Unlocking Biochar’s Potential: A Sustainable Game-Changer

Biochar, once sidelined, is now at the forefront of sustainable solutions, showing remarkable promise in tackling pressing environmental issues. This black carbon-rich substance, born from the pyrolysis of organic matter, offers a plethora of applications spanning agriculture, infrastructure, and more.

Corporations such as PepsiCo, Microsoft, and Honda, particularly in regions like India, have embraced biochar initiatives aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives target SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), aiming to boost crop yields for small farmers while combating climate change.

Biochar is produced using various methods like Earth Kiln, Drum Kiln, Brick Kiln, and Retort Kiln, showcasing diverse possibilities for generating biochar and syngas. However, access to advanced technologies might pose challenges for vulnerable communities.

Field experiments conducted in regions like Koraput, Odisha, and Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, have demonstrated promising results in improving soil health and reducing pollution. However, biochar’s effectiveness varies across climates and field conditions, calling for tailored approaches.

Certain species, like bamboo, exhibit significant potential in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing soil health. The integration of bamboo biochar into comprehensive land management practices demonstrates a sustainable approach to combating land degradation and achieving community development goals.

Beyond agriculture, biochar finds use in construction, where biochar-mud plaster proves adept at absorbing odors and toxins, thus improving indoor air quality in various settings – from libraries and schools to warehouses and factories. Additionally, biochar’s role in adsorbing electromagnetic radiation opens up possibilities for preventing “electrosmog” and providing eco-friendly insulation alternatives in construction.

Biochar has showcased positive outcomes in livestock programs, positively influencing digestion, feed efficiency, and overall animal health. From cattle and goats to pigs, chickens, ducks, and fish, biochar contributes to weight gain, reduced feed conversion ratios (FCR), and, notably, a decrease in methane emissions.

Across the globe, startups like Ankur Scientific, WasteX, Thai Carbon, and NuevaChar etc. are spearheading biochar initiatives, leveraging its applications to address environmental and agricultural challenges.

While corporate initiatives and startups are driving biochar innovation, there is a noticeable gap in community-driven biochar programs. The emphasis must shift toward inclusive approaches that empower local communities, generate income, and contribute to sustainable development.

Ensuring a steady and fair price for carbon removal credits is crucial for the success of any biochar project. Presently, Puro.earth oversees 32 active biochar projects, shedding light on the expected price range for carbon credits (€105-€535). However, Verra’s recent decision to separate avoidance and removals credits, while beneficial, brings uncertainties about future pricing for Verra removals credits. Notably, entities like VERRA and the American Carbon Registry play pivotal roles in scaling up biochar promotion.

At COP 28, carbon removal has emerged as a collaborative initiative, uniting NGOs across sectors within the carbon ecosystem. Spearheaded by Rethinking Removals and Carbon Business Council, this coalition involves various carbon removal NGOs, including Air Miners, Carbon180, Climate Action Platform – Africa, Direct Air Capture Coalition, German Association for Negative Emissions, Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy, International Biochar Initiative, Negative Emissions Platform, Open Air Collective, RMI, TreeMedia, UN Climate Change High-Level Champions Team, and XPRIZE.

Biochar stands as a versatile and sustainable solution with the potential to revolutionize our approach to agriculture, environmental conservation, and community development. As we explore its diverse applications, integrating biochar into mainstream practices holds the promise of a more resilient and sustainable future.

Jay Anand, Associate Director at Athena Infonomics, is a climate change adaptation cum mitigation expert. He has led portfolio of programs and policy discussions in natural resource management, climate change risk assessment & mitigation, ecosystem services and community-based adaptation to climate change vulnerabilities. Jay has completed M.S. in Coastal Geoscience and Engineering, and M.Sc in Geology. His key areas of interest include Water, Agriculture, Forest and Rural transformation and wellbeing, social inclusion and new media.