Biochar is a carbon-rich product produced by stabilising the carbon captured in biomass, typically wood, which has been removed from the air by plants. It is the front-running technology in a suite of greenhouse gas removal technologies, all of which are essential to reach Net Zero.
WHY DOES IT MATTER ?
Tackling The Climate Emergency
To limit global warming to within 2° C, humanity needs to significantly reduce the rate of our emissions, draw down emissions from the Earth’s atmosphere and reverse the build-up of emissions that have accumulated, and continue to accumulate, in the atmosphere over time. This means greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030, net zero emissions must be reached by 2050 and the Earth must be net-negative after 2050. This relies on leading GGR technologies such as biochar.
A CLOSED CYCLE ?
Desperation In Respiration
Whilst woodlands can store carbon for long periods, carbon in individual trees is only stored for typically 20-50 years (conifer species) until the tree either dies or is harvested; after which the carbon has a very short lifespan (1-10 years for sawmill co- products), before it is released as CO 2 .
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Carbon Storage With Benefits
Tailored biochar products can have a considerable positive impact on-farm. Black Bull Biochar is an ideal additive to housing, slurry and soil without additional on-farm infrastructure.
WHAT'S THE SOLUTION ?
Pyrolysis To The Rescue
Biochar is produced by pyrolysis, the process of heating biomass without oxygen, which prevents the carbon from being released through decomposition. Carbon stored in short-life timber products is typically released back into the atmosphere as CO2 between 1-10 years from production. Producing biochar from short-life timber products, such as woodchip, will lock away the carbon for more than 500 years.
INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS
A Huge Opportunity
“The move to cleaner economic growth – through low carbon technologies and the efficient use of resources – is one of the greatest industrial opportunities of our time” - UK Industrial Strategy 2021.
Industrial emissions accout for 24% of global carbon dioxide emissions (IEA, Tracking Industry 2020, 2018). Sustainably produced biomass can provide renewable energy for industrial processes but when combusted, contributes to GHG emissions and does not realise the carbon storage potential of biomass, as carbon is lost as CO2. Black Bull Biochar have a solution to capture this lost carbon…
In bedding systems, biochar can improve housing conditions by reducing bacteria and ammonia emissions.
In slurry storage, biochar can significantly reduce ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing nitrogen loss during storage.
In farmyard manure, biochar improves composting and nutrient retention, increasing the fertilising value.
During application, biochar improves nutrient value of slurry, increases crop nutrition and reduces emissions as well as the risk of nitrate pollution.
INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS
A Huge Opportunity
“The move to cleaner economic growth – through low carbon technologies and the efficient use of resources – is one of the greatest industrial opportunities of our time” - UK Industrial Strategy 2021.
INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS
A Huge Opportunity
Industrial emissions account for 24% of global carbon dioxide emissions (IEA, Tracking Industry 2020, 2018). Sustainably produced biomass can provide renewable energy for industrial processes but when combusted, contributes to GHG emissions and does not realise the carbon storage potential of biomass, as carbon is lost as CO2. Black Bull Biochar have a solution to capture this lost carbon…
A CLOSED CYCLE ?
Desperation In Respiration
Whilst woodlands can store carbon for long periods, carbon in individual trees is only stored for typically 20-50 years (conifer species) until the tree either dies or is harvested; after which the carbon has a very short lifespan (1-10 years for sawmill co- products), before it is released as CO 2 .
WHAT'S THE SOLUTION ?
Pyrolysis To The Rescue
Biochar is produced by pyrolysis, the process of heating biomass without oxygen, which prevents the carbon from being released through decomposition. Carbon stored in short-life timber products is typically released back into the atmosphere as CO2 between 1-10 years from production. Producing biochar from short-life timber products, such as woodchip, will lock away the carbon for more than 500 years.
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Carbon Storage With Benefits
Tailored biochar products can have a considerable positive impact on-farm. Black Bull Biochar is an ideal additive to housing, slurry and soil without additional on-farm infrastructure.
BIOCHAR AND SOIL
Soil Benefits From Biochar
Biochar can be optimised to increase carbon storage, improve soil health, retain water and increase farm resilience in a changing environment.
heartbeat SOIL HEALTH
Improved soil health and nutrient delivery, reducing mineral fertiliser application.
tint WATER RETENTION
Increased water holding capacity and drainage, reducing runoff and leaching.
thunderstorm-sun CLIMATE PROOF
Increased resistance and resilience to climate change and extreme weather.
atom CARBON STORAGE
Increased carbon storage in the soil and encourages the development of other soil organic carbon.
