The feasibility and costs of biochar deployment in the UK

Abstract

Biochar allows long-term (multi-centennial) soil carbon storage, with potential benefits for agricultural sustainability (e.g., productivity, reduced environmental impacts and water retention). Little is know about the costs of producing biochar and this study attempts to provide a 'break-even selling point' for biochar, accounting for costs from feedstock to soil application and revenues from electricity generation and gate fees. Depending on the assumptions used, biochar in the UK context may cost between GB£-148 t-1 and 389 t-1 (US$-222 to 584) produced, delivered and spread on fields, which is a provisional carbon abatement value of (GB£-144 tCO2–1 to 208 tCO2–1). A negative cost indicates a profit-making activity. The most profitable source of biochar is from wastes, but such materials will face complex regulatory issues and testing.