A look at two biochar production methods and their potential for effective and scalable carbon removal
Blog by Nikita Skopincev and Lia Flury
Biochar’s permanence and additional environmental benefits make it a game changer for ambitious businesses who want to go the extra mile in climate action. That’s why more and more companies are taking climate action by supporting biochar projects with carbon removal credits. However, many are unaware that there are different biochar production methods available today. But is there a difference in quality or climate benefits? We’re taking a closer look at both: industrial-scale and distributed small-scale artisanal biochar.
Industrial vs. artisanal biochar – What’s the difference?
Industrial-scale biochar production
Industrial biochar projects maximize output by producing biochar at large scale with advanced pyrolysis technology and centralized, high-standardized operations. They use fully automated systems and highly controlled processes as well as data collection sensors for detailed process tracking.
This allows for continuous biochar production and comprehensive monitoring. Industrial production is highly scalable due to its centralized operations and broader market reach potential, but it also requires significant capital investment. To date, projects of this type are located primarily in Europe or North America.
An example of industrial-scale biochar production: CARBONITY Project
At First Climate, we are working to further scale industrial-scale biochar projects with our pioneering Swiss Biochar Program and the first-of-its-kind CARBONITY Project in Canada; a joint venture between Airex Energy, Groupe Rémabec and SUEZ. Biochar production at the CARBONITY plant started operations in 2024 with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of biochar. By 2026, production will triple; by 2035, a total of 350,000 tons of biochar will be produced. The production plant uses residues from sustainably managed forest and sawmill residues to create European Biochar Certificate (EBC) certified biochar. Due to its size, this project will have a lasting impact on the development of the global biochar market and increase the available supply in the long term.
When the plant reaches full production capacity, the new CARBONITY biochar production facility in Port Cartier, Quebec, will be the largest plant of its kind in North America and among the largest biochar projects in the world certified to issue carbon removal certificates.
In the role as carbon asset manager, First Climate ensures that the project meets international carbon sequestration standards and is also responsible for the overall certificate management. By marketing the carbon credits from the CARBONITY project, we offer clients the unique opportunity to invest in a forward-thinking technology.
Artisanal biochar production
Artisanal biochar production is especially emerging in countries of the Global South. Compared to industrial-scale operations, this production type is community-based, and focuses on small-scale, traditional methods typically utilized by smallholder farmers. Artisanal biochar initiatives follow a decentralized or distributed approach, tailoring each initiative to address the unique needs of rural communities. Artisanal production fuses traditional char production practices with modern sustainable techniques like pyrolysis. Using manual methods such as soil pits or trench kilns, locally available biomass resources, such as cotton stalks, rice straw or paddy straw, are transformed into biochar. Many projects work with local farmers to equip them with the necessary tools and technology for biochar production.
Artisanal projects have an immediate, direct impact on local communities, providing biochar at low or no cost and creating jobs in remote areas. In contrast to industrial-scale projects, artisanal projects have low initial investment and operational costs due to locally available biomass resources. With one third of the world’s food being produced by smallholder farmers, there is large potential for biochar production in rural, low-income areas across the Global South. Distributed artisanal methods are an effective and sustainable solution in regions that have an abundance of biomass from waste but lack the infrastructure for industrial biochar production. This can, increase adoption rates of producing biochar and pave the way for a gradual scale-up of biochar technology.
Because there are many individuals involved, artisanal projects require more effort to install a reliable system for traceability. Introducing comprehensive data collection and thorough digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) systems tailored to the realities of small-scale production, is especially important. Rapid scalability of artisanal production can be achieved with an established local partner, a large network of smallholder farmers and direct community involvement.
An example of artisanal biochar production: Odisha Project
To learn more about artisanal biochar production in practice, take a look at our previous “Unearthed” blog on an exciting biochar project in rural Odisha, India.
Is there a difference in the biochar’s quality or climate benefits?
From our experience developing projects, many companies interested in durable carbon removal projects often view artisanal biochar with skepticism compared to established industrial-scale initiatives. Most concerns involve biochar quality or the scope of monitoring systems.
The truth: Artisanal biochar has the same significant potential as its industrial-scale counterpart to reduce and store atmospheric carbon. The quality of the biochar, and its carbon storage permanence are determined by how a project is managed, rather than which technology is used. For both artisanal and industrial biochar projects, it is crucial that they follow proper procedures to ensure that technical standards and methodological guidelines are met. Among the most important factors are maintaining a stable pyrolysis temperature and using dry, pre-treated feedstock. Regardless of whether a project uses industrial or artisanal methods, it is essential to ensure robust traceability and effective dMRV systems. Industrial-scale projects may find continuous monitoring easier to implement, but similar systems can be adapted for artisanal biochar initiatives.
How we ensure high quality of our biochar projects
From artisanal to industrial scale biochar production: Quality is our priority! That’s why First Climate only supports biochar carbon removal projects and carbon credits that have thorough dMRV and fulfil the production quality requirements of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC)/World Biochar Certificate (WBC) or the International Biochar Initiative (IBI). Alongside developing our own biochar programs such as the Swiss Biochar Program, First Climate guides project owners through the certification process under the highest standards and supports them throughout the MRV process. The main standards currently available for registering artisanal and industrial biochar removal projects are VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) and CSI (Carbon Standards International). Puro.Earth and Isometric are additional carbon standards for certifying industrial-scale biochar projects only.
First Climate cooperates with various projects for industrial and artisanal biochar production around the globe. Our partners entrust us with ensuring the integrity, quality, and climate benefits of their projects. We do our due diligence by regularly traveling to projects all over the world and it is always super exciting for us to gain first-hand insights into the different biochar approaches and to see the direct impact generated on the ground!
What can we expect from biochar carbon removals in the future?
The biochar sector is likely to evolve significantly in the coming years, driven by technological innovation, increasing demand for carbon removal solutions, and a stronger alignment of biochar projects with global sustainability goals. Both artisanal and industrial biochar projects will play essential roles in this growth. As technology evolves, we can expect further advancements in automation, monitoring, and AI-driven systems for both industrial and artisanal biochar projects.
Would you like to know more about supporting effective carbon removal technologies like biochar?
Get in touch with us today!
About the authors
Nikita Skopincev is a Junior Project Manager at First Climate Projektentwicklung GmbH, working in both the Technical Removal Solutions team and the Nature-Based Solutions team. His current focus is on biochar projects and early-stage carbon dioxide removal initiatives.
With an academic background in Geosciences and Materials Science, specializing in Mineralogy and Cement, Nikita brings valuable expertise to the development and implementation of innovative climate action projects.
Lia Flury is the Head of the Technical Removal Solutions team at First Climate Projektentwicklung GmbH, bringing extensive experience in voluntary carbon markets and carbon dioxide removal.
With a strong academic foundation in Law and Economics (MA), Lia combines strategic insight with on-the-ground expertise, particularly in biochar-based carbon removal solutions. With previous experience working at Climeworks from 2018 to 2022, Lia has a proven track record of driving innovative climate solutions and developing impactful projects across the carbon removal sector.
