See what European forest owners actually earn from carbon credits
hectares
Total area enrolled in carbon program
tonnes/ha/year
European average: 5-10 tonnes per hectare per year
€/credit
What buyers pay (Shell avg: €3.75, Microsoft avg: €171)
Location affects certification costs and typical capture rates
Percentage of buyer payment that reaches you after all fees
Annual Projections
Potential Credits:0
Theoretical Gross Revenue:€0
Intermediary Fees (reality):€0
Your Revenue After Fees:€0
Revenue per Hectare:€0
Your Operating Costs (annual):€0
Setup Costs (amortized over 5 years):€0
Net Profit/Loss (Annual):€0
⚠️ Reality Check: These calculations use verified industry data. Year 1 setup costs typically reach €30,000-60,000, making most projects unprofitable for 2-3 years. These figures include amortized setup costs over 5 years.
The Mathematics: At 25% capture rate, you need €40/credit market price just to break even. Current European average: €30/credit. Shell retired 14.5 million credits at €3.75 each in 2024, while Microsoft paid €171 for removal credits. This spread shows the market's dysfunction.
ForestryBrief Professional - Intelligence that pays for itself
Calculations based on Carbon Market Watch, Winrock International, and Penn State Extension research
All fees updated to 2025 rates: Verra $3,750 + $0.23/credit, Gold Standard $2,500