Our Projects

Rhine

The beginning –
Carbon Removal Site Rhine

2018

The beginning –
Carbon Removal Site Rhine

2018 saw the construction of our first carbon removal plant with three BCR systems and a capacity of around 1000 t/a carbon credits. This plant has helped lay the foundation for the efficient operation of carbon removal projects worldwide, allowing us to research and experiment with different input materials and pretreatments, post production, as well as energy utilization.

The beginning –
Carbon Removal Site Rhine

Thus, building expertise in plant design and operation and the skeleton of what we do: our distribution channels and customer base for the biochar. The surplus heat of the system is transferred to a nearby construction site.

Further Project Information

FAQ

How do we capture CO₂ by carbonizing organic material?

A pyrolysis plant, such as the PX1500 from PYREG, is designed for the controlled carbonization of biogenic residues into biochar. In this process, biomass is first degassed and then converted into carbon under pressure and temperatures of 500 °C-750 °C with the greatest possible deprivation of oxygen.

This process prevents a large proportion of the captured CO₂ from escaping into the atmosphere. One metric ton of biochar sequesters around 2.5-2.8 metric tons of CO₂eq, depending on the carbon content and further use.

Our pyrolysis process essentially produces two products, which can then be stored in different ways: a solid form of carbon, namely biochar, that, for example, serves as a soil conditioner and forms a permanent carbon sink. The second product is process heat (pyrogases), which is a regenerative energy source for further heat utilization.

What is biochar?

Biochar is produced by thermal carbonization (pyrolysis) of biomass such as waste wood, hedge trimmings as well as other biogenic residues e.g. from the food industry. Due to its porous structure and high internal surface area, biochar can store water or nutrients and be used as a filter material. These properties make it a true all-rounder that can play an important role in agriculture, industry and construction, for example.

What makes biochar a soil improver?

Biochar supports the additional build-up of humus in the soil and prevents the leaching of phosphorus and nitrate. It also reduces nitrous oxide emissions on agricultural land and minimizes the need for irrigation. In addition, the resistance of plants to fungal diseases is increased. As an additive in the earth industry, biochar can replace peat and thus contribute to the preservation of peatlands, whose degradation in peat extraction causes methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is around 28 times more harmful to the climate than CO₂.

What can biochar be used for?

Novocarbo’s biochar is mainly used as a soil conditioner, peat substitute in the earth industry, or in stormwater management for blue-green infrastructure projects. In addition, biochar replaces fossil or high emission resources in industry. Examples here include molded parts, housings and functional parts made of plastic, floor coverings or use as concrete aggregate. Novocarbo’s goal is to accelerate the active decarbonization of the industry with its economically viable products.

Find all frequently asked questions here.