Presenter: Prof. Ondřej Mašek, Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies, UK Biochar Research Centre, University of Edinburgh
Discussant: Pinar Derin Gure, Middle East Technical University
On 26th March 2024, the C-SINK consortium gathered for the project’s second research seminar.
This presentation explored the multifaceted role of biochar in the context of climate change, delineating its production processes, diverse applications, current deployment status, and the challenges that impede its widespread adoption.
Background
The escalating climate change crisis necessitates innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate anthropogenic carbon emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from the thermal decomposition of organic materials in an oxygen-limited environment, emerges as a promising tool in this endeavour.
In this seminar, biochar production is examined, highlighting the operational parameters influencing its yield and quality. We elucidate how the physicochemical properties of biochar can be tailored for specific applications, thereby maximising its environmental and economic benefits. In agriculture, biochar’s application improves soil health, increases water retention, and enhances crop yield while reducing the need for chemical fertilisers, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In construction, biochar is incorporated into building materials to reduce their carbon footprint and improve indoor air quality. Environmental management applications of biochar include water treatment and remediation of polluted sites through its adsorptive capacities.
Despite its potential, the deployment of biochar faces significant challenges. These include economic viability, scalability of production, and regulatory frameworks. The presentation addresses these challenges, offering insights into current research and development efforts aimed at overcoming these barriers.
