The Biochar Carbon Removal Industry
Biochar accounted for 86% of all carbon dioxide removal (CDR) deliveries in 2024, making it the most commercially mature permanent carbon removal pathway. The global biochar market reached approximately $838 million in 2026, projected to exceed $2.2 billion by 2034 at a 13.4% CAGR.
How Biochar Sequesters Carbon
Pyrolysis converts biomass into a stable, carbon-rich solid that resists decomposition for centuries. One tonne of biochar typically sequesters 2.5 to 3.2 tonnes of CO2, depending on feedstock and process conditions. The IPCC recognizes biochar as a proven negative-emission technology with 100+ years of carbon permanence.
Market Structure and Key Players
The industry remains highly fragmented—the top five producers control well under 30% of installed capacity. Global annual production exceeds 350,000 metric tonnes of biochar, with capacity growing rapidly:
| Company | Annual CO2 Removal | Notable Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Exomad Green | 260,000 t | 1.24M tonne offtake with Microsoft (2025) |
| Varaha | 50,000+ t | 100,000 tonne deal with Google (2025) |
| Aperam BioEnergia | 40,000 t | Puro.earth certified, expanding 3x by 2026 |
Certification and Registries
Carbon credit buyers rely on third-party verification. The dominant registries for biochar carbon removal include:
- Puro.earth
- Issues CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) under the Puro Standard. Over 20 biochar suppliers across 13 countries. Acquired by Nasdaq.
- Carbon Future
- Full chain-of-custody tracking from production to soil application, with European Biochar Certificate (EBC) integration.
- Isometric
- Science-first registry with rigorous LCA-based verification protocols.
Demand Drivers
Corporate net-zero commitments are the primary demand catalyst. Microsoft, Google, Stripe, and Swiss Re have collectively contracted hundreds of thousands of tonnes of biochar-based carbon removal. Meanwhile, agricultural distributors increasingly source biochar as a dual-purpose product—improving soil water retention and nutrient cycling while generating carbon credits from the same material.