Biochar Production/Pyrolysis

Biochar production through pyrolysis of feedstocks is one of the simplest, most measurable, and most cost-effective methods of carbon capture and storage (CCS) / Carbon Removal available today. It is also growing in interest as a potential method of PFAS destruction.

Inherent to every biochar pyrolysis system is the presence of high temperature operation (often exceeding 700C Degrees), making it ideal for waste heat recovery power generation. This is true whether the feed stock in question is agricultural biomass such as rice hulls, sugar cane fiber (also called bagasse), or tree nut hulls, other biomass such as timber, logging, lumber, or tree service “slash”, or biosolids related to large scale animal lots such as poultry litter, or swine and beef waste lagoons.

The addition of waste heat recovery power generation to a pyrolysis application provides multiple benefits, including:

CARBON CREDIT VALUE

Almost all biochar operators today are seeking to capitalize on the financial opportunities related to carbon removal, also known as CDR Credits available through the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). Pairing energy production through waste heat recovery represents an opportunity to drive the value of the resultant biochar product through the reduction of the commodity’s carbon intensity.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Waste Heat Power Generation helps reduce carbon emissions taxes and is well-situated to aid in upcoming compliance requirements such as the EU Carbon Removal Framework (ECRF).

HIGH TECH HEAT UTILIZATION

Many of the most respected Carbon Credit Certification organizations recommend or require waste heat utilization in order to qualify as a “high tech” heat operation. Waste heat to power generation using ORC power generation meets this need by simultaneously meeting the operations’ electricity needs while reducing its emissions footprint.

REDUCES OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

By reducing (or nearly eliminating) the need for carbon-based power sources (such as electricity from a municipal grid) during pyrolysis operation and replacing it with emissions free power generation, the overall system operating costs are diminished.

INCREASED BIOCHAR VALUE

Biochar which is manufactured in the most carbon friendly manner will be more attractive in an open market as high value “off-takers” seek to source biochar from the certifiably most environmentally friendly suppliers. As such biochar from pyrolysis systems incorporating waste heat power generation will be in higher demand.