Climate Vault Launches RFP Round for Innovative Carbon Dioxide Removal Projects

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Climate Vault Solutions has kicked off a new round of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Innovative Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Projects, and this round brings big changes for applicants. Designed to catalyze the next wave of high-impact carbon removal technologies, the program features rolling submissions and a significantly faster evaluation process. This shift reflects our commitment to supporting more projects, more quickly, in the fight against climate change—and we’re excited to see how these enhancements will empower applicants to scale their groundbreaking solutions.

What’s New for Applicants

The RFP program is the gold standard for evaluating and amplifying impactful technologies. This round, however, has some major differences from its previous rounds that were conducted by the Climate Vault, Inc. 501(c)(3). By switching to a rolling submission model and cutting evaluation times in half, we’re setting up developers to move from proposal to outcome and scaling faster than ever before. This more flexible timeline means applicants can apply whenever they’re ready and get timely responses, with most decisions issued within six months. The result? A streamlined pathway for advancing projects that are poised to make a real difference in our collective fight against climate change.

“I’m excited to kick off this new RFP round,” said Brynn Esterly, our Head of Carbon Removal Solutions. “There are so many innovative technologies poised to drive real impact in the fight against climate change. With the enhancements we’ve made to our program, we are able to deliver even more value to both applicants and selected winners.”  

For project developers, this is more than just a faster process; it’s also a gateway to critical resources that can help them scale their innovations. From connections with potential investors to joining our exclusive CDR sales channel to grant funding opportunities through the Climate Vault 501(c)(3)—Climate Vault Solutions opens doors to new benefits that help CDR innovators bring their solutions to life.

“For CDR companies that pass our rigorous review and successfully meet the Tech Chamber’s standards, the opportunity isn’t just validation,” said Jon Cohen, CEO of Climate Vault Solutions. “It’s access to Climate Vault Solutions’ sales channel, greater visibility to potential investors, and increased brand awareness—resources that are all critical for scaling solutions that will drive real climate impact.”

Setting the Highest Standards for Carbon Removal

We’re committed to ensuring that only the most impactful and credible carbon removal projects receive our CDR Innovation Award—and under our stewardship the new RFP upholds that mission. The Technology Experts Chamber (“Tech Chamber”), which operates within the Climate Vault 501(c)(3), sets the rigorous standards by which Climate Vault Solutions evaluates all submitted projects. Led by former U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and including experts from MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and other renowned institutions, the Tech Chamber has crafted evaluation criteria that are among the most stringent in the industry.

All applications received are assessed for measurable, verifiable, and scalable outcomes against the Tech Chamber’s six key standards. This framework ensures that selected projects aren’t just innovative—they’re built to make a genuine, lasting climate impact.

Carbon Dioxide Removal Matters Now More Than Ever

It’s no secret by now that CDR technologies are crucial in the quest to limit global warming and achieve net-zero emissions. While reduction strategies are essential, they aren’t enough on their own to address the scale of the climate crisis. That’s where CDR comes in: by actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, these technologies help restore the planet’s natural carbon cycle and reverse the worst effects of climate change. As Secretary Moniz aptly put it, “Carbon dioxide removal is no longer an option; it’s an absolute necessity in our fight against climate change.”

The field, however, is still in its infancy. Novel methods—technologies that are partially- or fully-engineered—only account for 0.1% of global CDR, according to the 2023 State of Carbon Dioxide Removal Report. For removal of historical CO2 emissions to succeed, there must be immense advancements of novel CDR methods this decade. This is why for the Climate Vault Solutions team, supporting innovation in CDR isn’t just a mission—it’s our responsibility to help accelerate impactful solutions that can make a real difference. 

“Over the last few decades, the voluntary carbon market has failed to deliver the promised reductions in greenhouse gasses due to weak standards and conflicts of interest,” said Michael Greenstone, Chairman of the Board for Climate Vault Solutions and the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. “With all serious plans to limit climate damages relying on the emergence of reliable CDR technologies, we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past in judging which ones deliver.”

“Put simply, the planet needs credible CDR technologies,” Michael continued. “Climate Vault’s Tech Chamber, composed of the world’s leading scientists on these technologies, is setting the global standard for what qualifies as high-quality CDR. Climate progress depends on them getting it right and we are honored to work with them.”

Ready to Innovate with Us?

If you’re a CDR company with a solution that’s measurable, verifiable, and scalable, we’d love to hear from you! The RFP is open to projects in terrestrial, technological, and oceanic carbon removal pathways from around the globe. With rolling submissions and faster decision timelines, we’re looking forward to welcoming a new wave of bold and effective ideas.

For full details on the RFP process and how to apply, visit the Climate Vault Solutions RFP page.