Why Biochar?
Interest in Biochar has massively increased in recent times.
Using Biochar in primary production increases productivity.
Nations and companies are backing Biochar as a leading means of addressing climate change.
Waste streams that were a big problem are becoming valuable commodities by making Biochar.
Green energy generated by making Biochar is important to local communities and industry.
What is Biochar?
Think of it as a highly refined charcoal. Its pores are very, very fine, resulting in an enormous surface area. By itself it nourishes soil and improves plant life. It collects and stores elements which would otherwise leach to the catchment, such as nitrates and heavy metals. It acts to store and slowly release water and nutrients.
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When mixed with fertiliser, the compounded effect is a significant increase in plant growth.
​​When modified, it is targeted to collect and store problematic compounds and elements.
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These abilities make certified biochar pretty epic.
Environmental Benefits
Biomass waste streams such as woody debris can be used to produce biochar. This has many positive environmental benefits.
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Problematic woody debris is removed and converted into a valuable product.
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The carbon is locked into the biochar, so is removed from the atmosphere (negative emissions).
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When biochar is added to soil, it enables greater plant growth.
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Biochar assists with nutrient and water retention, which helps reduce the use of fertilisers, along with improving resilience to droughts and floods.
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Biochar can reduce nitrate and heavy metals leaching into water ways.
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The production process produces renewable energy (waste heat and electricity).
Biochar also has many other uses that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (help mitigate climate change). For example, biochar can be added to concrete to make it lighter, improve its chemical stability, water holding capacity and crack resistance.
You can see why we think certified biochar is Epic!
Integrated Benefits
Investing in biochar production has many direct and indirect economic benefits. Our Epic Char approach includes the following revenues:
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Production revenue security through purchase agreements for the certified biochar.
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Purchase agreements for the carbon removal credits generated during the production process.
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Revenue generation from the renewable electricity and waste heat.
Indirect economic benefits include:
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Flood protection from removal of woody debris.
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Greater agriculture / horticulture productivity​​
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Improved water quality.
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Creation of local jobs.
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Ability to supply lower cost electricity to energy poverty areas.
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Resilience of electricity supply improved.