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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Sustainable biochar systems for a zero emission society

Awarded: NOK 10.0 mill.

Biochar makes it possible to capture significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as stable carbon in the soil. This will slow down the speed of global warming. Biochar is considered carbon-negative because the technology contributes to the long-term storage of carbon in the ground instead of being released as CO2 in the atmosphere. For biochar to be a well-functioning climate mitigation tool in Norway, the technology needs to be more efficient and profitable, and the benefits and limitations of biochar must become better known among potential stakeholders including users and politicians. The goal of the CAPTURE+ project is to develop biochar systems as a tool for realizing the zero-emission society through an interdisciplinary approach for the development, analysis and implementation of biochar in Norwegian agriculture. In collaboration with Skjærgaarden Gartneri in Vestfold, the project has established a demonstration unit for farm-scale production and use of biochar. The demonstrator has contributed to increased learning, awareness and knowledge dissemination to farmers, politicians and the public, and will serve as an important knowledge base for further biochar adoption in Norway. The demonstration day at Skjærgaarden Gartneri in June was an important milestone in the project, with about 70 participants. Professor Stephen Joseph from the University of New South Wales in Australia was one of the speakers and the visitors were given a tour of the farm and a demontration of how the biochar unit works and of various uses of biochar. The project has carried out economic assessments of biochar in the last period. The cost of binding carbon through small scale production of biochar is NOK 793 / tonne of CO2 equivalents. This is lower than Statistics Norway's expected future value of climate measures in the non-quota sector, and less expensive than other current climate mitigation measures in agriculture, such as the production of biogas from livestock manure. It is assumed that medium sized plants can be established in Norway with a cost of approx. 300-400 kr per tonne of CO2, for use of straw or wood chips as raw material. A study on opportunities and barriers for the use of biochar for climate mitigation in Norwegian agriculture has also been completed. Biochar has the potential to contribute significantly to emissions reductions in Norwegian agriculture but faces barriers, including lack of certification, immature and expensive technology, soil uncertainties, and low level of knowledge among potential users. To promote biochar as a climate measure in Norwegian agriculture, it is recommended to establish incentives especially for enhanced information and communication efforts, certification schemes, demonstration and pilot projects, as well as creating niche markets through public tenders. The project has carried out various dissemination activities. In addition to arranging the demonstration day in Vestfold, we co-arranged a biochar seminar in October 2016 and in November 2017 we organized the biochar seminar "Biochar for climate mitigation in Norwegian agriculture - the way forward?" with approximately 40 participants. Results are also communicated through several presentations at national and international arenas, such as the International Biochar Initiatives (IBI) study trip to Stockholm, Øikos seminar, Mære landbruksskoles forskningsdag, Agricultural Directorate's seminar on bio-economy, debate in Nationen and Dagens Næringsliv, video film about the biochar demonstrator at Skjærgaarden Gartneri, project notes and scientific articles and presentations at scientific conferences and workshops. A selection of publications can be found on the project's website: https://www.sintef.no/projects/effective-biocullsystems-for-et-nullutslippsam/

By converting organic matter into biochar, which has a high stability, carbon can remain fixed in soils for several centuries. Carbon sequestration via pyrolysis and deposition of biochar in soil has evolved over the last decade. Biochar is produced by he ating organic material under oxygen-free conditions together with bio-oil and gas that can be used for energy purposes. A significant amount of research has recently contributed to an increased understanding of biochar effects on carbon sequestration, gre enhouse gas emissions and agronomy. However, more research is needed on biochar effects on plant and grain yields, the influence of production technologies on biochar quality and its effect on soil fertility, pyrolysis bio-oil quality and cost reductions. Implementation will further require a combination of substantial innovation, private and public investment, systems of incentives and integration in existing agricultural practices and governance systems. The main objective of CAPTURE+ is to develop bioc har systems as a tool for achieving a zero emission society by applying an interdisciplinary approach for development, assessment and implementation in agriculture and forestry. This is achieved by improving technical, economical, political and social fac tors that currently limit biochar implementation in agriculture and forestry, using biotechnology and nanotechnology to improve the production process, developing scenarios for sustainable biochar systems, establishing a demonstrator platform, ensuring bi ochar quality, engaging stakeholders in implementation paths, and increasing awareness of its potential. The novelty lies in the integration of enabling nano- and biotechnologies to improve the process and ensure enhanced value of end products that may pe rmit large scale adoption. The integration of economic, societal and political analysis, including stakeholder involvement in technology development and implementation is also novel.

Publications from Cristin

Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram