Deep Sky and Isometric announced that carbon captured and permanently removed from the atmosphere by Deep Sky Alpha in Innisfail, Alberta, has been independently reviewed and registered as the first certified direct air capture (DAC) carbon removal credits in North America. The credits will be delivered to Microsoft and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
Milestone Achievement in Carbon Removal
From design in fall 2024 to beginning commissioning in summer 2025, Deep Sky Alpha achieved a series of milestones on schedule and on budget. Within 18 months of starting construction, the facility permanently injected its first tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide underground and has now generated North America’s first verified DAC carbon removal credits.
“From day one, we’ve believed that leadership in direct air capture would be earned through execution,” said Alex Petre, CEO of Deep Sky. “We’ve been transparent about the steps required to build this industry and have shared our progress every step of the way – from breaking ground at Deep Sky Alpha to operating multiple distinct DAC technologies, to permanently storing carbon underground. Today, we’re adding another proof point before ongoing commercial operations: North America’s first certified DAC carbon removal credits. This has always been our approach: build, prove, deliver, and now we will scale.”
Rigorous Certification Under Isometric Protocol
The credits were certified under Isometric’s Direct Air Capture Protocol and independently verified. The protocol requires all project emissions to be accounted for when calculating net carbon removal and long-term monitoring to confirm safe and permanent storage. Isometric is the first certifier approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market to issue DAC credits carrying the Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label, making these the world’s first CCP-labelled DAC carbon removal credits.
“For the first time, DAC in North America has been rigorously certified, producing the world’s first CCP-labelled certificates in the pathway,” said Eamon Jubbawy, CEO of Isometric. “It’s a critical proof point for the technology’s practical potential. Passing this first hurdle opens the door to larger, more frequent issuances and, most importantly, scale.”
Impact on Climate Strategy and Future Supply
These are the first DAC credits Isometric has issued. They mark the beginning of Deep Sky’s supply to Microsoft and RBC under their carbon removal agreement through 2034.
“This is exactly the kind of action our climate strategy is designed to advance: climate solutions that are scientifically measurable with the potential to scale. Deep Sky has moved with remarkable speed to bring this project to life, and the fact that it’s happening in Alberta – a region central to Canada’s energy future – makes it even more meaningful. We’re proud to be among the first in the world to purchase direct air capture carbon removal credits, and to mark this milestone together,” said Brian Hong, Director Environmental Markets Solutions Group, RBC.
