Biochar: A coproduct to bioenergy from slow-pyrolysis technology

Abstract

Well-engineered, slow-pyrolysis technology, optimized for the production of bioenergy and biochar from sustainable feedstocks, could deliver significant environmental and economic advantages to industry. Utilization of biochar products as a soil amendment could contribute to ongoing food security and agricultural productivity. Biochar production and sequestration can result in the net removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, making the technology a potentially valuable tool for climate change mitigation. It is essential that the emerging industry is well regulated and that quality assurance and sustainability mechanisms are adopted. This will optimize the net benefit of the technology. Biochar products produced from different industries will vary greatly in characteristics. Equally, the drivers for different industries to adopt slow-pyrolysis technology will vary. Significant advantages provided by the technology across multiple industries may result in extensive adoption. The development of a biochar market is required, with the uncertainty in biochar price and market size, being a major contributor to lack of confidence in the business case for the technology. Markets for biochar as a product are diverse, ranging from broad acre agriculture to niche applications such as roof gardens, where its unique properties give it significant competitive advantages over alternatives.