Methodology

Biomass carbon removal and storage

RIV-ENGY-02-PYGAS

V1

Overall Available Credits

0

tCOeq

Overall forecasted delivery

151112

tCOeq

Most used mechanism

Removal

Last Update

September 7, 2023

using this methodology

5

Projects

Biomass carbon removal and storage

About the methodology

Fossil fuels power much of our energy needs yet account for 75% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biomass offers a carbon-neutral alternative when used for bioenergy and can even be carbon-negative in biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) processes. Some systems also produce biochar, a co-product that can sequester carbon for hundreds to thousands of years.

This methodology focuses on BiCRS technologies, particularly gasification and pyrolysis, and explores syngas, bio-oil, and biochar as co-products, using biomass and organic waste as feedstock.

Biomass carbon removal and storage

September 7, 2023

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V1

Technology

Quantification graph

The eligible technologies for the biochar methodology under the Riverse Standard include:

Gasification: This high-temperature process involves the partial oxidation of organic materials in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen (or air) and/or a gasification agent such as steam or carbon dioxide.

Pyrolysis: This thermal decomposition process occurs in the absence of oxygen. Biomass is heated to high temperatures, resulting in the production of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas.

These processes yield various co-products including syngas, bio-oil, and biochar. Biochar is particularly focused on due to its significant potential for carbon sequestration. Syngas can be utilized for generating electricity and heat, or for producing chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels. Bio-oil can be refined into biofuels or used in chemical processes.

These technologies and processes ensure that the project aligns with goals related to carbon sequestration and the production of renewable energy and chemicals, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar was recognized in the latest IPCC report AR6 as a solution for enhancing carbon sinks.

Scientific approach

Quantification

Quantification graph

The BiCRS model quantification takes into account every part of a project-based comparative life-cycle assessment.

The methodology quantifies carbon removals and GHG emissions avoided compared to baseline scenarios using the ISO 14064-2 standard. All projects must submit detailed life cycle assessments (LCAs) to accurately quantify emissions.

Key aspects include:

Baseline Scenario:

  • Assumes no biochar production, with biomass either left to decompose or burned, resulting in higher emissions.
  • May include emissions from conventional waste treatment or energy production methods.
  • Based on publicly available data and accepted emission factors for specific feedstock and region.

Project Scenario:

  • Encompasses all processes in biochar production, from feedstock collection to pyrolysis or gasification, and the application or storage of biochar.
  • Carbon storage calculations depend on the use of the co-product (e.g., concrete amendment, fertilizer, soil injection).
  • Project emissions are derived from LCAs submitted by developers, detailing emissions throughout the biochar production and utilization cycle.
  • Considers emissions reductions from avoided biomass decomposition or burning, and potential additional benefits like soil improvement and reduced fertilizer use.

Calculations:

  • Emission Reductions: Calculated by subtracting GHG emissions in the project scenario from those in the baseline scenario, encompassing upstream and downstream emissions for a comprehensive assessment.
  • Carbon Storage: Biogenic carbon stored in biochar is quantified, and removal credits are issued if carbon storage is expected to last at least 100 years. Project-specific LCAs verify carbon content and stability over time.

Main Scientific Resources:

  • Woolf et al., 2021: Greenhouse Gas Inventory Model for Biochar Additions to Soil. Environmental Science & Technology, 55, 14795–14805. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02425
  • Shahbaz et al., 2021: A comprehensive review of biomass-based thermochemical conversion technologies integrated with CO2 capture and utilization within BECCS networks. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 173, 105734. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105734
  • Schmidt et al., 2021: Biochar in agriculture – A systematic review of 26 global meta-analyses. GCB Bioenergy, 13, 1708–1730. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12889
  • Joseph et al., 2021: How biochar works, and when it doesn’t: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar. GCB Bioenergy, 13, 1731–1764. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12885
  • Wernet et al., 2016: The ecoinvent database version 3 (part I): overview and methodology. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 21, 1218–1230. DOI: 10.1007/s11367-016-1087-8

Core criteria of the methodology

GHG quantification
Permanence
Additionality
Environmental Do No Harm
Leakage
Monitoring & Verification

Compliance

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Calculation

We adhere to the ISO14064-2 standard to accurately quantify GHG emissions reductions and sequestration. Our approach ensures that all calculations are transparent, consistent, and reliable.

Project Reporting

All our projects must comply with the General Standard Rules in accordance with ICVCM and ICROA requirements. This ensures the highest level of integrity and transparency in our reporting processes.

Audit and Verification

Every project undergoes rigorous validation and recurring verification/monitoring audits by accredited Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). This process guarantees the credibility and accuracy of our projects' emissions reductions.

Credit TraceabilitY

Our registry offers end-to-end traceability for the lifecycle of our credits, preventing double counting or double claiming. This system ensures that each credit's history is fully transparent and accountable.

Projects using this methodology

Overall Available Credits

0

tCOeq

Cobenefits most found in the projects

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

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Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

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Eligibility criteria

A collage with Riverse methodologies images

All projects must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

General Criteria:

  • Measurability
  • Reality
  • Additionality
  • No Double Counting
  • Co-benefits
  • Substitution
  • Leakage
  • Technology Readiness Level
  • Target Alignments
  • Minimum Impact

Specific Scope for Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage Projects:

Each project must demonstrate that it does not cause significant social or environmental harm in the following areas:

  • Excessive harvesting of agricultural products/byproducts for feedstock inputs leading to a reduced amount of soil organic carbon returned to the soil after harvest.
  • Use of virgin forest wood or dedicated crops as feedstock leading to competition for food and agricultural lands, deforestation, and decreased circularity.
  • Unsustainable procurement and usage of feedstock posing a threat to environmental degradation.
  • Distant transport of biomass (>500 km).
  • Use of chemical treatment during material production, which could pose health or environmental harms.
  • Presence of heavy metals and other contaminants in biochar applied to agricultural soils due to contaminated feedstock, affecting plant growth as well as rhizosphere microbial and faunal communities and functions.
  • Pollutants emitted into the air during gasification/pyrolysis (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, etc.).
  • Collection and export of organic matter from agricultural fields for gasification/pyrolysis disrupting soil organic matter.
  • Contaminated gasification/pyrolysis residue and ash, improper waste management.

A risk matrix for all projects is assessed and validated during Verification and Validation Body (VVB) audits.

Versioning history

Version management is handled through a system that ensures consistency and traceability of changes.

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