Biochar Carbon Removal

What is Biochar Carbon Removal?

Biochar is a carbon removal method where organic materials like wood or crop waste are heated in a low-oxygen environment to create a stable form of carbon called biochar. This process, known as pyrolysis, turns the carbon into a solid that can be buried in soil. Once in the soil, biochar can trap carbon for hundreds to thousands of years, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Beyond carbon removal, the biochar process also addresses waste management and enhances soil fertility, leading to improved agricultural productivity.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognised biochar as a viable carbon removal method. Similarly, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has demonstrated biochar's significant potential in both carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.

Examples of biochar projects

Exomad Green: Located in Concepción, Bolivia, this project is one of the world's largest producers of biochar. It focuses not only on negative emissions, but also contributes significantly to environmental and community development through results such as improved soil health and agricultural productivity.
Novocarbo: A Germany-based project developer that removes CO2 from the atmosphere through the industrial production of biochar. Using state-of-the-art pyrolysis technology, the project converts biomass and waste residues into biochar—a stable form of carbon that can sequester CO2 for over 1,000 years.

Common types of biochar projects include:‍‍

Biochar from agricultural waste: Using crop residues such as straw or husks to produce biochar, which is then applied to agricultural land to improve soil health and sequester CO2.
Forestry residues biochar: Converting waste from forestry operations, such as branches and sawdust, into biochar for soil improvement and CO2 sequestration.
Urban biochar projects: Using organic waste from urban areas, such as yard waste or food waste, to produce biochar. This not only helps with CO2 sequestration, but also with waste management.
Integrated energy biochar systems: Projects that produce biochar as a by-product of bioenergy production, where the heat generated is used for electricity or heating, while the plant carbon is used for CO2 sequestration and soil improvement.

Navigating the net zero journey with biochar

For companies embarking on the journey to net zero, understanding and incorporating biochar into their sustainability strategies not only helps neutralize CO2 emissions, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy production. As regulations for CO2 credits become increasingly stringent, investing in biochar projects can provide a credible and effective way to achieve net zero goals while delivering environmental and social benefits beyond CO2 sequestration.