Key Project Data

• Type of project info
  Expansion of existing facility or site
• Carbon removal methodology info
  Biochar
• Durability of carbon removal in years (number) info
  1000
• Co-benefits info

  In addition to the climate mitigation the biochar we produce is helping to resolve waste management issues in Peru, see: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-021-05159-6)

  Further, the biochar formulation we have developed is optimised specifically for the immobilisation of the heavy metals such as cadmium.  Cadmium is a serious problem in Peruvian agriculture because the EU recently established new limits for cadmium content in Cacao and other agricultural products (see Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006).  The biochar formulation we have developed has been verified as effective for addressing this specific issue via highly transparent, large scale field trials being managed by Bioversity International, implemented by the Cacao Cooperatives, and financed by a wide range of funders, including Usaid: 

  https://www.bioversityinternational.org/news/detail/cadmium-in-peruvian-cacao-framing-the-problem-and-investigating-solutions/ 

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) info
• Production facility country info
  Peru
• Site visits are possible info
  Yes
• Certifications or assessments info

  The following life cycle assessment provides clear insight into the current levels of climate change mitigation we are achieving with our current production:

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-021-05159-6

  In addition, we have produced over 400 tonnes of biochar that has been included in large scale agricultural trials being led by Bioversity International and funded by UsAid (and others) in which the efficacy of our biochar formulation for soil remediation has been established using the highest possible scientific standards:

  https://www.bioversityinternational.org/news/detail/cadmium-in-peruvian-cacao-framing-the-problem-and-investigating-solutions/

   

• Planned start date of construction info
  01/03/2022
• Planned start date of production info
  09/10/2022
• Annual carbon removal capacity in tCO2e (number) info
  3500
• Additionality info

  CORCs will give us working capital needed to upscale production faster than would be possible using sales revenues alone, which will mean more climate change mitigation more quickly.  CORCs will also allow us to retrofit our existing production technology with emission control technology. Further, as mentioned the biochar formulation we have developed has been verified as highly effective for remediating cadmium affected soils. The CORC revenue will not only be used for upscaling production capacity (and therefore lowering unit costs for end users), it will also be used to offer a discounted biochar product to cooperatives that are run by and for economically vulnerable farming families in Peru. 
  
  As detailed in the attached LCA waste management starts from a low base in Peru and our biochar production is contributing significantly to the resolution of the waste management problem. 

  Developing local capacity for own production of organic fertilizer is extremely important for Peru.  Many poor farming families rely on agriculture for a significant percentage of their income.  Dependence on imported fertilizers is a significant vulnerability, which has been demonstrated recently with the devaluation of the Peruvian currency.  In addition, the decision of China, a globally important producer of rock phosphate , to discontinue the export of phosphorus, will exacerbate an already bad situation, see: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2021-10-01/china-expected-to-stop-phosphate-exports/100505026.

  Finally, the production of the quantities of biochar we have planned will produce significant heat energy, that could be used for a range of activities that bridge commerce and environmental management, i.e. water filtration.  Possibilities will be further investigated through financial analysis. 

• Implementation of this project is subject to receiving funding (equity or debt) info
  Yes
• Implementation of this project is subject to permits (building, environmental, etc.) info
  No
• Implementation of this project is subject to reaching minimum pre-CORC commitments info
  Yes
• The above conditions are expected to be fulfilled on this date
  01/03/2022
• Link to high resolution images/media assets
  https://www.bioversityinternational.org/news/detail/cadmium-in-peruvian-cacao-framing-the-problem-and-investigating-solutions/