Facing the climate emergency requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions that can reverse the damage already done. Only carbon removal can balance the hard-to-mitigate emissions and get us to the goal of net zero emissions.
CDR technology is leading the way, with Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) an innovation with revolutionary potential. From its ability to remove carbon to the range of additional benefits it offers, BCR is destined to become an essential component of any carbon removal strategy.
The potential is significant: a study by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) estimated that, if biochar production is scaled up to the maximum possible level globally, it could capture up to 3 billion metric tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to 6% of global emissions. Here’s how it works.
What is biochar?
When organic waste (such as wheat stalks or farmyard manure, or sawdust from forestry) is heated to extremely high temperatures without oxygen, it is converted into a charcoal-like material known as biochar. The material has a long history: indigenous communities in South America used it at least 8,000 years ago in agriculture, because when added to the soil, it helps plants grow. But it is also increasingly becoming a tool to help combat climate change.
Biochar is a science-backed approach to carbon removal, and its magic lies in pyrolysis: the use of high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment to transform biomass into biochar.
How do you store carbon?
Plants absorb CO2 as they grow, but that CO2 is usually released again quickly: if crop debris remains in a field after harvest, it will rot and release emissions. The same is true of fallen branches in a forest, or organic waste in a landfill. But if organic material is turned into biochar, that prevents most of it from decomposing.
Net Zero
For net zero emissions targets, BCR is not optional, but crucial. It can handle between 0.44 and 2.62 Gigatonnes of CO2 removal per year, covering up to 35% of CDR needs in climate stabilization scenarios.
BCR can already be implemented on a large scale and is certifiable, traceable, and verifiable under third-party standards. As of 2022, BCR accounted for 87% of total RDF deliveries (52kt delivered) at a substantially lower cost than all other durable RDF approaches. Average prices for vintage 2023 could be in the range of 200-350 €/t CO2e, compared to 30-50 €/t CO2e for forest carbon credits from reforested areas.
The benefits of biochar beyond carbon removal
Beyond its contribution as a carbon removal technology, biochar has impactful benefits in several sectors. In agriculture, for example, biochar is not only beneficial, but transformative. It boosts food security and drives agricultural sustainability. Thanks to its porous microstructure, soil is elevated in both structure and fertility, excelling in nutrient and water retention. And the impact of biochar is tremendous for regions with tropical soils, areas where fertility often declines and where some of the world’s most resource-poor farmers reside.
Biochar also holds great promise for the construction industry. By reducing the percentage of cement in concrete, biochar minimizes the carbon footprint of building materials. Surprisingly, adding just 1% by mass of biochar to concrete mixes could sequester 0.5 gigatonnes of CO2 per year and decrease the greenhouse gas footprint of cement-based industries by 20%. In addition, biochar improves the thermal insulation capacity of concrete and improves mechanical properties such as compressive and flexural strength.
At BCR, adhering to the stringent sustainability standards of the voluntary carbon market is non-negotiable. These standards ensure that projects source biomass responsibly, eliminating potential damage to ecosystems or food production.
Carbon removal credits
The biochar industry has immense potential, but scaling up has been constrained by limited industry awareness and production costs. Carbon removal credits can alleviate these challenges, strengthening the economic viability of BCR projects. By closing awareness and financing gaps, these credits can help harness the full promise of biochar.
BCR offers a comprehensive combination of economic, environmental, and social benefits. In regions most affected by climate change, BCR can deliver climate justice by targeting mitigation benefits where they are most needed, a sentiment reinforced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2023 report.
As the climate challenge intensifies, BCR emerges as a multi-faceted solution to carbon removal. Beyond carbon sequestration, its benefits span agriculture, construction, ecosystem health and community well-being. For companies seeking effective and reliable solutions to address the climate crisis and achieve climate goals, BCR stands out as an easily scalable technology.
While more research and technological breakthroughs are needed to unlock its full potential, biochar has already proven its value in creating a sustainable and resilient future. With its ability to close the organic waste cycle, sequester carbon and revitalize soils, biochar has rightly earned its status as nature’s black gold.
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