Powerhouse Innovation delivered a series of Scoping analyses to guide OTPP’s evaluation:

• Techno-Economic Analysis: We assessed ten CDR approaches—including Direct Air Capture, Enhanced Weathering, Biochar, and Blue Carbon—covering material inputs, energy requirements, MRV considerations, permanence, and cost trade-offs. This was supported by a landscape of key startups and non-startup players across each segment.

• Quality Assessment: We summarized perspectives from leading registries, rating agencies, and corporate buyers to evaluate the measurability, reliability, and overall quality of various carbon removal methods.

• Market Share Hypothesis: Using internal research and insights from external consultants, we conducted sensitivity analyses and developed a point of view on which pathways are likely to capture the greatest share of the CDR market over time.

• Marketplace Value Chain Analysis: We mapped the emerging CDR credit marketplace, identifying how different business models create value, how credits may be securitized, and which features drive buyer interest.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel Pathways: We delivered a side-by-side techno-economic comparison of thermochemical and electrochemical pathways for converting CO2 to SAF, highlighting relative efficiencies and commercialization potential.

Our work culminated in a comprehensive database with analysis of more than 250 startups as well as a summary presentation of key insights to OTPP’s internal stakeholders.