Carbon removal

Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales

Overview

Site

Timeline

Benefits

Verification

As trees grow, they store carbon from the atmosphere in their biomass, through photosynthesis. When this biomass is burned in the absence of oxygen (a process called pyrolysis), one of the byproducts is a stable, carbon-rich residue called biochar.

When biomass decomposes naturally, carbon and methane are emitted into the atmosphere. Since biochar is very stable, the production of biochar using waste biomass – such as waste timber from commercial forests – is a more permanent method of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and storing the carbon on long-term timescales, than allowing the biomass to decompose naturally. Biochar is also great because it avoids fossil fuel emissions if energy is produced after burning the biomass and it can trigger changes in GHG emissions after being added to the soil from increased plant growth, lower non-CO₂ GHG emissions from soil and reduce mineralization of soil organic matter.

Mixing the produced biochar into soil can therefore act to permanently lock away its stored carbon, and studies have also found that it can support the fertility and productivity of the soil.

Locations

Wales, United Kingdom

Timeline

Follow the latest milestones and updates from this project.

Jul 2026

Phase two of site upgrades led to rising biochar production rates of 2.5–3.0 tonnes per day

During August and September 2025, the team completed the second major phase of the site upgrade. The original fuel preparation system was replaced with a fully integrated turnkey feedstock preparation line, including a top-loader fuel store and T4+ dryer, improving the consistency and reliability of biomass feedstock processing. The handling infrastructure was also upgraded by replacing the previous bagging line with a bulk biochar storage bunker system, enabling more efficient handling and storage of larger production volumes.

With these upgrades in place, the site achieved a substantial increase in operational throughput, with typical production rates rising to approximately 2.5–3.0 tonnes of biochar per day. This period also marked the commencement of EBC Feed Grade biochar production, expanding the range of certified biochar products manufactured at the site.

Apr 2026

Site upgrade marks transition to commercial-scale biochar production at 1.8 tonnes per day

In Phase one of site upgrades, Carbon Hill commissioned a new production system to replace the original research and development unit - “Betty”. While Betty had been invaluable for research and development, this phase marked the transition to a customer-ready production model, the C1000 system. As part of this upgrade, the team decommissioned Betty and installed the new biochar plant – nicknamed “Diana, the Biochar Princess of Wales.” Following commissioning, the plant began operating at an average production rate of approximately 1.8 tonnes of biochar per day, producing EBC Agro-grade biochar suitable for agricultural soil improvement.

Mar 2026

Hemp trials on degraded land demonstrates yield potential of biochar-based regenerative practices

Carbon Hill has continued its regenerative farming trials on-site. Last spring, hemp was planted on the lowest-performing field, with biochar-amended farmyard manure applied as the primary soil input. This trial evaluates the potential of biochar-based regenerative practices to improve soil health and enhance crop productivity. The trials produced excellent yields, demonstrating the significant potential of biochar-based regenerative practices to restore soil productivity while maintaining strong crop performance. Following the success of the trials, the team plans to expand hemp production in 2026 and aims to pursue UK record yields.

Mar 2026

Soil health indicators show improvements four years post-biochar application

In March 2025 the team conducted a Gold Soil Test, repeating the same comprehensive soil analysis originally carried out in 2021, prior to the application of biochar to the land. The test indicated exceptional improvements in soil health since 2021, including: - Soil pH improved: 6.6 → 7.1, now in an ideal and stable range - Total Exchange Capacity increased: 64% (10.79 → 17.68) - Organic Carbon increased: 5.28% → 7.10% - Calcium increased: 3256 → 5889 kg/ha, exceeding target levels - Phosphate increased: 132 → 219 kg/ha, without synthetic phosphorus inputs - Boron improved from deficient to optimal levels

Benefits

Carbon Hill’s production of biochar plays a key role in carbon sequestration, locking carbon in a stable form that helps mitigate climate change. By using waste woody biomass, such as hedgerow cuttings and oversized green waste, Carbon Hill diverts these materials from biodegrading or burning, both of which would release harmful emissions. The C1000 biochar plant operates with minimal emissions thanks to its proprietary pyrolysis thermal combustion system. This ensures a sustainable process that not only reduces greenhouse gases but also contributes to combating global warming.

Sustainable development goals

These Sustainable Development Goals show the wider outcomes this project supports beyond its headline impact.

This project supports SDG 13 by reducing emissions through carbon sequestration and sustainable biochar production.

Verification

These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.

Verifier

Puro Earth

Puro.earth certifies carbon removal suppliers based on its Puro Standard.