Innovative Carbon Removal Partnership Between Vaulted Deep and Microsoft
Agreement aims to scale operations that provide vital climate and community benefits
Vaulted Deep, a pioneering waste management firm recognized for converting excess organic materials into permanent carbon storage, has announced an exciting offtake agreement with Microsoft. This partnership allows Vaulted Deep to achieve the impressive target of delivering up to 4.9 million tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal over the next twelve years. The agreement is set to commence immediately and extends through to 2038, enabling Vaulted to leverage its proven methods for carbon capture across various sites throughout the nation.
The unique approach taken by Vaulted involves the underground storage of organic waste rich in atmospheric CO?. By collaborating with municipalities, industry players, and agricultural stakeholders, Vaulted addresses the challenge of managing organic waste that is neither reusable nor suitable for land application. This includes various waste types, such as biosolids, manure, paper sludge, and food scraps. Utilizing deep well injection techniques, the company is able to securely store this waste deep underground within geologic formations protected by impermeable rock layers. This process effectively eliminates carbon emissions, curtails methane release, and prevents harmful contaminants from entering local ecosystems.
Julia Reichelstein, co-founder and CEO of Vaulted Deep, elaborated on the benefits of their approach: "As the carbon removal landscape evolves, the demand for scalable and safe solutions grows. Vaulted offers a dual-purpose solution that addresses critical waste management challenges and contributes significantly to ecological improvement. This partnership underscores a transformative phase in carbon removal strategies, moving them beyond experimental phases into established infrastructure with innovative applications."
To date, Vaulted has successfully sequestered nearly 18,000 tonnes of CO? while diverting more than 69,000 tonnes of organic waste from options like landfilling or incineration. The carbon registry, which certifies the company's efforts, ensures each credit signifies a scientifically validated tonne of permanent carbon removal with a projected durability of over 1,000 years.
Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, praised Vaulted Deep’s approach, stating, "Vaulted Deep offers a distinctive, scalable methodology for permanent carbon removal with minimal technology risks. Their efforts yield immediate climate advantages while invigorating local economies and addressing the environmental hurdles confronting communities daily. We proudly endorse this initiative within our broader objective of promoting robust, dependable carbon removal solutions."
The foundation of Vaulted Deep's technology is built on experience; it has been operational since 2008 and is permitted in several states. The inaugural application of this technology took place in Los Angeles, where Vaulted has managed 20 percent of the city’s biosolids over the last fifteen years.
In the City of Derby, Vaulted plays a crucial role by overseeing 75 percent of the local biosolids and collaborating with nearby farmers to responsibly manage excess manure, thereby mitigating nutrient runoff and odor issues—all while effectively sequestering carbon that would otherwise contribute to atmospheric emissions. In its initial 18 months, Vaulted's Great Plains facility has created 18 full-time jobs and generated an impressive economic impact exceeding $5 million within the local community. Recent infrastructure enhancements have been completed to triple the waste processing capacity of the facility, paving the way for additional job creation and expanded partnerships with local waste haulers.
With over a billion tons of organic waste produced annually in the U.S., Vaulted Deep is on the lookout for new partnerships within numerous industries to tackle their challenging organic waste management needs.
About Vaulted Deep
Vaulted Deep specializes in permanent underground storage solutions for excess organic waste that cannot be reused, recycled, or safely applied to land. Utilizing advanced deep geological infrastructure, Vaulted safeguards local air, water, and land from harmful pollutants while effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere. The company works closely with municipalities, industrial sectors, and agricultural producers to provide a secure, scalable alternative to traditional disposal methods. Vaulted has crafted a dual-purpose strategy for managing waste and carbon emissions, leveraging established infrastructure that is already functioning and prepared for expansion. Discover more at vaulteddeep.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Vaulted Deep's agreement with Microsoft?
The agreement aims to deliver up to 4.9 million tonnes of durable carbon dioxide removal over twelve years utilizing Vaulted's waste management infrastructure.
How does Vaulted Deep remove carbon?
Vaulted Deep removes carbon by storing organic waste underground using deep well injection, effectively sequestering carbon and reducing methane emissions.
What types of waste does Vaulted Deep manage?
Vaulted manages organic waste such as biosolids, manure, paper sludge, and food residues that cannot be reused or safely applied to land.
What impact has Vaulted Deep made so far?
The company has removed nearly 18,000 tonnes of CO? and diverted over 69,000 tonnes of organic waste from traditional disposal methods.
How long has Vaulted Deep's technology been in operation?
Vaulted Deep's technology has been operational since 2008 and has extensive permitting across multiple states.
