The Biochar Economy
Concept: Broadly, this refers to various products and processes dealing with biochar, either in its production, transport or end use. Biochar is a carbon-negative product, i.e. its production takes carbon out of the atmosphere and puts it into a form that is stable in soil for a long time. This is an exothermic process: while it does not yield as much energy as full gasification or combustion, it still gives of some useful energy. The idea behind the "Biochar Economy" is to try to embed biochar production into as many processes as possible. This concept faces the challenge that it is considered "less efficient" when only energy release per biomass is concerned. A change in mind set towards a carbon negative economy (example: 350.org) is therefore required for this to become widely accepted and used. The products listed below would be too expensive under the current paradigm but more economical if the costs of climate disruption are internalized.
Specific Products
- steam powered wood chipper
- open source steam weeder
- steam powered automobile (pyrolysis unit to boil steam)
- The "Charvester": a biochar producing tractor
- biochemicals from pyrolysis
- Aerial ropeways for biochar transport