Methodology

Biomass carbon removal and storage

RIV-ENGY-02-PYGAS

V1

Overall Available Credits

0

tCO₂eq

Overall forecasted delivery

151112

tCO₂eq

Most used mechanism

Removal

Last Update

September 7, 2023

using this methodology

5

Projects

About the methodology

Fossil fuels are widely used for energy and are responsible for about 75% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biomass is an alternative energy source that is carbon neutral when used for bioenergy, or even carbon negative when employed in biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) processes. Moreover, some systems produce biochar in addition to bioenergy, which can sequester carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. Many technologies and configurations exist for BiCRS, but this method focuses on gasification and pyrolysis technologies, syngas, bio-oil and biochar co-products, and feedstock inputs of biomass and organic waste.

Biomass carbon removal and storage

September 7, 2023

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V1

Open Documentation

Technology

The eligible technologies for the biochar methodology under the Riverse Standard include:

Gasification: This high-temperature process involves the partial oxidation of organic materials in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen (or air) and/or a gasification agent such as steam or carbon dioxide.

Pyrolysis: This thermal decomposition process occurs in the absence of oxygen. Biomass is heated to high temperatures, resulting in the production of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas.

These processes yield various co-products including syngas, bio-oil, and biochar. Biochar is particularly focused on due to its significant potential for carbon sequestration. Syngas can be utilized for generating electricity and heat, or for producing chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels. Bio-oil can be refined into biofuels or used in chemical processes.

These technologies and processes ensure that the project aligns with goals related to carbon sequestration and the production of renewable energy and chemicals, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar was recognized in the latest IPCC report AR6 as a solution for enhancing carbon sinks.

Scientific approach

Quantification

The BiCRS model quantification takes into account every part of a project-based comparative life-cycle assessment.

Open image

The methodology quantifies carbon removals and GHG emissions avoided compared to baseline scenarios using the ISO 14064-2 standard. All projects must submit detailed life cycle assessments (LCAs) to accurately quantify emissions.

Key aspects include:

Baseline Scenario:

Assumes no biochar production, with biomass either left to decompose or burned, resulting in higher emissions.
May include emissions from conventional waste treatment or energy production methods.
Based on publicly available data and accepted emission factors for specific feedstock and region.

Project Scenario:

Encompasses all processes in biochar production, from feedstock collection to pyrolysis or gasification, and the application or storage of biochar.
Carbon storage calculations depend on the use of the co-product (e.g., concrete amendment, fertilizer, soil injection).
Project emissions are derived from LCAs submitted by developers, detailing emissions throughout the biochar production and utilization cycle.
Considers emissions reductions from avoided biomass decomposition or burning, and potential additional benefits like soil improvement and reduced fertilizer use.

Calculations:

Emission Reductions: Calculated by subtracting GHG emissions in the project scenario from those in the baseline scenario, encompassing upstream and downstream emissions for a comprehensive assessment.
Carbon Storage: Biogenic carbon stored in biochar is quantified, and removal credits are issued if carbon storage is expected to last at least 100 years. Project-specific LCAs verify carbon content and stability over time.

Main Scientific Resources:

Woolf et al., 2021: Greenhouse Gas Inventory Model for Biochar Additions to Soil. Environmental Science & Technology, 55, 14795–14805. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02425
Shahbaz et al., 2021: A comprehensive review of biomass-based thermochemical conversion technologies integrated with CO2 capture and utilization within BECCS networks. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 173, 105734. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105734
Schmidt et al., 2021: Biochar in agriculture – A systematic review of 26 global meta-analyses. GCB Bioenergy, 13, 1708–1730. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12889
Joseph et al., 2021: How biochar works, and when it doesn’t: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar. GCB Bioenergy, 13, 1731–1764. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12885
Wernet et al., 2016: The ecoinvent database version 3 (part I): overview and methodology. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 21, 1218–1230. DOI: 10.1007/s11367-016-1087-8

Core criteria of the methodology

Riverse ensures that carbon financing drives additional climate action by supporting solutions that would not happen without revenue from carbon finance. Carbon credits cannot be issued for activities that would occur regardless.

Regulatory Surplus Analysis:Several European regulations, such as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), Waste Framework Directive, and Circular Economy Action Plan, promote waste treatment and circularity, including the use of agricultural waste as a feedstock input. However, none of these regulations mandate the production of biochar from orchard prunings. This project's activities are not mandated by regulation and would not necessarily occur in the absence of carbon finance support from Carbonfields.

At the EU level, there are currently no regulations requiring the manufacture or use of biobased materials. Therefore, biobased construction material projects are voluntary and not obligatory for compliance.

Barrier Analysis:Biochar projects typically demonstrate additionality through barrier analysis, showing they face financial, technological, or institutional barriers that threaten their operations and can only be overcome with solutions funded by carbon finance. Examples include:

High Upfront Costs: Initial installation of the pyrolysis setup requires significant investment, including machinery acquisition and setup costs for biochar production.
Investment in Advanced Technologies: Projects may plan to upgrade machinery after 2-3 years to convert syngas into liquid biomethane and liquid CO2, which are additional valuable products. However, this upgrade costs nearly four times the initial installation of the pyrolysis setup, posing a substantial financial barrier that can be addressed with revenue from carbon credits.
Revenue Dependency: Carbon credits are expected to contribute 70 to 80% of the project’s annual revenue over the first 15 years when it focuses solely on biochar production. This high dependency underscores the essential role of carbon credits in overcoming financial barriers and ensuring ongoing project viability.

Investment Analysis:Instead of barrier analysis, biochar projects may use investment analysis to demonstrate the need for carbon financing to expand and scale up activities, showing that the investment would not be financially viable without it. Examples include:

Accelerating Manufacturing Processes: Projects may invest in advanced machinery to expedite the conversion of syngas into liquid biomethane and liquid CO2, diversifying and increasing revenue streams. However, the high cost of this upgrade requires revenue from carbon credits to make it economically feasible.
Financial Viability and Cash Flow: With the sale of carbon credits, projects are expected to achieve positive cumulative cash flow by year 7 on average. Without carbon credits, the break-even point extends to year 10, illustrating the critical role of carbon credits in enhancing financial attractiveness and sustainability by accelerating profitability.

Note that for investments in expansion, only the additional activities enabled by the expansion are eligible for Riverse Carbon Credits.

Compliance

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Calculation

We adhere to the ISO14064-2 standard to accurately quantify GHG emissions reductions and sequestration. Our approach ensures that all calculations are transparent, consistent, and reliable.

Our approach

Project Reporting

All our projects must comply with the General Standard Rules in accordance with ICVCM and ICROA requirements. This ensures the highest level of integrity and transparency in our reporting processes.

ICROA accreditation

Audit and Verification

Every project undergoes rigorous validation and recurring verification/monitoring audits by accredited Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). This process guarantees the credibility and accuracy of our projects' emissions reductions.

List of accredited VVBs

Credit TraceabilitY

Our registry offers end-to-end traceability for the lifecycle of our credits, preventing double counting or double claiming. This system ensures that each credit's history is fully transparent and accountable.

Access Registry

Projects using this methodology

Overall Available Credits

0

tCO₂eq

browse in registry

5

Projects

Cobenefits most found in the projects

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Eligibility criteria

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All projects must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

General Criteria:

Measurability
Reality
Additionality
No Double Counting
Co-benefits
Substitution
Leakage
Technology Readiness Level
Target Alignments
Minimum Impact

Specific Scope for Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage Projects:

‍Each project must demonstrate that it does not cause significant social or environmental harm in the following areas:

Excessive harvesting of agricultural products/byproducts for feedstock inputs leading to a reduced amount of soil organic carbon returned to the soil after harvest.
Use of virgin forest wood or dedicated crops as feedstock leading to competition for food and agricultural lands, deforestation, and decreased circularity.
Unsustainable procurement and usage of feedstock posing a threat to environmental degradation.
Distant transport of biomass (>500 km).
Use of chemical treatment during material production, which could pose health or environmental harms.
Presence of heavy metals and other contaminants in biochar applied to agricultural soils due to contaminated feedstock, affecting plant growth as well as rhizosphere microbial and faunal communities and functions.
Pollutants emitted into the air during gasification/pyrolysis (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, etc.).
Collection and export of organic matter from agricultural fields for gasification/pyrolysis disrupting soil organic matter.
Contaminated gasification/pyrolysis residue and ash, improper waste management.

A risk matrix for all projects is assessed and validated during Verification and Validation Body (VVB) audits.

Project Application

Versioning history

Version management is handled through a system that ensures consistency and traceability of changes.

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V1

Sep 7, 2023

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