Key risk for biochar carbon removal
Despite biochar’s potential benefits, uncertainties around permanence, carbon accounting, and additionality lead to smaller deal sizes than in some other carbon removal technologies
The inherent durability of biochar is not a barrier to investment, but it remains challenging to determine the stable fraction of biochar and ensure it is applied to soil.
The necessity of carbon finance for biochar projects varies globally; some projects rely heavily on carbon credits while others do not, making project-level assessment crucial.
Accurate carbon accounting is essential, and feedstock sustainability, counterfactual feedstock decay rates, and potential methane emissions must be considered.
Contents
Permanence
Additionality
Carbon accounting
Maximising biochar's potential: balancing risks and benefits