Biochar - systems analysis for climate change
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan - KTH Avdelningen för industriell ekologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 216 690 |
| Project duration | November 2016 - December 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
This project evaluated the energy, climate and environmental impacts of biochar production and use in Sweden, supporting on-going and future projects set in both rural and urban areas. Particular attention was given to the climate change impact of different biochar systems relative to conventional bioenergy systems. Three case studies were performed, studying biochar production at different scales integrated to local energy systems, and biochar use in agriculture but also novel urban products.
Expected results and effects
Results. Three case studies and a methodology were published. The main result is that biochar systems can provide more climate change mitigation than conventional bioenergy systems under specific conditions. Other environmental effects are specific to each biochar application. Expected effects. The results will support future applied research and product development, but also support the decisions of private organizations to invest in biochar production capacity.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was performed mainly via a PhD position. The order of the case studies was decided based on available data and readiness of the partners. All case studies followed the same pattern: system boundary definition workshop, modelling, preliminary result workshop, modelling adjustments, final result workshop, and scientific dissemination. The methodology developed was then converted to on an online toolkit targeting a wide audience.