CO₂-storage in agriculture using biochar

The purpose of the project is to contribute solution proposals that will support agriculture in the extensive and investment-heavy green transition that the sector is facing. Agriculture and food production account for a large share of Denmark’s greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike other sectors, a significant part of agriculture’s climate emissions is based on natural processes, which require new solutions.

The project will uncover the potential for commercialising the production of biochar based on agricultural residues, which can store large amounts of CO_₂ in the biomass in a long-lasting and stable way. Biochar can, for example, be made from straw, livestock manure, and residues from biogas plants, but it can also be produced from wastewater sludge, with the process contributing to energy production and the use of surplus heat. Using otherwise low-value residual products can create new income streams and provide compensation for CO_₂ capture. In addition, there are side benefits such as improved soil quality and the removal of environmentally harmful substances that occur as part of the production and use of biochar on agricultural land.

The process requires cooperation between agriculture, industry, and the energy sector and opens up new value chains. But there are also challenges and continued knowledge gaps in many areas, which must be addressed before potential investors and market actors can adopt the technology to a level where it becomes a significant part of the climate solution.

Unsure what biochar is? Then read our Q&A here.