Google Backs Large-Scale Carbon Removal Project in Brazil

Google has committed to its largest carbon-removal agreement so far, supporting a major climate project in Brazil designed to tackle both carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The initiative, developed by climate technology company Terradot, will cover more than 200,000 hectares in Rio Grande do Sul, a major rice-producing region in southern Brazil.

The project uses enhanced rock weathering, a process that accelerates the natural ability of certain rocks to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Alongside carbon removal, the programme will seek to reduce methane emissions generated by rice cultivation.

According to the companies, the project is expected to generate one million metric tons of methane-abatement credits by 2030 and an equivalent amount of carbon-removal credits by 2040. The two types of credits will be measured and verified separately.

Google and Terradot see the initiative as a potential model for similar projects in other rice-growing regions. The companies have identified countries including India and Vietnam as possible locations for future expansion. Terradot plans to begin pilot programmes in several countries during 2026, with commercial-scale operations targeted for 2028.

The initiative comes as technology companies face increasing pressure to address emissions associated with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Google has already invested in Terradot, taking an equity stake in the company in 2024.

However, enhanced rock weathering remains relatively expensive. The companies said the new project is expected to reduce costs compared with earlier agreements, although it has not yet reached the industry target of about $100 per tonne. Efforts to reduce verification expenses could further improve the economics of the technology.

16-09-2026