The Potential of Biochar -  Oral Presentation

Biomass Residue to Carbon Dioxide Removal: Quantifying the Global Impact of Biochar

David Lefebvre - University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Samer Fawzy - Trinity Biocarbon
Ahmed Osman - School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University, Belfast Ireland
Camila Aquije & Kathleen Draper - International Biochar Initiative (IBI)
Thomas Trabold - Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology

In the years since COP21 it has become increasingly evident that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies must be deployed immediately to stabilize concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases and avoid major climate change impacts. Among the array of CDR methods, biochar production stands out as a proven approach that can be implemented on a large scale to counteract climate change effects within the coming decade.

Our research offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the potential contribution of biochar towards achieving national carbon emission reduction goals. Our approach involves biochar production at approximately 600°C using state-of-the-art pyrolysis technology, with the utilization of residues from existing agricultural, livestock, forestry, and wastewater treatment activities. We account for the emissions associated with transportation, pyrolysis, and application, and take into consideration the gradual degradation of biochar over time when applied to soil.

We applied this framework to 155 countries, taking into account country-specific factors such as feedstock availability, soil temperature, electricity carbon intensity, and transportation distances. Our findings underscore the significant role that biochar can play in global CDR strategies. It has the potential to offset approximately 6.2% of total global emissions based on 2020 data over a hundred-year timeframe, with over 10% of national emissions in 28 countries.

Regions with high biochar carbon dioxide removal potential relative to their national emissions were identified in South America, northwestern Africa, and eastern Europe. Notably, non-crop biomass resources had a relatively minor impact on national biochar removal potential, at least for countries with the highest potential.

Further research is needed at the country level to gather reliable data on biomass residue generation rates. Additionally, country-specific data is essential to comprehensively assess biochar's carbon dioxide removal potential, encompassing benefits such as displacing fossil energy generation, enhancing crop yields, and reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers, factors not considered in our current analysis.

Keywords: pyrolysisagricultural residuelivestock manurewood and forestry residuewastewater treatment biosolidspermanenceLCA