Verra, a leading carbon standards body, has registered its first biochar carbon removal project in India’s Odisha state. The project, named Project Reignite: Turning Farm Waste into Climate Action, is a pioneering initiative that could remove 110,760 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, marking a significant advancement in biochar technology for large-scale carbon dioxide removal.
Close-up of an Indian man's hand holding pieces of a biochar, with green forest in the background. AI generated picture.
The project, identified under VCS4679, involves 5,000 farmers and was developed by SRCNatura Sure Pvt Ltd. Verra's biochar methodology, first released more than two years ago, has faced some initial challenges. However, this registration represents a major milestone for the biochar sector, which is still dominated by the standard Puro.earth.
Read more: Introducing biochar: a new innovative carbon storage solution
Several other organisations, including Isometric and Climate Action Reserve, have also introduced their own biochar methodologies in recent years. Verra’s current project uses version 1.1 of its VM0044 methodology, but a significant update is expected next year. Version 2 will address complexities raised by developers and include provisions for retrofitting biochar facilities and utilising new sources of biomass feedstock.
Verra’s efforts to revise the protocol aim to resolve issues such as the permanence of biochar in soil and the controversial ‘purpose-grown biomass’ concept, which complicates the proof of additionality—proving carbon finance is essential for project success. Despite South Pole, a major developer, announcing plans to scale biochar projects in 2022, none have been launched yet.
Read more: Biochar market analysis: pricing insights and global trends
Biochar is produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic material in an oxygen-free environment, preventing degradation and allowing it to sequester carbon. Verra’s project could help catalyse broader adoption of biochar technology worldwide.
At DGB Group, we are excited about the potential of biochar as a transformative nature-based solution. By capturing carbon, enhancing soil health, supporting ecosystem restoration, and tackling waste management challenges, biochar offers a pathway to sustainable development and a greener future. Together, we can harness the power of nature to build a more resilient and sustainable world.
