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UK Biochar Research Centre
Charchive Standard Biochars

Welcome to the UKBRC

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the thermal decomposition of organic biomass under low oxygen conditions. As a leading Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology, biochar plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon while offering significant benefits for soil health, water retention, and nutrient management. Its versatility makes biochar a powerful tool across various sectors, including sustainable agriculture, construction, and environmental management. Find out more about biochar

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Since its establishment in 2009, the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) has been at the forefront of biochar research. Based within the School of GeoSciences at The University of Edinburgh, UKBRC collaborates with leading global academic institutions, industry partners, multinational companies, and SMEs, including our own spinout companies. These partnerships drive innovation and expand the practical applications of biochar across multiple disciplines. Find out more about UKBRC.

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Our research spans a wide range of applications, including:

  • Use of Biochar in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry: Examining biochar’s role in improving soil fertility, enhancing crop yields, promoting sustainable land management, and supporting reforestation efforts.

  • Environmental Management and Remediation: Leveraging biochar’s ability to remediate contaminated soils, manage waste, and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

  • Biochar in Construction Materials: Exploring how biochar can be integrated into concrete, asphalt, and other building materials to enhance durability, reduce carbon footprints, and improve insulation properties.

  • Biochar in Polymers: Investigating the incorporation of biochar into polymers to create stronger, more sustainable materials for various industrial applications.

  • Use of Biochar in the Built Environment: Evaluating the role of biochar in urban planning and infrastructure, including its use in green roofs, stormwater management systems, and as a component of sustainable building practices.

The UKBRC is committed to advancing the science and practical applications of biochar, with a focus on sustainable production techniques and its diverse uses. Our multidisciplinary research supports the development of robust, science-based policies and practices that contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable resource management.

Explore our latest findings and learn how biochar is shaping the future of climate resilience and sustainable development.

Latest News & Developments

Afforestation, BECCS and Biochar Synergy (ABBS) project launch

The ABBS project is tackling the urgent challenge of global temperature rise by pioneering a novel synergy between BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage), biochar production, and afforestation/reforestation efforts. Supported by the CO2RE programme, this initiative aims to enhance carbon sequestration while supporting global Net Zero and Zero-Waste goals. By integrating these complementary strategies, the project is designed to maximise the effectiveness of carbon removal technologies while minimising resource competition, offering a promising pathway towards sustainable climate solutions.

Stay tuned as the ABBS project, with CO2RE’s backing, explores new frontiers in carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

01 September 2024

The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal Report – Second Edition Released

The Second Edition of the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report was published on 4 June, highlighting the urgent need to scale up Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods to meet global climate targets. The report emphasises that 7–9 billion tonnes of CO2 per year will need to be removed from the atmosphere by mid-century to achieve the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.

Among novel CDR methods, biochar stands out as the major player, contributing significantly to carbon removal efforts. Its versatility and effectiveness in applications such as soil enhancement, construction materials, and environmental remediation position biochar as a key technology in the global CDR portfolio.

To explore the detailed data and learn more about the role of biochar and other CDR methods, visit stateofcdr.org.

 

04 June 2024

2023 Global Biochar Market Report

Biochar Industry Report Highlights Robust Growth and Future Potential

The 2023 Global Biochar Market Report by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and US Biochar Initiative (USBI) reveals a 91% CAGR in biochar production from 2021 to 2023, with annual output now exceeding 350,000 metric tonnes. Biochar continues to lead in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), accounting for over 90% of delivered carbon credits in 2023. Industry revenues, which reached $600 million in 2023, are projected to grow to nearly $3.3 billion by 2025. The report underscores the need to develop high-quality markets and enhance participation in carbon markets.

Read more: 2023 Global Biochar Market Report

 

25 March 2024

European Biochar Market Report

Biochar’s Growing Role in District and Industrial Heating: New Insights from the 2023/2024 Market Report

The 2023/2024 Biochar Market Report sheds light on the increasing significance of biochar in district and industrial heating systems, offering valuable insights for municipalities targeting net-zero goals. The report explores the installation of biochar production plants up to 2023 and anticipates developments in 2024, with a focus on carbon-preserving applications in various industries, including metallurgy.

Readers will find detailed categorizations of production volumes and future market projections, providing a comprehensive view of the sector’s dynamics.

Download the full report to unlock these insights and more: European Biochar Market Report 2023/2024.

 

20 March 2024

Zoom into Soil webinar and recording

The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) convened a webinar on the subject of biochar last week. If you missed it, there is a recording on the BSSS YouTube channel here. Saran and Hamish teamed up in a one-hour session.

23 January 2023

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Other Recent Content & Updates


Recent Publications

Harnessing green tide Ulva biomass for carbon dioxide sequestration

Authors: Jihae Park, Hojun Lee, Jonas De saeger, Stephen Depuydt, Jana Asselman, Colin Janssen, Philippe m. Heynderickx, Di Wu, Frederik Ronsse, Filip m. g. Tack, Masanori Hiraoka, Lalit k. Pandey, Ondrej Mašek, Yung Hung, Taejun Han
Published in Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology
Read more..

Published: September 2 2024

Re-use of sugarcane residue as a novel biochar fertiliser: Increased phosphorus use efficiency and plant yield

Authors: Bernardo Borges, Mathias Strauss, Priscila Camelo, Saran Sohi and Henrique Franco
Published in Journal of Cleaner Production
Read more..

Published: March 28 2020

Passive CO2 removal in urban soils: Evidence from brownfield sites

Authors: Ehsan Jorat, Mark Goddard, Peter Manning, Hiu Kwan Lau, Samuel Ngeow, Saran Sohi and David Manning
Published in Science of the Total Environment
Read more..

Published: November 18 2019



UK Biochar Research Centre
School of Geosciences
University of Edinburgh
Kings Buildings
Edinburgh, EH9 3JN