Microsoft has announced its latest project in the field of sustainable energy: a partnership with biotech start-up Synthetic Genomics, to use algae to capture carbon dioxide and produce renewable energy.
The project, named the “Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage” (BECCS), aims to develop a new technology that will capture carbon dioxide emissions from Microsoft’s data centers and convert them into a biofuel. This fuel could be used to power generators, which would in turn provide electricity to the data centers. The technology could also be used to produce hydrogen, a clean fuel that could be used in transportation.
According to Microsoft, the BECCS project has the potential to remove a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and could even make the company carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft has set a goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030, meaning that it will remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.
Algae is a promising source of renewable energy because it is extremely efficient at capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into biomass. Algae also has a number of other benefits, including its ability to grow in a variety of environments, its fast growth rate, and its ability to produce a wide range of biofuels.
Microsoft has been working on a number of other sustainable energy projects in recent years, including investing in wind and solar energy, improving the energy efficiency of its data centers, and supporting research into new energy technologies.
In addition to its own efforts, Microsoft has been working to encourage other companies to take action on climate change. The company has launched the “Transform to Net Zero” initiative, which aims to help businesses develop and implement plans to reduce their carbon emissions.
The BECCS project is still in the early stages of development, and it will likely be several years before the technology is ready for widespread use. However, Microsoft is optimistic about the potential of the project, and is committed to continuing its work in the field of sustainable energy.
“BECCS has the potential to play a critical role in addressing climate change, and we’re excited to be working with Synthetic Genomics to develop this important technology,” said Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer. “We believe that by leveraging the power of technology and innovation, we can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”
