, onsite solar, and other carbon-free energy sources across 28 countries.

So far, Amazon has invested in over 40 gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free energy capacity. This amount of power could supply the annual electricity needs of more than 12.1 million U.S. homes if it were used for residential demand.

These investments make Amazon not just a buyer of clean power for itself, but a major driver of new renewable energy build-out around the world.

From First PPA to 40GW Global Portfolio

Amazon’s renewable energy footprint has expanded rapidly over the past decade. The big tech company was the biggest corporate buyer of renewable energy in 2025, based on BloombergNEF data. It signed multiple power purchase agreements (PPAs) and grew its clean energy portfolio.

corporate clean energy purchases BNEF 2025
Source: BNEF
  • Amazon has backed over 700 wind and solar projects around the world. This clean energy can power more than 12.1 million U.S. homes each year.

This expansion includes utility-scale wind and solar farms. It also covers renewable energy bought through PPAs. Additionally, it features on-site rooftop and ground-mount solar projects at Amazon facilities.

Over time, these efforts have helped the tech giant use more clean energy for its electricity, which is a key part of its climate strategy.

Amazon renewable energy portfolio 2025

Solar, Wind, Storage — and Next-Gen Power

Amazon’s clean energy portfolio includes a broad mix of technologies:

  • Solar power: 300+ utility-scale solar and wind farms and 300+ onsite solar projects.
  • Wind energy: Large wind farms in multiple countries, with 6 offshore wind farms in Europe. 
  • Energy storage: Battery storage projects that help balance intermittent renewable output. It has 11 utility-scale battery storage projects. 
  • Emerging technologies: Amazon has invested in advanced options like nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs), with 4 nuclear power agreements. These help provide firm, low-carbon baseload power. 

These investments help replace fossil fuel generation on local grids. They also support grid reliability and reduce electricity costs over the long term.

In Mississippi, for example, Amazon worked with a utility to enable 650 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy on the grid. Once operational, this capacity will serve the equivalent of over 150,000 homes and improve grid reliability.

Moreover, the company’s 253 MW Amazon Wind Farm Texas contributes around 1,000 GWh of clean power annually. Meanwhile, its European solar and wind assets alone total about 4,600 MW of capacity.

All these efforts form part of the e-commerce’ push for its 2040 net zero targets.

Powering the Path to Net Zero 2040

Amazon has set multiple climate and sustainability targets. The company aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 — a goal it committed to early as part of The Climate Pledge.

Amazon net zero emissions 2040
Source: Amazon

To work toward that long-term target, Amazon set a goal to match its electricity use with renewable energy. It reached 100% renewable electricity for its operations ahead of schedule, well before its original 2030 goal.

This means Amazon is purchasing an amount of renewable electricity equal to its total annual consumption. Clean power comes from renewable projects connected to the grid. These projects are supported by long-term PPAs and other contracts.

The renewable energy purchases lower Amazon’s Scope 2 emissions, which come from the electricity it buys. They also help decarbonize the grids where the company operates.

Corporate Buyers Now Rival National Grids

Amazon’s clean energy efforts are part of a larger shift across the corporate world.

Since 2008, companies have bought almost 200 GW of renewable energy worldwide through corporate PPAs and other agreements. This capacity exceeds the total electricity generation of some countries, like France or the United Kingdom.

In 2023, companies revealed a record 46 GW of clean energy deals. These renewable power commitments support new solar and wind farms.

Large tech companies, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, are some of the most active buyers. Those tech firms accounted for a significant share of corporate clean energy procurement over the last decade.

This trend shows that corporate demand can speed up the clean energy shift by providing renewable power developers with long-term revenue certainty.

 Jobs, Grid Stability, and Market Transformation

Corporate clean energy procurement, though slowed down in 2025, has broader economic and energy-system impacts. Investments in renewable projects contribute to job creation, local economic growth, and grid resilience.

Amazon’s solar and wind farms create many construction and operation jobs. They also boost the economy in rural areas. For example, the Great Prairie Wind Farm in Texas has 350 wind turbines. These turbines provide over 1,000 MW of capacity and are one of the largest assets in Amazon’s portfolio.

Also, Amazon’s clean energy deals boost renewable capacity. These projects are in Brazil, India, China, Australia, and Europe, which support markets with different grid mixes. These projects can cut down on fossil fuel-based electricity. They also help local grids stay cleaner and stronger.

Permitting, Policy, and the Next Growth Wave

Despite strong progress, corporate clean energy procurement still faces challenges.

Renewable projects often depend on grid capacity, permitting, and supportive policy frameworks. In some regions, complex regulations or limited grid access can slow project development and clean energy adoption.

Nevertheless, the trend of corporate power purchasing is expected to grow. Data from the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) shows that U.S. businesses have signed contracts for 100 GW of clean energy. This milestone highlights how important companies are in today’s energy landscape.

Global renewable capacity is also expanding rapidly. According to IRENA, global renewable power capacity reached 4,448 GW at end-2024 after adding a record 585 GW. That’s 15.1% growth with solar leading 75%+ of additions. The 2025 additions are expected to maintain record growth toward the 2030 tripling goal.

Renewables are now growing faster than fossil fuels in new capacity. Looking ahead, strong demand from companies for clean energy will boost growth. Better policies and tech advancements will also help renewable power buying and grid decarbonization.

Private Capital Driving Public Energy Changeaction

Amazon’s clean energy leadership shows how corporate buyers can influence the global energy transition. By securing large portfolios of renewable power, the tech giant and other major corporations are investing in the future of clean electricity. These investments not only help reduce their own emissions but also fund new clean energy capacity that benefits broader society.

As corporate renewable procurement grows, so does the clean energy market. This can lower costs, stimulate innovation, and increase the pace of emission reductions across power systems worldwide.

With more companies setting clean energy goals and signing long-term agreements, the private sector continues to be a powerful force in the shift toward a low-carbon economy.

The post Amazon Tops Global Clean Energy Rankings With 40GW Renewable Projects Says BNEF appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy

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NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy

NVIDIA’s latest earnings report shows the scale of the AI boom. The chipmaker reported record revenue and became the fourth U.S. tech company to exceed $100 billion in annual profit. Alongside financial growth, Nvidia continues to push renewable energy use and efficiency gains. The results highlight the growing link between AI expansion and sustainability challenges.

NVIDIA reported record revenue of $68.1 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, ending January 25, 2026. This figure was up 73% from a year earlier and up 20% from the prior quarter. Data center sales, which fuel artificial intelligence (AI) growth, were $62.3 billion, or about 91% of total revenue in the quarter.

For the full fiscal year, NVIDIA posted $215.9 billion in revenue, a jump of 65% from the prior year. Net income reached tens of billions, $120,067 million for the full year and $42,960 for the 4th quarter. Earnings per share also grew significantly.

These results exceeded most analysts’ expectations and underscored NVIDIA’s continued leadership in AI compute hardware. The company also forecast strong revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

NVIDIA financial results 2025
Source: NVIDIA

NVIDIA’s Sustainability Commitments at a Glance

NVIDIA has increasingly highlighted its environmental and sustainability goals in recent years. For the fiscal year 2025, the company achieved 100% renewable energy use for all offices and data centers it directly controls.

The renewable supply came from a mix of:

  • On-site generation
  • Purchased renewable electricity
  • Energy attribute certificates (EACs)
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs)

This milestone eliminates the company’s market-based Scope 2 emissions tied to electricity use in those facilities.

While operational emissions from electricity have been addressed, total emissions figures remain complex. NVIDIA reported that its total greenhouse gas emissions increased. This includes Scope 3 emissions linked to its supply chain and purchased goods. Scope 3 emissions accounted for the bulk of its emissions inventory, and they rose significantly year-over-year.

Nvidia GHG emissions 2024

NVIDIA has also incorporated science-based targets and reduction plans into its public disclosures. The company aims to cut direct (Scope 1) and electricity-related (Scope 2) emissions by about 50% by 2030. This is based on its baseline figures. These science-based targets are consistent with internationally recognized climate frameworks.

Beyond energy use, NVIDIA has implemented other environmental actions. Closed-loop liquid cooling systems in data centers help cut water use. Also, there are significant increases in recycling electronic waste each year.

AI Performance Per Watt: NVIDIA’s Efficiency Edge

NVIDIA’s technology can influence emissions well beyond its own operations. The company’s GPUs and systems power AI infrastructure around the world. Many of these systems are designed to be energy efficient.

For example, NVIDIA-based systems dominate rankings of the most energy-efficient supercomputers globally. The Green500 list ranks systems based on energy efficiency.

Many top entries use NVIDIA GPUs, especially the advanced Grace Hopper architecture. These systems deliver high computing performance per watt of power, helping labs and data centers run complex workloads with less energy.

Record Profits, Cautious Market Reaction

Despite the strong financial performance, NVIDIA’s share price movement highlights market nuances. Some reports noted that after an initial uptick in after-hours trading, the stock’s gains flattened or reversed. This response came even as NVIDIA beat revenue and profit expectations.

NVIDIA nvda stock price

Analysts point to broader concerns about the valuation of high-growth AI stocks. Investors are cautious despite strong earnings. They worry about how fast AI demand will grow and whether valuations show future risks.

In early 2026, NVIDIA’s stock had also seen uneven performance year-to-date. Some analysts believe the trading pattern after earnings shows sector sentiment more than the company’s actual results.

NVIDIA’s profit scale also stands out compared with other major U.S. tech firms. For fiscal year 2026, the tech giant reported $120 billion in net income. This made it the fourth U.S. tech company ever to exceed $100 billion in annual profit, joining Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft.

  • NVIDIA’s result trails only Alphabet’s $132 billion profit in 2025, which remains the largest annual profit ever recorded by a U.S. company.

The speed of NVIDIA’s rise is also notable. Just three years ago, the company’s annual net income was $4.4 billion. In its most recent quarter, the chipmaker generated that amount in less than 10 days.

Nvidia annual profit 2025 vs other big tech
Source: Statista

By comparison, Apple took 18 years to grow from $5 billion in annual profit to $112 billion, beginning around the launch of the iPhone in 2007. Microsoft took 27 years to move from $5 billion to more than $100 billion in annual profit. Alphabet first crossed the $100 billion mark in 2024. NVIDIA hit this milestone in under three years. CEO Jensen Huang pointed out the company’s AI gains in May 2023.

Efficiency Gains vs. Expanding Energy Footprint

NVIDIA’s external ESG ratings are similar to those of other tech companies for environmental and governance metrics. However, the scores vary in social and supply chain areas. These ratings consider things like how well companies disclose information, their plans for cutting emissions, and their governance. They also look at challenges related to wider supply chain emissions.

One sustainability ranking highlighted a “paradox” in NVIDIA’s performance. It noted that NVIDIA’s chips are among the most energy-efficient in the world, which boosts its sustainability profile. The quick rise in total energy use for AI infrastructure is increasing overall environmental impacts. This happens even as per-unit efficiency improves.

NVIDIA’s renewable energy goals and efficiency gains have positioned it as a leader. It combines strong finances with sustainable growth. For instance, in a 2026 list of top firms for sustainable growth, NVIDIA stood out. It achieved 100% renewable energy for its offices and data centers. Plus, its GPU platforms are energy efficient.

Can AI Hypergrowth Align With Climate Targets?

NVIDIA’s sustainability strategy focuses on three key areas:

  • Reducing direct and indirect emissions.
  • Improving energy use.
  • Enhancing reporting transparency.

The company has achieved important goals. It now uses renewable energy for its facilities. It has also improved chip efficiency. These steps show progress toward environmental goals.

Still, rising Scope 3 emissions and the booming demand for AI compute make tackling environmental impacts more complex. NVIDIA’s sustainability reports highlight that energy use in data centers is a major barrier. This limits both digital infrastructure growth and climate progress.

Energy-intensive “AI factories” — large data centers running training and inference workloads — require large power supplies, often on par with traditional industrial factories. This growth in demand puts pressure on energy systems to shift toward low-carbon sources.

NVIDIA’s efforts to work with suppliers on emissions targets and its investments in energy efficiency aim to address parts of this challenge. But the company has not yet announced a full net-zero emissions target with a fixed date.

So, What Comes Next for NVIDIA?

In the near term, NVIDIA will likely continue to be a focal point for both earnings performance and ESG debate. Future earnings releases and sustainability reports will show whether the company’s actions keep pace with its growth.

Investors and stakeholders will watch how NVIDIA manages AI demand, emissions challenges, and energy efficiency together.

On the sustainability side, developing and reporting progress on Scope 3 emissions, supplier engagement, and potential net-zero pathways will shape ESG evaluations. As AI energy use rises worldwide, companies like NVIDIA will face more scrutiny over how they balance growth with their emissions and climate impact.

Overall, NVIDIA’s record earnings and sustainability efforts highlight its role in tech innovation and environmental change. The company balances rapid AI growth with a commitment to lowering its environmental impact.

The post NVIDIA Hits Almost $216 Billion Revenue as AI Boom Tests Its Climate Strategy appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance

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Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance

Indigo Carbon announced it has now passed 2 million metric tons of verified climate impact from U.S. croplands. The company reached the milestone after issuing its fifth U.S. “carbon crop.” The new issuance includes 1.1 million independently verified carbon credits issued through the Climate Action Reserve (CAR).

Indigo describes the milestone in its announcement as a sign that soil-based carbon programs can scale. It also points to rising corporate demand for credits that meet stricter quality rules.

Indigo’s latest issuance is important because it is linked to a major registry method that now carries an additional integrity label. Max DuBuisson, Head of Impact & Integrity, Indigo, remarked:

“Indigo continues to set the standard for high-integrity soil carbon removals that corporate buyers can trust. Soil carbon is uniquely positioned to scale as a climate solution because it captures and stores carbon while also improving water conservation and crop resilience. By combining world-class science and technology with farmer-driven practice change, we’re proving that agricultural soil carbon is an immediate, durable, high-integrity solution capable of helping global companies meet their climate commitments.”

Inside the 1.1M Credit Issuance and CCP Label

Indigo says its fifth issuance includes 1.1 million carbon credits verified and issued through CAR. These credits come from Indigo’s U.S. soil carbon project, listed on the Climate Action Reserve under the Soil Enrichment Protocol (SEP) Version 1.1.

CAR’s SEP is designed to quantify and verify farm practices that increase soil carbon and reduce net emissions. It covers changes in soil carbon storage and also includes reductions in certain greenhouse gases tied to farm management.

CAR’s SEP Version 1.1 has the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label. This means the method meets the standards set by the CCP framework.

ICVCM core carbon principles
Source: ICVCM

Indigo’s disclosures also describe long-term monitoring rules. The company reports that its U.S. project includes 100 years of project-level monitoring after credit issuance, in line with CAR requirements. This mix of independent verification, registry issuance, and long monitoring periods is central to the case Indigo makes for credit quality.

Breaking Down the 2 Million Ton Milestone

Indigo says its total verified impact now exceeds 2 million metric tons of carbon removals and reductions across U.S. croplands.

In carbon markets, one credit equals one metric ton of CO₂ equivalent. Indigo’s latest issuance is very large by soil carbon standards. It also builds on earlier “carbon crop” issuances.

Indigo’s project disclosures include a quantified impact figure for its U.S. project. The company reports 927,367 tCO₂e reduced or removed through Dec. 31, 2023, for the project listed as CAR1459.

Indigo Carbon impact by the numbers
Source: Indigo

Indigo announced it has saved 118 billion gallons of water. It has also paid farmers $40 million through its programs so far. These points matter because many buyers now look beyond carbon totals. They also want evidence of farmer payments, monitoring rules, and co-benefits like water conservation.

Corporate Demand Shifts Toward Verified Removals

One reason soil carbon is getting more attention is the growing demand from buyers for removals. Many companies now focus more on carbon removal credits, not only avoidance credits.

Indigo’s largest recent buyer example is Microsoft. In January 2026, the carbon ag company announced a 12-year agreement under which Microsoft will purchase 2.85 million soil carbon removal credits from them.

  • The soil carbon producer said this is Microsoft’s third transaction with the company, following purchases of 40,000 tonnes in 2024 and 60,000 tonnes in 2025.

The tech giant’s purchases show how corporate buyers may use long-term offtake deals to secure future supply of credits. This matters for soil carbon programs because credits are typically generated over multiple years. And they also depend on practice changes and verification cycles.

Indigo also says its program works across eight million acres, which signals how it is trying to scale participation across U.S. farms.

Soil Carbon Credits: Market Trends and Forecast

Soil carbon credits are gaining attention as buyers shift toward higher-quality credits and clearer verification rules. Ecosystem Marketplace reports that the voluntary carbon market is entering a new phase. This phase emphasizes integrity, even though trading activity has slowed down.

In its 2025 market update, Ecosystem Marketplace noted a 25% drop in transaction volumes. This decline shows lower liquidity as buyers are becoming more selective.

Voluntary carbon credit market; price, volume, value 2022-2024

At the same time, demand for higher-quality credits is rising. Sylvera’s State of Carbon Credits 2025 reported that retirements dropped to 168 million credits in 2025, a 4.5% decrease.

Still, the market value climbed to US$1.04 billion due to rising prices. It also found that higher-rated credits (BBB+) made up 31% of retirements, and traded at higher average prices than lower-rated supply.

For soil carbon, buyers are also watching methodology quality. The ICVCM has approved two sustainable agriculture methods as CCP-approved. These are the Climate Action Reserve’s Soil Enrichment Protocol v1.1 and Verra’s VM0042. This can support stronger buyer confidence and may increase demand for soil credits that meet CCP rules.

Looking ahead, Sylvera projects compliance-linked demand will keep growing and could exceed voluntary demand by 2027. That trend may favor credits with stronger verification and compliance alignment, including higher-integrity soil carbon credits. However, integrity issues still occur, and this is where Indigo comes in.

Tackling Permanence and MRV Head-On

Soil carbon credits face a key challenge: carbon stored in soil can be reversed. A drought, land use change, or a shift in farm practices can reduce stored carbon.

This is why monitoring and reversal rules matter. CAR’s protocol is built to quantify, monitor, report, and verify practices that increase soil carbon storage.

Indigo’s project disclosure notes that projects are monitored for 100 years after they are issued. This shows the durability rules tied to their method and registry approach.

The company also positions its program as “outcome-based,” meaning it pays for verified carbon outcomes rather than paying only for adopting a practice. This messaging is designed to reassure buyers that credits are not only modeled. It stresses verification and the registry process.

A Scale Test for High-Integrity Soil Carbon

Indigo’s fifth issuance lands at a time when voluntary carbon markets are placing more weight on integrity labels and independent verification.

Two parts stand out:

  • First, volume. An issuance of 1.1 million credits through a registry is large for an agricultural soil carbon program.
  • Second, method approval. CAR’s SEP Version 1.1 carries the ICVCM CCP label, which is meant to signal alignment with a global integrity benchmark.

That combination may make it easier for corporate buyers to justify purchases internally. Many companies now face stronger scrutiny from auditors, regulators, investors, and civil society groups.

At the same time, more supply does not automatically mean market confidence rises. Buyers still assess risks such as permanence, additionality, and measurement uncertainty.

Even so, the milestone shows how fast some parts of the removals market are trying to scale. Large buyers are also helping drive this shift through multi-year offtake deals, like the Microsoft agreement for 2.85 million credits.

For Indigo, the new issuance supports its claim that soil carbon is moving from small pilot volumes toward larger, repeatable issuances. For the market, it adds another real-world data point: a major soil carbon program has now completed five issuance cycles and passed 2 million metric tons of verified climate impact.

The post Indigo Carbon Surpasses 2 Million Soil Carbon Credits in Landmark 1.1 Million Issuance appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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