ESG in 5 - Market Update & Sustainability News - 15-04-2025

Welcome to this week’s ESG Market Update & Sustainability News, where we bring you the latest developments driving environmental innovation and responsible business. Major headlines include Microsoft’s bold moves in carbon removal and sustainable aviation, Viking’s breakthrough in zero-emission cruising, and TotalEnergies’ continued expansion of its clean energy portfolio, highlighting the momentum behind global ESG efforts.

Microsoft Signs Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal with IAG 

Microsoft and International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of airlines including Aer Lingus and British Airways, has announced they have extended an agreement for the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

According to the companies, through the 5-year extension agreement, Microsoft will co-fund an additional 39,000 tons of SAF, helping reduce its indirect carbon emissions by approximately 113,000 tons. In addition to addressing emissions from corporate flying, Microsoft said that it is also co-funding SAF that is used by IAG’s airlines to ship data centre components globally. 

---

TotalEnergies Acquires Renewable Energy Portfolios in Europe, Africa and Canada 

TotalEnergies has announced a series of renewable energy transactions, including the closing of three acquisitions in Europe, Africa and Canada, and a new 800 MW wind and solar acquisition in Canada. 

The deals form part TotalEnergies’ efforts to boost clean energy capacity and achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. 

---

Viking to launch first-ever Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship 

Viking Cruises have announced plans to introduce the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. The ship, the Viking Libra, is being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. 

Viking said that the Libra, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests, and will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, becoming the world’s first capable of using hydrogen power for both propulsion and onboard electricity generation.  

---

Microsoft Signs 3.7M Tonne Carbon Removal Deal Using U.S. Paper Mill Emissions

Microsoft has signed a 12-year agreement with CO280 to purchase 3.685 million tonnes of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). CO280 will retrofit U.S. pulp and paper mills with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, driving capital investment, safeguarding jobs, and boosting forest-based economies. Their model leverages sustainable biomass sourcing and energy-efficient processes. CO280 has over ten projects in development, with five prioritised to start by 2030.

---

Sources. 

Anthony Walters - Head of ESG at Clever Adviser Technology Ltd (Clever)

Data sourced from FE FundInfo (quoted in Pounds Sterling) 

Microsoft Signs Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Deal with IAG to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions, by ESG Today, 08/04/25 

TotalEnergies Acquires Renewable Energy Portfolios in Europe, Africa and Canada by ESG Today, 04/04/25 

Viking, Fincantieri to Launch First-Ever Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship, by ESG Today, 10/04/25 

Microsoft Signs 3.7M Tonne Carbon Removal Deal with CO280 Using U.S. Paper Mill Emissions, by ESG News, 11/04/25