What makes biochar so special?
In our reverse power plants, we convert valuable forest residues from sustainable forestry into electricity and heat. In addition to this highly efficient renewable energy, our power plants produce a third valuable product: biochar. In contrast to fossil fuels such as coal or crude oil, which release CO2 into the atmosphere when burned, biochar has the ability to store carbon for centuries. SYNCRAFT biochar is of extremely high quality. It is very homogeneous and has a high carbon content.
How is biochar made?
Biochar is produced in a process known as pyrolysis (charring) during which the biomass is not burned. At high temperatures and without oxygen, the chemical bonds are broken down. The lack of oxygen prevents complete combustion. With our biochar, 30% of the CO2 originally stored in the forest residue is not released back into the atmosphere but remains permanently bound as valuable carbon
As a soil substrate, biochar can contribute to improving soil fertility in the long term. This is because the sponge-like carrier substance stores water and nutrients and only releases them to the plants when they are needed. It also increases the colonization of microorganisms in the soil.
In Europe, our biochar has not been approved yet for agricultural use.
Biochar is successfully used as an additive in animal feed. This is because it has the property of binding harmful and toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract. It therefore supports the intestinal flora and the immune system of the animals and contributes to overall animal welfare.
In construction, biochar can be used in materials such as climate concrete. Incorporating technical carbon into concrete improves the functionality of building materials. At the same time, primary raw materials such as cement can be reduced. This improves both the functionality of building materials as well as their carbon footprint. Biochar can also be bound in asphalt or other recyclable materials. When used in this segment, biochar serves as an effective and permanent carbon sink.
Counteracting climate change
Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) is considered one of the most important negative emission technologies (NET) because it can help to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and bind it in the long term. Biochar technologies can be implemented in a relatively short time and can be scaled up to significant quantities.
Biochar is also considered to be chemically and biologically resistant to decomposition. In our reverse power plants, biochar is produced at a temperature of 850 °C, which results in a very high quality. Recent studies show that it is one of the most stable forms of carbon and has the ability to permanently store CO2.
