Idemitsu invests carbon dioxide removal fund for net-zero emissions

Idemitsu aims to gain early access to a wide array of innovative technologies and business models in the CDR space

 Idemitsu Kosan Co. has announced its investment in Carbon Removal Partners – Systemic Ventures I SCSp (CRP-SVI), a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting startups engaged in the development and deployment of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) solutions. CRP-SVI was launched by Carbon Removal Partners AG (CRP), a Swiss-based firm with deep technical expertise in the CDR sector, led by Partner and Chairman Max Zeller.

Through this investment and its strategic partnership with CRP, Idemitsu aims to gain early access to a wide array of innovative technologies and business models in the CDR space. In addition to supporting emerging technologies, the partnership will also provide practical insight into carbon credit and infrastructure, thereby accelerating the implementation of CDR solutions.

The investment will be executed through Idemitsu Americas Holdings Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co..

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 requires not only significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also the realization of negative emissions through the removal of carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere. CDR technologies play an essential role in this effort by enabling the direct or indirect removal of atmospheric CO₂.

CRP-SVI, the fund in which Idemitsu is investing, adopts a comprehensive investment strategy that supports nature-leaning and technology-driven CDR approaches. In addition to investing in startups developing cutting-edge CDR technologies, the fund places strong emphasis on the development of high-integrity carbon markets. Drawing on extensive research into carbon market dynamics, CRP has been an early supporter of digital carbon market infrastructure, with a particular focus on robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) solutions.