Carbon sink concrete - from potential to tonnes of CO2 equivalent in thousands

Purpose and goal

The overall aim of the project is to contribute to reducing the climate and environmental impact of the construction industry by incorporating charred biomass (biochar) into cement-based building materials and concrete products and create a carbon sink. The project will realise and demonstrate the whole value chain, with locally produced biochar for the project´s application. The aim of the project is to establish a quality assured, traceable (the carbon sink) and commercially viable production flow, and enable the market introduction of the project´s climate-smart products.

Expected effects and result

Mapping of the necessary pyrolysis settings for the project´s residual streams, including waste wood, has been completed. Recipes have been refined and requirements for input biochar clarified. On the basis of technical tests carried out on construction and concrete products, the classification and appropriate use has been determined. The project´s demonstration of the entire value chain, as well as a feasibility study for further scaling up, will lead to knowledge enhancement and a broadening of the market for biochar-based solutions.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is divided into five work packages that address different parts of the value chain and explore the conditions for further scaling up. These are; 1) Pyrolysis technology - adapted for recycled wood 2) Biochar preparation - for optimisation of biochar properties 2) Cement reduction - by addition of biochar and/or ash from pyrolysis 3) Material and product testing - for market introduction 4) Scaling up - with feasibility study of multi-fold biochar production capacity 5) Market and communication - including conference and seminars during the project period.