Biochar is a very heterogeneous product depending on the organic input material, the temperature during pyrolysis, and the post-treatment. LUCRAT GmbH has conducted intensive research in close cooperation with universities, the German Biomass Research Center, and the Robert Boyle Institute to find out which biochar is suitable for which purpose. In the present case, it is the application of specific biochar with EBC certification in the biogas process.

The biochar is pyrolyzed exclusively from hardwoods, particularly from beech at high temperatures. In this way, the carbon is particularly well fixated, and at the same time, the capillary structure of the biochar is preserved. In the biogas process, biochar is used to reduce the addition of toxic trace elements such as cadmium or molybdenum, but above all, to homogenize the process biology and make it less sensitive to harmful influences.

After the biochar has been used in the fermenter, it runs as a by-product stream and ends up in the so-called digestate. Based on German legislation, this is inevitably incorporated into arable land so that biochar represents a permanent carbon sink. However, the effect of biochar does not end at this point. Rather, in addition to the pure sink, numerous other added values are associated with the product. For example, the Biochar stores water, resulting in a more reliable crop yield during dry phases, the Biochar provides nutrients in the immediate root zone and helps the additional humus formation in the soil. In addition, biochar reduces the need for fertilization with mineral products (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).

The carbon credits available here were traded by LUCRAT GmbH and used exclusively in Lower Saxony (Germany) in the biogas industry and subsequently brought into the soil in the immediate vicinity of the plants. The documentation for each ton of CO₂eq will be specific in amount and cradle-to-grave way of using the biochar.