Carbo Culture: defining the future of biochar carbon removal

In the face of escalating climate change, the urgency for innovative solutions to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels has never been more critical. Current global efforts to remove CO2 from the atmosphere total approximately 2 billion tonnes per year. To meet the ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement, however, and to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a significant scale-up in carbon removal capacity is required. It is estimated that we need to increase this capacity by roughly 1,300 times using new technologies, alongside doubling the contribution from natural processes like trees and soils.

Enter Carbo Culture, a pioneering company at the forefront of addressing this monumental challenge. With a mission to harness advanced engineering to scale carbon removal efficiently, Carbo Culture has developed a next-generation system that leverages the process of pyrolysis. This innovative technology converts CO2 from biomass into biochar, a stable form of carbon, effectively locking it away for 1,000 years. Carbo Culture's approach not only addresses the critical need for enhanced carbon removal but also produces renewable energy as a by-product, showcasing a sustainable and multifaceted solution to climate change.

Carbo Culture's vision is ambitious as it is clear: to remove one billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2050. By deploying their technology globally, the company aims to create a number of green jobs, contribute to the green transition, and explore further opportunities for climate mitigation and environmental restoration through biochar applications. Carbo Culture is not just about carbon removal; it's about reimagining our approach to tackling climate change, making Carbo Culture a beacon of innovation in the fight against global warming.

I had the opportunity to speak with Charlotta Liukas, Head of Operations at Carbo Culture to discuss more about what biochar is, how their process is revolutionising biochar production, and their goal for global impact.

Origins:

Henrietta Moon, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbo Culture

The story of Carbo Culture is not just about a company but a vision that sprouted from the minds of two determined co-founders. A decade ago, the concept of carbon removal seemed more like a science fiction dream than a feasible reality. Yet, it was this challenge that the founders, Henrietta Moon (CEO) and Chris Carstens (CTO) decided to tackle head-on. Moon and Carstens believed that there had to be an elegant solution to the carbon problem. Their journey began with a simple question: What is the most logical and practical way to reduce the excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere?

As one the company's first employees, Charlotta reflects on the early days with a sense of nostalgia and pride. She describes the initial phase as more of a mission than a company, highlighting the unwavering focus of the founders on solving the carbon dilemma. Their dedication to the cause, despite the lack of immediate commercial viability, is a testament to their commitment to environmental sustainability.

As the market for carbon removal began to take shape, Carbo Culture found itself at the forefront of a burgeoning industry. The company's proprietary technology, developed through years of research and experimentation, has now positioned the company as a leader in the field. Liukas expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an exciting and impactful venture, emphasising the privilege of working alongside a team that shares a common vision for a greener planet.

Understanding Biochar:

Although 'biochar' was a term I had heard in connection with carbon removal, its actual meaning remained elusive to me. If you, like myself, are curious about its definition, here is a brief explanation of what biochar entails. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the process of pyrolysis, which involves heating organic materials like plant tissue, woody materials, or manures at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process results in a solid residue containing at least 80% elemental carbon.

The origins of biochar date back to the Amazon region, where indigenous people created fertile soils known as terra preta by adding charred organic material. Biochar is known for its ability to enhance soil quality by improving structure, water retention, acidity levels, and microbial properties. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can be used in agriculture to increase crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, biochar plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation by storing carbon in the soil for extended periods, thus reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

The Carbo Culture Method:

At the heart of Carbo Culture's technology is Carbolysis™, a patented pyrolysis method that converts biomass into biochar under high temperatures and pressures, employing unique control methods. Unlike conventional pyrolysis, which often requires significant external heat and can produce undesirable tar liquid end products, Carbolysis™ ensures a highly stable biochar where carbon atoms form stronger bonds than in the original biomass. This process not only prevents the release of carbon back into the atmosphere but also turns all additional oils and tars into syngas, a valuable byproduct, without generating any tar liquid end products. The Carbo Culture website has some fantastic and easy to understand visuals of the process here!

Carbo Culture's method is distinct for several reasons. Firstly, the combination of pressurisation and initial high temperature allows for a consistently high temperature inside the reactor. This efficiency in generating heat internally significantly reduces the need for external energy inputs, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective. Moreover, the modular design of the reactors enables scalability, allowing for the expansion of production capacity to meet industrial demands.

Secondly, the Carbolysis™ process is not just about carbon removal; it's a holistic approach to addressing multiple environmental challenges. The biochar produced has a "positive footprint," contributing to greenhouse gas reductions when used in soils by improving water retention, soil structure, and reducing nitrogen runoff and emissions. Additionally, about half of the energy contained in the biomass is captured and utilised in various applications, contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system.

Carbo Culture's biochar offers a multitude of benefits beyond carbon sequestration. Its application in agriculture can enhance soil health, increase water retention, and improve crop yields. In construction, for example, biochar can be used as a sustainable building material. Moreover, the process of creating biochar generates renewable energy, further supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Growing at Scale:

As Carbo Culture continues to pioneer in the carbon removal space, its journey towards scaling up operations and expanding its market presence is both ambitious and strategic. The company's focus on building new factories and positioning itself in the rapidly evolving voluntary carbon market underscores its commitment to making a significant impact on global carbon reduction efforts.

Carbo Culture is at a pivotal point in its growth trajectory, transitioning from research and development (R&D) scale operations to full-scale industrial plant facilities. This leap represents not only a technological advancement but also a substantial operational and commercial shift. The company's ambition to build facilities capable of producing meaningful amounts of carbon removal on an industrial scale is proof of its commitment to addressing the climate crisis head-on. With a guiding star to remove 1 billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, Carbo Culture’s first steps to achieve this include the construction of multiple reactors across Europe and the United States in the coming decade, with a combined CO2 removal capacity in the hundreds of thousands of tonnes.

The voluntary carbon market, while rapidly gaining legitimacy, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for Carbo Culture. As the market matures, the company finds itself competing not only with other carbon removal technologies but also with traditional carbon offset projects like reforestation. Despite these challenges, Carbo Culture's innovative approach to carbon removal through biochar production is increasingly recognised as a viable and necessary solution to the climate crisis. The company's ability to produce not just carbon offsets but also valuable byproducts like renewable energy positions it favourably in a market that is becoming more discerning and demanding in terms of the quality and permanence of carbon removal solutions.

The shift towards a more varied customer profile, including not just tech companies but also organisations with more significant scope 1 emissions, indicates a broadening market for Carbo Culture's offerings. This diversification, coupled with the potential convergence of voluntary and regulated carbon markets, suggests a promising future for the company's growth and impact. Furthermore, the development of public carbon removal trading systems and certification frameworks, particularly in the European Union, provides an additional avenue for Carbo Culture to contribute to global carbon reduction efforts.

Carbo Culture's vision extends beyond the borders of its current operations in Northern Europe and California. Recognising the global nature of the climate crisis, the company is committed to deploying its technology worldwide, with a particular focus on regions that can benefit most from green technology and job creation. Carbo Culture's regional biochar facilities focus on producing biochar locally and selling it within the community, thereby avoiding the need for global transportation. By engaging in such production and sales, the company ensures that the local people benefit not only from the energy and other advantages of biochar but also actively participate in the value chain beyond being end-users. This approach contributes to reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation while fostering a more sustainable and community-centred biochar production model.

As Carbo Culture continues to navigate the complexities of the voluntary carbon market and scale up its operations, its focus on innovation, scalability, and market positioning will be crucial in achieving its ambitious goal of removing one billion tons of carbon. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Carbo Culture is poised to make a significant impact on global carbon reduction efforts, one biochar reactor at a time.

Fulfilling the Vision:

Charlotta passionately articulates the ongoing need for carbon removal, even in a future where decarbonisation efforts have significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels. "We need to reduce emissions... but then it is likely that we will continue to have this sort of hard to abate emissions," she explains. This acknowledgment of the enduring need for CDR underscores Carbo Culture's commitment to developing solutions that will remain relevant and necessary for decades to come.

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Charlotta underscores the significance of remaining open to various technologies in the CDR space. "The worst thing that you can do is be locked into a single technology," she states, advocating for a technology-agnostic approach to legislation in both the US and EU. This perspective is rooted in the belief that the future CDR solutions we'll need may not even exist today. By avoiding premature commitment to specific technologies, Carbo Culture positions itself to adapt and innovate as the market evolves.

Charlotta’s Perspective:

Charlotta reflects on her journey with Carbo Culture, noting the growth of the team as one of the most rewarding experiences. "It's been really wonderful to see all these new people that we've brought in that have [an] immense amount of skills in different areas and have so much expertise," she shares. Furthermore, the opening of their pilot facility in Finland, with a capacity of 3,000 tons of CO2 per year, stands out as a significant milestone, symbolising the company's transition from concept to operational reality.

Looking ahead, Charlotta is eager to see Carbo Culture scale up its operations. "I'm looking forward to that scale where... we're able to turn out these facilities at a steady pace and be able to actually make an impact.," she says, expressing anticipation for the company's first commercial facility. The prospect of moving from pioneering projects to routine operations and making a tangible impact on carbon removal goals is a source of excitement and motivation for the entire team.

The Exciting Stuff:

For those interested in joining the carbon removals, Charlotta offers encouraging words. "There are literally no carbon removal veterans... most of us in this industry are new to the industry," she explains, highlighting that being early in one's career is not a disadvantage in this emerging field. She emphasises the variety of pathways into the sector, noting that there are many "regular jobs" within carbon removal that can benefit from a wide range of skills and backgrounds. Charlotta adds, “there are so many transferable skills from any part of your life that you can utilise in working in carbon removal.” You do not need to be an engineer to be involved in carbon removals.

Charlotta also believes that these fresh perspectives are invaluable in the climate sector. "Being an outsider in a way or being fresh to the industry can actually be incredibly eye-opening," she states, encouraging the potential of newcomers to question established practices and contribute innovative ideas. The urgency of the climate crisis demands rapid development of the carbon removal industry, and Charlotta sees the diversity of backgrounds as an asset in accelerating progress.

Charlotta Liukas' advice resonates with a sense of optimism and inclusivity, inviting individuals from all walks of life to contribute to the vital work of carbon removal and climate action. Her passion for the mission of Carbo Culture and her belief in the power of collective effort shines through, offering a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.

Carbo Culture's journey towards revolutionising carbon removal and combating climate change is nothing short of remarkable. With their Carbolysis™ technology, they are not just removing carbon; they are reshaping the future of removals. Their goal to remove one billion tons of CO2 by 2050 is evidence of their dedication and innovation in the battle against global warming.

Learn more about Carbo Culture for yourself!

If you would like to learn more about Carbo Culture, you can access their website here - https://carboculture.com/

Feel free to also get in touch with Charlotta - charlotta@carboculture.com

To see more of what they do on the ground, you can follow their Instagram account here - @carboculture

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