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Biochar Production in Distributed and Small Scale Projects
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The inclusion of distributed and small-scale projects allow projects in rural and agricultural settings where biomass feedstocks are often abundant, but the infrastructure for its transport to large-scale, centralized facilities is often lacking, cost-prohibitive, or energy-intensive. Localized production of biochar facilitates the conversion of biomass residues into a stable carbon material which may also be an effective soil amendment, which can improve soil health and increase crop yields. This approach aligns with on-farm circular economy principles, where feedstock is sourced from the land and the resulting biochar is deployed back into the same soil, creating a closed-loop or short supply chain system that maximizes both carbon sequestration and local economic benefits.
This section outlines the specific requirements for projects that employ distributed or artisan-scale biochar production units. These projects are characterized by a decentralized network of smaller production facilities, each with a nominal annual biochar production capacity of less than 500 metric tons, although this is not a binding definition of Projects that may qualify under this project type. The primary aim of these provisions is to ensure the same level of data integrity, verifiability, and environmental safeguards as large-scale projects, while accounting for the unique operational challenges of a distributed model.
Due to the potential variability in biochar production operating conditions, which can lead to differences in the physicochemical properties of the resulting biochar and consequently its durability, these projects are only eligible for crediting through the 200 year option of the Biochar Storage in Soil Environments Module.
Isometric will not credit Projects using unmodified pit, flame curtain or Kon Tiki style kilns. These styles of kiln are ineligible due to the difficulty in measurement and quantification of carbon losses through gaseous emission, namely due to the lack of chimney or stack. The quality of the biochar produced may also be influenced by the environmental conditions, such as relative humidity and rainfall. Additionally, the risk of high CH4 emissions, particularly from the improperly prepared i.e. moist feedstock or an inefficient pyrolysis event, is increased. Although CH4 has a GWP100 of 28 and is a relatively short-lived GHG, it has a GWP20 of ~86 CO2e, therefore its impact on the total project on the carbon removal potential of a project is likely to be considerable, and may even render a Project net-emitting.
A single, legally-recognized entity (an individual or organization) must be designated as the Project Proponent. This entity is responsible for all aspects of The Project, including:
A robust dMRV system is required to ensure the traceability and integrity of data from each distributed unit. The system must allow secure data collection, transfer and storage accessible only by Project Proponent and accredited verifiers (i.e., the Validation and Verification Body (VVB)) and Isometric. For example, this must involve:
The Project Proponent is responsible for checking data and investigating any anomalies and or flagged instances and providing justification before data is submitted for verification.
Each distributed unit must be equipped with sensors and have an established monitoring framework to ensure accurate quantification of carbon removal, including:
[/R-1XCV-0]Feedstock moisture content is well documented to cause inefficient pyrolysis, leading to increases in CH4 emissions, while feedstock moisture below 15% is shown to significantly reduce CH4 emissions1. Thus, to mitigate the risk of high CH4 emissions, feedstock preparation is critical. As such The Project Proponent must:
[/R-NJ8G-0]A "batch" of biochar for a distributed unit in a single location may be grouped from multiple production batches if they meet the following criteria:
If Project Proponents wish to operate a model whereby the operators receive money for the biochar produced then Project Proponents must clearly evidence how this does not incentivize biochar production volume, but instead the outcome of the production, e.g., the quality and durability of the biochar created, for example only being paid for certified carbon removal.
[/R-WVZT-0]To ensure the safe, efficient, and standardized production of biochar, all kiln operators and supervisors must undergo comprehensive training before engaging in production activities. Training must be documented in the PDD and cover at minimum; safe operation of the kiln, health, safety and environmental standards, and measurement and record keeping.
[/R-GGVF-0]Additionally, to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and credibility of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) data, there must be a clear separation of responsibilities between individuals involved in biochar production and those responsible for data review and reporting. This separation helps mitigate risks of conflicts of interest, intentional data manipulation, and unintentional reporting errors.
Operators:
Supervisors:
Operators and supervisors should undergo refresher training at least during the duration of The Project, or whenever there are significant changes to kiln technology, data collection tools, or crediting methodologies.
To ensure the integrity of the data and project operations, the VVB will conduct on-site visits.
Cornelissen, G., Sørmo, E., Anaya de la Rosa, R. K., & Ladd, B. (2023). Flame curtain kilns produce biochar from dry biomass with minimal methane emissions. Science of The Total Environment, 903, 166547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166547↩