T62 Pyrogenic Black Carbon, or Biochar, in Soils and Sediments, Its Characterization and Fate—Its Effects On the Carbon Cycle and Carbon Sequestration, and Its Effects on Soil Properties

Sunday, 31 October 2010
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 601

COMMERCIAL SCALE BIOCHAR AND ENERGY CREATION FOR GHG MITIGATION

Paper number: T62-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:50 PM – 2:05 PM

Authors

Abstract

In order to derive the maximum benefit from Biochar it must be created and used in specific ways. The creation of Biochar must be done in a way that captures the energy created by the Pyrolysis process so that this energy replaces fossil fuel energy and does not enter the atmosphere as methane gas. The Biochar, once created, must be used as a soil amendment in a way that ensures removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Only with this combination of diligence can we insure that Biochar will achieve its intended purpose of reducing Green House Gases in the atmosphere and not increase them instead.

This paper outlines a controlled method for the creation of Biochar that captures all Green House Gases preventing them from entering the atmosphere and making them available for use as a replacement for fossil fuel energy.

Large scale creation of Biochar has the potential for renewable energy production as well as GHG reduction if done in a controlled process, if not it can actually increase GHG emissions.

Analysis of the Biochar created in the pyrolysis process is also discussed along with best use strategies for sequestering the carbon as a beneficial soil additive.