Baku:Azerbazalt and UK-based Isometric have launched the South Caucasus' first international carbon certification project using Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW).

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the cooperation agreement aims to utilize Azerbaijan's domestic basalt resources for long-term carbon dioxide removal, certified to international standards. This marks the region's inaugural carbon certification initiative grounded in ERW technology.

ERW accelerates the natural process of rock weathering by applying mineral-rich basalt to soil, where it transforms atmospheric carbon dioxide into stable forms. This technology not only removes carbon dioxide but also enriches agricultural soils with minerals.

The project will employ basalt from the Chaykend area in Azerbaijan's Goygol district, where analysis suggests favorable characteristics for ERW application. Azerbazalt's infrastructure supports an initial annual production capacity of 360,000 tonnes, paving the way for potential scale-up in carbon removal technologies.

Future cooperation stages include pilot applications, further basalt and soil studies, monitoring systems, and data submission for international certification. The collaboration between Azerbazalt and Isometric is anticipated to strengthen economic ties between Azerbaijan and the UK, focusing on green technologies and climate innovation.

The project could enhance the use of Azerbaijan's mineral resources in technological applications, foster scientific expertise in carbon removal, and increase the country's participation in the international carbon market as a project developer.