In a strategic move to meet its 2030 carbon-negative goal, Microsoft has announced a groundbreaking 12-year deal with Vaulted Deep, a carbon removal startup that’s redefining climate-tech. The tech giant will purchase 4.9 million metric tons of carbon removal credits from Vaulted Deep, solidifying its position as a serious player in the fight against climate change.
Founded as a reverse oil company, Vaulted Deep collects solid waste like treated sewage, excess manure, and paper sludge — materials typically sent to landfills or incinerators and injects them deep underground. Using fracking-inspired technology, the waste is blended into a slurry and stored in porous rock formations, keeping carbon locked away for centuries.
With Microsoft’s data centers expanding so fast, its emissions have risen nearly 25% since 2020. Partnerships like this highlight the company’s renewed commitment to carbon removal. Microsoft also has an agreement with Chestnut Carbon for 7 million tonnes of reforestation, and one with CO280 for 3.7 million tonnes of industrial carbon capture.
Vaulted Deep’s momentum is building fast. After being a runner-up in the prestigious Xprize Carbon Removal competition, the startup raised $32 million in Series A funding, led by Prelude Ventures.
This partnership showcases how cleantech startups are becoming critical to the carbon economy, offering scalable and verifiable solutions to climate-conscious corporations.
As carbon credits move from buzzword to boardroom priority, Vaulted Deep’s model may be the future of sustainable waste management and climate action.
