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Date: January 20, 2026
Biochar carbon removal
As carbon removal becomes an increasingly important part of climate strategies, companies are looking for solutions that are practical, scalable, and easy to understand.
One such solution is biochar.
Biochar converts biomass into a stable, carbon-rich material and stores carbon for long periods of time. It is increasingly recognised as a scalable, asset-based carbon removal solution with growing commercial deployment and near-term delivery potential.
What is biochar
Biochar is a solid material created by heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis.
As plants grow, they absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When that biomass is converted into biochar, a significant share of the carbon becomes chemically stable and resistant to decomposition.
In carbon markets, biochar is classified as carbon dioxide removal (CDR) because it removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it in a durable, physical form.
How biochar works
Step 01: Biomass growth
Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere as they grow, converting it into carbon-rich biomass.
Step 02: Conversion to biochar
The biomass is heated under reduced oxygen conditions, converting part of the carbon into stable biochar.
Step 03: Carbon storage
The biochar is applied in approved use pathways, where the carbon remains stored for long periods.
Step 04: Measurement and verification
Carbon storage and lifecycle emissions are measured and verified, confirming net removal.
The net effect is negative emissions: CO₂ that was once in the atmosphere is removed and stored in a stable solid form.
Why invest in biochar carbon removal
- Real carbon removal: Removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it.
- Clear storage logic: Carbon is stored in a solid product that can be tested and traced.
- Built for scale: Modular, repeatable projects suited for commercial deployment.
- Procurement-friendly: Can be contracted around volumes, delivery, and documentation.
Climate impact
Biochar climate impact is calculated as net carbon removal: stored carbon minus lifecycle emissions from sourcing, transport, processing, and use.
Verified projects show that biochar can store multiple tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of biochar, depending on feedstock and process performance.
Co-benefits
- Improved soil properties in some applications
- Product value supporting long-term project operation
- Better use of biomass residues
Why biochar matters for decarbonisation
Reducing emissions alone is not enough to reach net zero. Carbon removal is required to address residual emissions.
Biochar removes existing CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it in a durable physical form using proven, scalable project designs.
Benefits and challenges
Benefits
- Durable carbon storage
- Clear measurement and verification
- Scalable, asset-based deployment
- Simple and explainable mechanism
Challenges
- Requires good biomass sourcing
- Needs proper measurement and documentation
- Quality depends on process control
How Pure Carbon Partners helps
Successful biochar projects are built on execution, feedstock access, and clear offtake structures.
- Identification of high-quality biochar projects
- Review of methodologies and documentation
- Structuring of purchase and offtake agreements
- Support around delivery and verification
Our role is to make biochar procurement simple, credible, and scalable.
Conclusion
Biochar is one of the most straightforward ways to invest in durable carbon removal today.
It removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, stores it in a stable solid form, and delivers a clear, verifiable climate benefit.
References
- IPCC, AR6 Working Group III, Chapter 12.
- Puro.earth Biochar Methodology (Edition 2025).
- European Biochar Certificate (EBC), Carbon Sink Guidelines.
- Puro.earth Facility and Output Reports.
- The Biochar Blueprint: A developer’s guide to scale.
Author: Thomas Munch, Founder, Pure Carbon Partners
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