Watershed has launched its 2026 carbon request for proposals (RFP), inviting project developers to apply to supply carbon removal and emissions reduction credits to its network of corporate buyers.
The initiative is part of Watershed’s broader effort to accelerate the climate economy by helping companies finance decarbonization projects.
The firm aims to work with its customers to reduce or remove 500 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2030, which is approximately 1% of annual global emissions.
Connecting project developers with corporate demand
Through its procurement programme, Watershed aggregates demand from more than 800 corporate customers, including 90 members of the Fortune 500 and several major US financial institutions. By pooling this demand, the company aims to provide developers with clearer access to long-term buyers while streamlining procurement for corporate participants.
Since launching its climate procurement efforts, Watershed customers have collectively committed more than $120 million to projects across carbon removal, clean power, and sustainable aviation fuel markets.
The new RFP follows the company’s first carbon procurement round, which attracted proposals from over 300 projects across 55 countries and covering 17 carbon removal pathways. The initiative targeted approximately one million tons of CO2-equivalent credits.
Relevant: Watershed Launches RFP For 1 Megaton Of Carbon Removal Credits
Projects selected through the process gained access to a pre-committed buyer cohort and executed more than 100 purchase agreements. Some suppliers secured contracts valued at over $1 million, while others established new commercial relationships with multiple buyers through the programme.
Watershed says the RFP framework is designed to reduce the complexity and uncertainty often associated with bilateral carbon credit negotiations. The company conducts project diligence and manages contracting and delivery processes on behalf of participating buyers.
For suppliers, participation can provide access to long-term customer relationships and the potential for multi-year carbon credit agreements across Watershed’s corporate client base.
The 2026 RFP is open to projects focused on durable carbon removal, nature-based carbon removal, and superpollutant avoidance. On March 19, the company will be sharing lessons from its first RFP in a webinar dedicated to current carbon market trends.
Applications from project developers will be accepted until April 10, with selected suppliers forming part of the next portfolio of climate projects offered to Watershed’s corporate customers. More information on eligibility can be found in the supplier guidance.
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