Session 1: Exploring the Natural Carbon Cycle: Disruptions and Remedies

First Session of EBI Webinar Series on Biochar’s Permanence with Prof. Hamed Sanei
Topic: Exploring the Natural Carbon Cycle: Disruptions and Remedies with a Focus on the Organic Carbon Cycle and its Connection to Biochars
Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) is gaining importance as a deployable and scalable CDR technology, promoting an array of use benefits. However, biochar’s biggest challenge to date has been around its suitability as a permanent CDR method.
Understanding and defining the permanence of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods is at the forefront of all CDR discussions asking, which method is most effective? More importantly, these discussions shape our choices and investments in CDR methodologies and define our strategy in mitigating climate change.
A peer-reviewed study from 2024 by Sanei et al. of Aarhus University and the Geological Survey of Denmark & Greenland has made significant contributions to demonstrating biochar’s permanent carbon storage capabilities. By proposing a new set of analytical methods and a benchmark defining the permanent carbon fraction in any biochar sample, the authors found that fully carbonized biochar defines the endpoint of the organic carbon cycle. By using the oxidation kinetic reaction model, the authors showed that inertinite biochar has a half-life of approximately 100 million years in a harsh, oxidizing environment. Based on these results, the authors define BCR as a highly durable carbon removal approach.
Access the full paper here: www.biochar-industry.com/2024...