Articles tagged with "biochar"
India’s Varaha bags $20M to scale carbon removal from the Global South
Varaha, an Indian climate tech startup founded in 2022, has secured $20 million in fresh funding as part of a planned $45 million Series B round led by WestBridge Capital, marking the venture firm’s first climate tech investment. The startup has raised about $33 million in equity, alongside $35 million in project financing and grants, to scale carbon removal projects across Asia and Africa. Varaha focuses on delivering verified carbon removal credits at lower costs by leveraging India’s advantages—such as lower operating expenses, extensive agricultural supply chains, and technical talent—targeting corporate demand for emissions reductions driven by sectors like data centers and AI workloads. Varaha develops carbon removal through four main pathways: regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering, working primarily with smallholder farmers and industrial partners in emerging markets. It has generated over 2 million tons of CO2 removal across 14 projects and issued around 150,000 carbon removal credits through international registries like
energycarbon-removalclimate-techregenerative-agriculturebiocharemissions-reductionsustainabilityMicrosoft taps India’s Varaha for durable carbon removal offtake
Microsoft has entered into a multi-year agreement with Indian startup Varaha to purchase over 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits through 2029. This deal supports Microsoft’s goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030 amid rising emissions driven by its expanding AI and cloud operations. Varaha’s project focuses on converting cotton crop waste, typically burned in fields causing pollution, into biochar—a charcoal-like substance that sequesters carbon when added to soil. The initiative will initially operate in Maharashtra, involving 40,000–45,000 smallholder farmers, and plans to deploy 18 industrial reactors over 15 years, targeting over 2 million tons of CO2 removal during the project’s lifetime. Varaha has rapidly scaled its biochar production, processing 240,000 tons of biomass in 2025 and generating approximately 115,000 carbon credits, a significant increase from the previous year. The startup aims to double this throughput in 2026, leveraging its
energycarbon-removalbiocharsustainable-agriculturecarbon-creditsclimate-changecarbon-negative-technologySpent coffee grounds remove up to 98% of lead and metals from water
Researchers at Loughborough University have demonstrated that spent coffee grounds, both in raw form and as biochar, can effectively remove toxic heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc from contaminated water. By heating used coffee grounds to produce biochar, the team achieved up to 98% removal of lead, with each gram of biochar adsorbing up to 4.9 milligrams of lead. This process is low-cost, sustainable, and enhances the adsorption capacity of the coffee waste while keeping environmental impact minimal. In a complementary study, untreated coffee grounds were shown to effectively remove copper and zinc at low concentrations, offering a simpler, energy-efficient method for water purification. Additionally, blending coffee waste with rice husk improved removal efficiency at higher metal concentrations, achieving over 96% metal removal. These findings highlight the potential of coffee waste as an abundant, affordable, and eco-friendly material for large-scale water treatment, supporting circular economy practices by reducing landfill waste and addressing environmental pollution. The research
materialswater-filtrationbiocharheavy-metal-removalenvironmental-sustainabilitywaste-recyclingadsorption-technologyAltitude Purchases +165,000t Of Carbon Removal From South American Partners Ecogaia & Emisiones Neutras - CleanTechnica
Altitude, a prominent carbon removal financier, has purchased over 165,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal credits (CORCs) from South American partners Ecogaia and Emisiones Neutras. These Argentine facilities utilize advanced pyrolysis technology to convert waste biomass into biochar, a stable carbon form that can sequester CO₂ for over a thousand years. The CORCs are issued and verified through the Puro Registry, ensuring transparency and traceability. This deal not only reinforces Altitude’s position as a leading global buyer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) but also supports projects that improve local waste treatment infrastructure and promote circular economy benefits. The long-term offtake agreement provides financial certainty for project developers, facilitating the scaling of durable carbon removal solutions in South America. Altitude has also been active in other regions, securing 145,000 tonnes of biochar CORCs from Western Africa and significantly expanding its Ascent 1 financing facility from 50,000 to 250,000 tonnes
energycarbon-removalbiocharpyrolysis-technologycarbon-capturesustainable-energycircular-economyCoffee waste turned into eco-friendly concrete, slashes CO2 emissions
Australian researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have developed an innovative concrete mix that incorporates coffee ground waste transformed into biochar, resulting in a material that is both stronger and more environmentally friendly than traditional concrete. By converting spent coffee grounds—an abundant waste stream—into biochar through pyrolysis, the team was able to replace a portion of sand in concrete production. Their experiments showed that substituting 15 percent of sand with coffee biochar increased concrete strength by nearly 30 percent and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by up to 26 percent. Lower substitution rates of 5 and 10 percent also yielded significant CO2 reductions of 15 and 23 percent, respectively, alongside a 31 percent decrease in fossil fuel use and improved impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The process involves heating used coffee grounds to around 350 degrees Celsius to produce a stable, carbon-rich charcoal-like substance that locks carbon within the concrete mix, supporting carbon sequestration. This approach aligns with circular economy principles and Australia
materialssustainable-concretebiocharcarbon-footprint-reductionconstruction-innovationwaste-recyclingeco-friendly-materialsCoffee ground waste into eco-friendly concrete, slashes CO2 emissions
Australian researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have developed an innovative concrete mix incorporating coffee ground waste transformed into biochar, resulting in a material that is both stronger and more environmentally sustainable than traditional concrete. By converting spent coffee grounds—an abundant waste stream in Australia—into biochar through pyrolysis, the team was able to replace a portion of sand in concrete production. Their experiments demonstrated that substituting 15 percent of sand with coffee biochar increased concrete strength by nearly 30 percent while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 26 percent. Even lower substitution rates of 5 and 10 percent yielded CO2 reductions of 15 and 23 percent, respectively, along with a 31 percent decrease in fossil fuel use and improved impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The process involves heating used coffee grounds to approximately 350 degrees Celsius to produce a stable, carbon-rich charcoal-like material that locks carbon within the concrete matrix. This approach supports circular economy principles by diverting organic waste from land
materialssustainable-concretebiocharcarbon-footprint-reductionconstruction-materialswaste-recyclingeco-friendly-building-materialsCO2-grabbing biochar delivers a stronger, denser cement mix
A recent study from Hefei University of Technology reveals that modified biochar, derived from corn-straw waste, can both capture CO₂ within cement and enhance the material’s strength and durability. Cement production is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, accounting for nearly 8%, and current carbon capture methods are often impractical or costly. The researchers focused on biochar’s internal sedimented particles (SP), which exhibit significantly higher CO₂ adsorption than untreated biochar. By applying controlled pyrolysis and alkali modification, they produced a biochar variant (notably MBC500) that promotes internal carbonation and calcite formation, densifying the cement microstructure and improving compressive strength. Extensive testing—including BET surface area analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and mechanical tests—showed that alkali treatment refines biochar’s micropores, enhancing CO₂ adsorption sites despite reducing overall surface area. The SP component demonstrated superior adsorption capacity, with kinetic modeling indicating rapid physical adsorption combined with some
materialsbiocharcementcarbon-captureconcrete-strengthsustainable-constructionCO2-reductionUS develops 3D-printed concrete substitute for rapid construction
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a sustainable, clay-based 3D-printable construction material designed to address both environmental and speed challenges in building. Traditional cement production is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions and requires a lengthy curing time of up to 28 days. The new material uses frontal polymerization with an acrylamide-based binder, allowing it to cure instantly as it is printed. This rapid curing enables the construction of multilayer walls and freestanding structures immediately, reaching residential concrete strength (over 17 megapascals) within three days—significantly faster than conventional concrete. The eco-friendly composite is made primarily from soil, hemp fibers, sand, and biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct that helps sequester carbon, thereby reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional cement. This innovation is particularly promising for rapid shelter construction in disaster-stricken areas, where speed and sustainability are critical. While current costs are higher than standard concrete, the research team aims to reduce expenses and
materials3D-printingsustainable-constructionconcrete-substituterapid-curingbiocharadditive-manufacturingKering-backed fund Mirova pours $30.5M into India’s Varaha for regenerative farming
Mirova, a French climate-focused investment firm backed by luxury group Kering and other major corporations, has invested $30.5 million (€26.4 million) in Indian climate tech startup Varaha to expand its regenerative farming program. This marks Mirova’s first carbon investment in India and is structured uniquely: instead of equity, Mirova provides cash in exchange for a share of carbon credits generated over time. The investment supports Varaha’s Kheti project, which promotes low-emission agricultural practices among smallholder farmers in Haryana and Punjab, aiming to improve soil health and generate verified carbon credits as an additional income source. The project currently covers over 200,000 hectares and plans to scale to 675,000 hectares, reaching approximately 337,000 farmers. Varaha, founded in 2022, operates through a network of 48 local partners and uses software to monitor and verify climate and social outcomes in real time. Its regenerative farming methods focus on practices tailored to India
energyregenerative-farmingcarbon-creditsclimate-techsustainable-agricultureemissions-reductionbiocharAustrian Resort Inaugurates Its Climate-Positive Syncraft Powerplant - CleanTechnica
The Austrian resort Stanglwirt, located in Going am Wilden Kaiser, has inaugurated a climate-positive powerplant developed by Syncraft that converts regional wood residues into electricity, heat, and biochar, a stable form of carbon. Unlike conventional biomass plants that release most carbon back into the atmosphere, this system sequesters carbon long-term, resulting in a net-negative emissions balance. The powerplant supplies renewable energy to the hotel while removing CO₂ from the atmosphere, replacing fossil-based energy imports with a closed-loop system that supports local wood suppliers and responsible forest management. Stanglwirt, a heritage hotel with over four centuries of tradition, is known for its commitment to sustainability, including running an organic farm and horse stables. This installation marks a significant step in integrating renewable energy and permanent carbon sequestration into mainstream hospitality infrastructure, demonstrating that energy-intensive hotels can adopt carbon-removal technologies. Syncraft has already deployed over 45 such systems, with several more under construction, highlighting the growing adoption
energyrenewable-energybiomass-powerplantcarbon-sequestrationclimate-positive-technologysustainable-energybiocharScientists craft biochar from wood waste that rivals steel in strength
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed biochar made from wood waste that exhibits hardness comparable to mild steel, marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials. Their study reveals that the mechanical strength of biochar is highly anisotropic—varying by more than 28 times depending on the testing direction—due to the preserved natural grain and pore structure of the original wood. By heating different wood species, including African ironwood and hemlock, at temperatures between 600 °C and 1,000 °C, the team demonstrated that both wood type and pyrolysis conditions critically influence the resulting biochar’s strength, with African ironwood biochar reaching an axial hardness of 2.25 gigapascals. This research challenges the traditional view of biochar solely as an environmental aid for soil improvement and pollutant cleanup, positioning it instead as a promising structural material for green engineering. The findings highlight that the wood’s intricate pore network—not the carbon itself—drives the direction-dependent mechanical properties,
materialsbiocharsustainable-materialscarbon-materialswood-wastegreen-engineeringstructural-materialsAltitude Finances +120,000t CORCs From Biochar CDR Facilities In West Africa - CleanTechnica
Altitude, a carbon removal financier, has committed to purchasing over 120,000 tons of carbon removal credits (CORCs) from biochar-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) facilities in West Africa. This move highlights Altitude’s strategy to scale durable carbon removal globally, particularly in developing regions with abundant biomass feedstock and significant local benefits such as soil enhancement, waste reduction, and job creation. All projects involved are verified under Puro.earth, a leading registry for engineered carbon removals, signaling strong market confidence in the bankability of long-term carbon removal investments. Biochar CDR technology locks carbon into a stable, solid form, and West Africa’s agricultural and forestry residues, available land, and demand for sustainable soil amendments make it an ideal location for these projects. Altitude’s +120,000-ton financing represents a shift from one-off carbon removal purchases to multi-year, standardized, investment-grade agreements, reflecting maturation in the carbon removal market. With 200,000 tons of carbon
energycarbon-removalbiocharclimate-financesustainable-agriculturecarbon-dioxide-removalclean-technologyAltitude Partners With Greenglow For 50,000+ Tons Of CDRs In Southeast Asia - CleanTechnica
Altitude has partnered with Greenglow to secure over 50,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide Removal Certificates (CORCs) in Southeast Asia, verified through the Puro Registry to ensure transparency and durability. This collaboration supports Altitude’s ambition to become a leading platform for financing carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Greenglow operates carbon hubs that convert agricultural waste and forestry residues into biochar via advanced pyrolysis technology, which sequesters carbon for centuries while enhancing soil fertility, reducing health risks from waste burning, and lowering fertilizer usage and costs. The partnership highlights the growing recognition of biochar as a scalable, verifiable carbon removal solution with significant climate and community benefits. Southeast Asia is identified as a key region for biochar-based CDR, supported by initiatives such as Malaysia’s National Biomass Action Plan 2030. This collaboration enables Greenglow to expand its infrastructure and scale its impact, reinforcing Altitude’s role as a global leader in durable carbon removal efforts.
energycarbon-removalbiocharpyrolysissustainabilityclimate-changeSoutheast-AsiaCarbon Removal India Alliance: India's Carbon & CDR Policy Update H1 - 2025 - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica, curated with the Carbon Removal India Alliance (CRIA), highlights significant advancements in India’s climate policy landscape in the first half of 2025. Key developments include the introduction of mandatory Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) for five high-emission sectors—Aluminum, Iron & Steel, Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemicals, and Textiles. This policy enables entities that exceed targets to earn tradable carbon credits, while those that fall short must purchase credits or face penalties, marking a critical step in operationalizing India’s carbon market. The draft notification is currently open for public comment. Additionally, India and Japan are finalizing a Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, allowing Japanese firms to invest in carbon-reduction technologies in India, particularly in solar energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel. This bilateral cooperation aims to attract international
energycarbon-removalclimate-policycarbon-marketsclean-energydecarbonizationbiocharTerraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar
Terraton aims to revolutionize the biochar industry by applying a franchise-style "business-in-a-box" model similar to McDonald’s approach to burger restaurants. Biochar is a carbon-sequestering fertilizer produced by burning agricultural waste in the absence of oxygen, which stores carbon in soil for centuries while enhancing soil health. The company recently raised $11.5 million in seed funding led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale Capital, with participation from notable investors including Google’s Jeff Dean and OpenAI board member Bret Taylor. Terraton plans to help partners build biochar facilities, replicate successful models, and develop a SaaS platform to operate plants, verify carbon credits, and facilitate sales to large corporate buyers like Microsoft and Google. Terraton’s co-founders highlight that biochar production is currently supply-constrained due to the need for facilities to be located near agricultural waste sources to reduce transportation costs. Each facility can capture roughly 10,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is significant but
energybiocharcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-agriculturecarbon-creditsclimate-technologyrenewable-resourcesBiochar & Rock Dust: Unlocking The Future Of Climate-Smart Agriculture - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the growing interest in two nature-based technologies—Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) and Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)—as promising solutions to decarbonize food systems while delivering multiple agronomic and socio-economic benefits. A new report titled “Unlocking the Future of Climate-Smart Agriculture,” led by Tom Mills, provides a comprehensive analysis of how these technologies can be integrated into agricultural supply chains, particularly in the Global South. The report estimates that BCR and ERW could collectively remove between 1.5 and 2.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually by 2050, while also improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and enhancing farmer resilience against climate shocks. Although biochar is more mature and closer to widespread deployment than ERW, pilot projects are already underway in various regions, demonstrating practical applications across key agricultural value chains such as coffee, cocoa, rice, and sugarcane. Examples include regenerative coffee initiatives in Colombia using biochar and early
energyclimate-changecarbon-removalbiocharrock-dustagriculturesustainabilitySyncraft Opens Clean Power Plant That Provides Electricity, Heat, & CDR
energyclean-energycarbon-dioxide-removalbiomassrenewable-energybiochargasification