What is biochar ?
Biochar (or "biocoal") is a charcoal produced by the thermal decomposition of biomass (agricultural, forestry, organic waste) in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis.
Its production prevents biomass from decomposing
and emitting CO₂ or methane.
Main benefits:
1. Long-term carbon sequestration
- The carbon in biochar is stable for hundreds to thousands of years.
- 1 ton of biochar can store the equivalent of ~3 tons of CO₂
- Basis for certified carbon credits (Verra VCS or Puro.earth)
2. Improvement of agricultural soils
- Increases fertility: Retains nutrients and reduces leaching.
- Improves water retention Ideal for sandy or degraded soils
- Regulates pH in acidic soils.
- Promotes beneficial microbiome Fungi and bacteria that improve soil health.
3. Waste management
- Transforms waste (rice husks, prunings, manure) into valuable resources.
- Reduce pollution Avoid burning waste in the open air.
4. Renewable energy
- During pyrolysis bioenergy (gas or heat)
- is generated that can be used in the process or sold.
5. Reduction of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions
- Biochar in soils reduces N₂O emissions
- a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO₂
Practical applications
Regenerative agriculture
Mixed with compost or applied directly to the soil.
Water treatment
Filters contaminants due to its high porosity.
Animal feed
Improves digestion and reduces methane in livestock.
Biochar Credits
Biochar credit is a financial instrument that represents the capture and permanent storage of 1 tonne of CO₂ equivalent ( CO₂eq ) through the production and application of biochar to soils or other uses. This credit certifies that the carbon derived from waste biomass has been converted into a stable form, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
How is it generated?
Biochar production
- Raw material: Use of agricultural, forestry or organic waste ( e.g. rice husks, prunings, manure).
- Pyrolysis: Heating biomass at high temperatures (400-700°C) in the absence of oxygen, transforming it into biochar .
- Storage: Biochar is applied to soils ( e.g. , agriculture) or integrated into building materials, ensuring its stability for hundreds to thousands of years.
Calculation of sequestered carbon:
- biochar is quantified versus the emissions avoided by proper waste management.
- Methods: Laboratory analysis ( e.g. , organic carbon content) and models supported by international standards.
Certification bodies and standards
Puro.earth
Leader in biochar certification ( Carbon standard Removal Certificate ).
Verra (VCS)
VM0044 Methodology for biomass pyrolysis.
Gold Standard
frameworks under development .
Key benefits
High permanence
Carbon is stored for thousands of years (vs. decades in forestry projects).
Circularity
Transforms waste into resources ( e.g. , avoids burning biomass).
Co-benefits
Soil improvement: Fertility, water and nutrient retention. N₂O Reduction: Reduces nitrous oxide emissions in agriculture. Renewable energy: Pyrolysis generates usable heat/bioenergy.
Market prices
Factors that influence:
- Certifier ( e.g. Puro earth usually has higher prices).
- Location and type of project.
- Corporate demand for high-quality compensation.
Typical buyers
Companies with Net Zero
goals seeking permanent removals (not just reductions).
Agri-food industries
( insetting in supply chains).
ESG
investment funds.
Challenges
Future trends
🚜 Integration with
regenerative agriculture.
🏗️ Use in construction
( e.g. biochar in low carbon cements).
📈 Growing demand
from companies with carbon commitments removal .
Practical example
Project in India
Using rice husks to produce biochar .