The project creates carbon sinks for at least 100 years by applying biochar to soil in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Biochar is like smart, human-made charcoal created by burning wood side streams at high temperature without oxygen. The process is called pyrolysis and binds for hundreds of years 50% of the carbon which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere. Biochar’s solid structure and a low degradation rate make it into one of the best carbon sinks.
In addition to storing carbon, biochar is increasing soil fertility and reducing the need for irrigation. For boosting its nutrient content, biochar is first used for livestock bedding, manure treatment and as a compost additive. This is a win-win solution as not only the biochar captures the nutrients which otherwise would leak and contaminate water bodies, but also increases soil fertility and enhances yields.
The project uses only biochar certified by the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) standard and utilizes blockchain technology to ensure the tracking of the sinks and preventing double counting. Biochar is produced only from sustainable feedstock including agricultural residues, pest wood, recycled wood and industry sidestreams from PEFC certified forestry, such as branches, sawdust, wood chips, and other parts of the tree with low economic value.
Method in development
Permanence of the carbon sink is guaranteed for 100 years which is calculated according to the EBC methodology, taking a conservative average degradation rate of 0.3% per year. In addition, all carbon emissions along the biochar value chain are deducted in order to ensure a true net negative impact.
Both the biochar producer and the farmer who applies the biochar to soil receive a third of the carbon credits revenue. Currently the price of biochar is still high which prevents a widestream utilisation. Thanks to the voluntary carbon market, biochar producers will be able to scale their production, resulting in a 20-30% drop in the price of biochar.
While still being in a pilot phase and with independent verification pending, Compensate supports this project by purchasing its first ever carbon credits. After testing the concept in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the goal is to expand globally, with a particular focus on developing countries, suffering the most from severe droughts, depleted soils and poor harvests.