As pyrolysis technology improves, it will be increasingly used to produce carbon credits, an important mechanism to quantify carbon sequestration. However, to qualify for these credits, a series of steps must be taken.

The first step is to establish a project that not only produces biochar but also has the possibility of applying the biochar to land. The project must comply with established standards and methodologies, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

Critical in this is a) the definition of the project boundaries, b) the establishment of project fundamentals, such as where the organic material comes from, and c) the definition of the activities that will ensure long-term carbon sequestration.

A comprehensive project design document (PDD) must be prepared. This document will include the technical specifications, monitoring plans, and risk assessments.

To accurately quantify the amount of carbon sequestered, a robust measuring and monitoring system must be implemented. This typically involves soil sampling and analysis to determine the carbon content of the soil over time. The monitoring process must be consistent, precise, and transparent to ensure the integrity of the carbon credits generated. Advanced techniques such as remote sensing, GIS mapping, and data analytics will increasingly be employed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the monitoring process.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the voluntary carbon market, the carbon sequestration project must undergo rigorous third-party verification. Independent auditors, such as designated operational entities (DOEs) accredited by the VCS or Gold Standard, will assess the project’s compliance with the chosen standard. The process ensures that the carbon credits generated are real, measurable, additional, and permanent and the auditors will review the PDD, monitoring reports, and supporting evidence to validate the project’s claims.

Once verified, carbon credits can be registered on a recognised carbon registry, such as the VCS registry or the Gold Standard registry. The registry serves as a platform for tracking the issuance, transfer, and retirement of carbon credits. Each credit is assigned a unique serial number to ensure transparency and prevent double counting. The registration process also involves the payment of required fees and the submission of necessary documentation.

Then, when this process is completed, the carbon credits can be sold to companies or individuals seeking to offset their carbon footprints. The sale of credits can be through direct negotiations with buyers, participation in carbon markets, or engagement with carbon brokers or retailers. The price of carbon credits varies depending on factors such as project type, location, co-benefits, and market demand.

Transparency and Verification

Crucial in this whole process is the maintenance of transparency and the provision of comprehensive information that builds trust and credibility with potential buyers. The integrity of the carbon market is built on continued monitoring and transparency, together with the reporting of performance over time. This involves regular data collection, analysis, and verification to confirm that the project is operating as intended and delivering the expected carbon sequestration benefits. Annual monitoring reports must be submitted to the relevant standard bodies and made available to stakeholders.

Pyrolysis technology can generate high-quality carbon credits that contribute to the global fight against climate change while supporting sustainable waste management and land restoration practices.