Google and Microsoft-backed Terradot acquires carbon removal competitor

Terradot, a carbon removal startup backed by major investors including Google, Microsoft, Kleiner Perkins, and Gigascale Capital, has acquired its competitor Eion, another company specializing in enhanced rock weathering (EWR). Both companies focus on spreading pulverized rocks on farmland to accelerate the natural process of carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere, a method known as enhanced rock weathering. Terradot primarily operates in Brazil using basalt as its mineral of choice, while Eion's operations and specifics were not detailed in the article. EWR has significant potential as a carbon removal strategy but requires large-scale and geographically distributed operations to be effective. A key challenge highlighted is the pricing gap between what EWR companies aim to charge for their carbon removal services and what buyers are willing to pay, as noted in a survey by CDR.fyi. The acquisition likely aims to consolidate resources and expertise to scale operations and address market challenges in the carbon removal sector.