By Saptakee S
Publication Date: 2026-09-25 16:54:00
Climate Week NYC 2026 has put a growing issue in the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market under the spotlight: Can carbon removal projects actually deliver the tonnes they promise?
As CDR moves from early-stage development toward larger commercial projects, buyers and investors are looking beyond the quality of carbon removal credits. They also want to know whether projects can deliver the contracted volume on time.
This is where delivery risk comes in.
Relae, formerly Carbon Direct, and Microsoft are addressing the issue through the sixth edition of their Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal. Released during Climate Week, the 2026 framework adds a dedicated approach for assessing delivery risk alongside carbon removal quality for the first time.
The change reflects an important shift in the CDR market. A project can use a credible removal method and meet quality requirements, but that does not automatically mean it will deliver the promised tonnes.
