Idemitsu Kosan Co., a leading Japanese energy company, has announced a strategic investment in Carbon Removal Partners – Systemic Ventures I SCSp (CRP-SVI), a venture capital fund dedicated to the advancement of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. The fund was established by Carbon Removal Partners AG (CRP), a Switzerland-based firm renowned for its technical expertise in the CDR space. CRP is led by Partner and Chairman Max Zeller, a key figure in the field.

Through this investment, made via Idemitsu Americas Holdings Corporation, its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Idemitsu aims to secure early access to a broad range of innovative CDR technologies and emerging business models. The partnership is expected not only to support the development of cutting-edge carbon removal solutions but also to provide valuable insights into the evolving carbon credit and infrastructure markets. This move will accelerate Idemitsu’s ability to implement real-world CDR projects.

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 demands a twofold approach: drastic reductions in current greenhouse gas emissions and the active removal of existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Technologies that enable carbon removal — either directly from the air or through natural processes enhanced by technology — are critical to reaching this target. Recognizing this need, Idemitsu is deepening its commitment to innovation in the carbon management sector.

CRP-SVI adopts a comprehensive investment strategy, supporting a diverse portfolio of solutions that span both nature-based and technology-driven approaches to carbon removal. In addition to backing startups that are pioneering new CDR technologies, the fund emphasizes building high-integrity carbon markets essential for scaling these solutions sustainably.

CRP has been at the forefront of research into carbon market dynamics and is a strong advocate for digital infrastructure to support carbon trading. Special attention is placed on the development of robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems, crucial for ensuring transparency and reliability across carbon markets. This focus on integrity addresses growing concerns around the validity and impact of carbon credits.

“We believe that proactive investment in carbon removal solutions is essential for realizing a sustainable future,” an Idemitsu spokesperson said. “Our partnership with Carbon Removal Partners will allow us to lead in the deployment of innovative technologies while supporting the necessary evolution of global carbon markets.”

“We believe that proactive investment in carbon removal solutions is essential for realizing a sustainable future,” an Idemitsu spokesperson said. “Our partnership with Carbon Removal Partners will allow us to lead in the deployment of innovative technologies while supporting the necessary evolution of global carbon markets.”