Prepare to Execute 45Q at Gigaton Scale and Giga Pricing
The demand for durable carbon credits is on track to skyrocket. Today, a major CCUS project might have hundreds of millions of dollars in 45Q tax credits at stake. In just a few years, with big tech companies racing to build massive data centers, that same project could be worth billions.
Consider this example: One CCUS facility is currently capturing 200,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually. At $85 per ton, that’s $17 million in annual carbon credits—$204 million over the 12-year credit lifecycle. Plans are already in motion to scale to 600,000 metric tons annually, putting $612 million on the line. Now factor in surging demand from 1+ gigawatt-per-day data centers, and the market price for durable carbon credits could easily exceed $85 per ton.
In this environment, your credit stacking strategy and execution plan must be adaptable to changing asset networks, shifting engineering plans, evolving regulations, and new market opportunities—like when a hyperscaler calls mid-project with an offer to purchase credits.
That adaptability starts with a robust data collection strategy, built to meet both 45Q compliance requirements and the speed of executive decision-making. A system of record ensures you’re ready to execute at gigaton scale—not just on one well.
The 45Q opportunity is significant, but so is the pressure. A Class VI well and pipeline come with major capital costs, and there’s no room for unnecessary overhead. The right playbook and data system can be the difference between capitalizing on giga pricing or missing out.
I’m currently helping the most technologically advanced natural gas producer in the country implement this very process. Please reach out to discuss.