Engineered carbon removal activity remained strong in Q4 2025, driven by biogenic technologies such as BECCS and biochar, which together accounted for 86% of quarterly volumes. Microsoft led major purchases, including record-breaking deals in both BECCS and mineralization. December dominated activity due to end‑of‑year procurement cycles. As the market enters 2026, buyers are expected to prioritize reliable, scalable pathways while selectively expanding into emerging CDR technologies.

Elimini’s Q2 report highlights record-breaking growth in engineered carbon removals, driven by Microsoft’s landmark BECCS purchases. The report also notes biochar’s rise past DAC as the second-largest removal pathway by volume.

According to Elmini, engineered removal transactions in the first quarter of 2025 indicate that the voluntary carbon market is quickly approaching a tipping point. Bigger deals continue to drive growth, a wider range of removal methods is being transacted, and more suppliers and buyers are entering the market.