Description
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VGrid Energy Systems, Inc. is helping to solve some of the world's most difficult environmental problems.
First, the company’s proprietary and patented technology transforms organic matter, such as waste from agricultural and forestry operations, into clean and sustainable energy. This energy can take the form of electricity, biofuel, hydrogen, or thermal energy production.
Second, as part of VGrid’s innovative process, biomass is converted into a highly stable, porous, and pure form of carbon called biochar which is sequestered in the soil. VGrid biochar stabilizes the carbon from the biomass for generations, rather than quickly releasing it back into the atmosphere if left to die and decompose. In this way, VGrid effectively stops the natural carbon cycle to offset CO2 that is artificially pumped into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels.
In addition to sequestering carbon, biochar addresses several other critical environmental issues. With its high porosity and large surface area-to-volume ratio, VGrid’s biochar significantly improves the water retention and microbial activity in the soil, helping to mitigate the impact of drought and naturally improve the long-term health and productivity of decimated soils. Biochar is also a natural filtration media helping to capture contaminates in water runoff, solid waste leachate, and other areas of point-source pollution. Additionally, biochar enhances the quality of compost, while accelerating the composting process and reducing GHG emissions. Finally, VGrid’s biochar has been shown to improve animal and livestock health as a feed supplement or as an animal bedding deodorizer.
Third, VGrid’s bioenergy process also produces a unique bio-condensate, which is sometimes called wood vinegar or pyroligneous acid. VGrid’s wood vinegar contains natural ‘signaling compounds’ that stimulate seed germination and plant development leading to increased vigor, branching, and productivity. It also helps balance Ph levels by lowering soil alkalinity and, like biochar, it nurtures the colonization of healthy microbes in soil. Recent academic research also points to improved crop yields and the production of fruits and vegetables with stronger and healthier skins, helping to reduce spoilage. It makes iron, and other minerals, available for plants to uptake more readily, by converting iron sulphate to iron acetate (as well as other minerals). In this way, it helps reduce dependence on chemical and synthetic fertilizers.
VGrid’s business model is fueled by four significant revenue streams: energy, biochar, wood vinegar, and CORCs. VGrid offers its technology in a mobile unit that is modular and scalable to closely match both the amount of available biomass and the local market demand for electricity, biochar, and wood vinegar. This approach is not only more efficient and profitable, but it also provides for a lower carbon footprint, since biomass does not have to be transported long distances to a central facility, and the biochar and wood vinegar can be sold and used locally. Energy is also produced on demand and on a much smaller land area compared to large wind and solar arrays.
VGrid’s mobile gasifiers have been operating in the Central Valley of California for several years. Based on three years of field data, the technology has proven its reliability, predictability, and scalability, while validating VGrid’s compelling unit economics.
VGrid Energy Systems is ready to power the new clean energy and carbon capture economy!
Examples of usage
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- Soil amendment: agriculture, horticulture, home gardening, etc.
- Turfgrass management: golf courses, sports fields, parks, etc.
- Soil filtration media: bioswales, site remediation, leachate mitigation, etc.
- Animal health: feed supplements, bedding deodorizers, etc.
Co-benefits
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- Improves long-term soil health
- Reduces watering
- Reduces use of chemical and synthetic fertilizers
- Creates healthier and more productive plants
- Supports sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices
- Filters contaminants from stormwater runoff and leachate
- Improves animal health while reducing methane emissions
Explanation of avoided emissions
VGrid creates clean electricity from pistachio shells. This figure uses 0.24 ton CO2 eq/MWh for California electricity mix for avoided emissions [ton CO2 eq/ton biochar], from United States EPA, Emission Factors for Greenhouse Gas Inventories, March 2018.
Economic acceleration impact
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Carbon finance is vital to both the success of VGrid’s current operations and its future expansion. Revenue generated from CORCs will directly support the company’s ability to scale production, attract new investment, and increase its sales of biochar, all of which will help V-Grid sequester more carbon in the ground.
Audit Information
Compliance to Puro.earth methodology requirements is done by an independent assessor. Their auditor visits the production facility, validates the accuracy of data, including the carbon net-negativity evidence presented in a Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) or Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) report, and issues an audit statement.
Facility ID
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: 643002406801000626, 643002406801000633
Independently verified by
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: 350Solutions, Inc.