Summary

atmosfair and PyroNam have established a high-tech industrial biochar plant in the region Otjozondjupa in Namibia, using FSC-certified encroaching bushes as feedstock. The production of biochar not only stores CO2 permanently but also tackles an issue in Namibia that requires urgent action, as the spread of thorny and impenetrable bush has negatively affected biodiversity in Namibian savannas and the livelihoods of the Namibian people. Biochar is then applied in the farms as soil amendment, improving soil quality, encouraging sustainable agriculture and promoting food security. Our project also creates economic opportunities for rural communities by providing farmers with an additional income through biomass sales and creating jobs in this vulnerable region.

Background

Bush encroachment is a severe problem in rural areas of Namibia, with approximately 45 million hectares being affected by it. It is characterized by the excessive thickening of woody vegetation at the expense of grasslands, with significant negative impacts on biodiversity, soil health, groundwater availability, and agricultural productivity. To solve this issue, sustainable bush thinning is recommended as a method to selectively remove invasive or encroacher species. The goal is to control the spread of bushes -without eradicating them- by harvesting woody biomass in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, promoting rangeland restoration. All farmers involved in our project harvest the wood in compliance with strict local and international regulations and obtain FSC certification that guarantees responsible management and environmental integrity.

Biochar from woody biomass

Woody biomass does not constitute a long-term carbon reservoir since the bush undergoes slow natural decomposition, releasing CO2 back to the atmosphere. However, this biomass can be used to produce biochar. The process involves the pyrolysis of the feedstock at high temperatures (>500°C) in a high-tech pyrolysis plant, converting it into a porous, durable material that resists decomposition for thousands of years. Through the production of biochar from invasive bush species, carbon is sequestered into a stable carbon-rich product, while also offering a sustainable solution to environmental challenges like bush encroachment.

Biochar carbon credits quantify long-term CO₂ removal by calculating the stable carbon retained after 1,000 years of soil application. To ensure its effectiveness, the ratio of hydrogen to organic carbon in the composition of biochar must fall below a certain threshold, as outlined in the document (Persistence of biochar in soil). This can be conclusively tested in the laboratory. When this is achieved, science indicates that 75% of the carbon contained in the biochar remains sequestered, constituting what is called a geological carbon sink (C-Sink). Emissions from the project are subtracted to determine net removal. The project is under Carbon Standards International (CSI) certification, which employs rigorous methodologies and ongoing revisions to ensure projects meet the highest integrity levels.

Biochar as soil amendment

Besides sequestering carbon, biochar also makes a great soil amendment. When high-quality biochar is applied on the soil, it increases water retention and nutrient availability, enhances microbial activity, improves soil pH and promotes plant growth. This becomes particularly relevant since farmers in Northern Namibia have been negatively affected by the intensive use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the use of biochar as soil amendment is a promising alternative that will promote sustainable agricultural practices in this region.

Our partner

PyroNam is at the forefront of biochar production and carbon dioxide removal in Africa. As a subsidiary of PyroCCS GmbH, PyroNam is committed to addressing climate change while simultaneously tackling local environmental challenges. The company’s innovative approach converts invasive bush biomass into high-quality biochar using their own, locally manufactured technology. By partnering with local farmers and creating employment opportunities in rural areas, PyroNam is driving sustainable development and supporting up to 11 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Their commitment to scalability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility makes PyroNam a valuable partner in our mission to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices in the Global South.

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