German Biochar Forum 2024

There are a variety of methods to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. Beside nature based approaches like rewetting peat land, afforestation and buildup of organic soil matter there are also technical solutions that offer scaleable and permanent CO₂ storage. The latter include direct air capture and storage (DACCS), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), enhanced weathering, and the material applications of biochar (biochar carbon removal - BCR). We have to employ all of these methods in order to reach our climate goals.

Both, the climate scientists and our governments realize that Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) will be essential in reaching the 1.5 °C goal and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Even with the quickest possible reduction of CO₂ emissions it is necessary to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere to prevent permanent global warming of more than 1.5°C. While fossil emissions have to be cut back immediately we also have to start shaping CDR policy and building up a CDR infrastructure to have sufficient capacities available in time. Biomass pyrolysis to produce biochar and thus BCR is technologically matured and the fastest growing CDR method.

BCR offers great advantages compared to other CDR technologies:

• carbon is captured decentralized and in the form of a valuable resource - biochar. There is no need for CO₂ injections.
• Biochar has multiple applications in agriculture and industry.
• An effective monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system is already implemented.
• The production of biochar also produces energy. Alternatively bio-oils as a substitute for fossil products can be separated from the syngas.

The global BCR industry is growing exponentially, the technology is mature and scalable. While many of the pioneering technology providers are German companies, Germany is in danger of falling behind without a proper economic and political framework.

What's the status of BCR, how significant is BCR in Germany and Europe? How can we shape the CDR policy in the EU and Germany to meet our climate goals? What are the hurdles for scaling up BCR and what should we do with all that biochar? What is our vision of a future climate positive circular carbon economy? These are the topics we would like to discuss with you at our German Biochar Forum 2024 in Berlin! The forum is hosted by German Biochar e.V., a nonprofit organization representing over 125 companies, various research institutes as well as numerous private stakeholders from Germany and the GSA region.