Industrial biochar systems for atmospheric carbon removal: a review

Samer Fawzy, Ahmed I. Osman , Haiping Yang, John Doran, David W. Rooney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

110 Citations (Scopus)
414 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In the context of climate change, there is an urgent need for rapid and efcient methods to capture and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. For instance, production, use and storage of biochar are highly carbon negative, resulting in an estimated sequestration of 0.3–2 Gt CO2 year−1 by 2050. Yet, biochar production requires more knowledge on feedstocks, thermochemical conversion and end applications. Herein, we review the design and development of biochar systems, and we investigate the carbon removal industry. Carbon removal eforts are currently promoted via the voluntary market. The major commercialized technologies for ofering atmospheric carbon removal are forestation, direct air carbon capture utilization and storage, soil carbon sequestration, wooden building elements and biochar, with corresponding fees ranging from 10 to 895 GBP (British pounds) per ton CO2. Biochar fees range from 52 to 131 GBP per ton CO2, which indicates that biochar production is a realistic strategy that can be deployed at large scale. Carbon removal services via biochar are currently ofered through robust marketplaces that require extensive certifcation, verifcation and monitoring, which adds an element of credibility and authenticity. Biochar eligibility is highly dependent on the type of feedstock utilized and processing conditions employed. Process optimization is imperative to produce an end product that meets application-specifc requirements, environmental regulations and achieve ultimate stability for carbon sequestration purposes.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters
Early online date11 Mar 2021
DOIs
Publication statusEarly online date - 11 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Biochar
  • Carbon removal
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Carbon stability
  • Carbon reservoirs
  • CDR
  • Negative emissions technologies

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