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Biomass Pyrolysis
Biomass Pyrolysis is the thermo-chemical decomposition of organic materials by heating in the absence of oxygen. Controlled pyrolysis has been approved by the UN as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for avoidance of methane production from biomass decay. (Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
)
Gasification and burning of fossil fuels
is at best, carbon neutral.
Dedicating land to biofuels increases carbon emissions. In fact, ccorn-based ethanol can double greenhouse gas emissions over 30 years. (Searchinger et al. 2008, Science)
Biomass Pyrolysis
is carbon negative!
- Sequesters up to 50% of the initial carbon (C) input and returns it to the soil.
- The initial loss of C is used for energy production to offset fuel use.
- Can use agricultural residues but DOES NOT require new crops to be grown to fuel the process
A wide variety of biomass can be converted into biochar
“One promising approach to lowering CO2 in the atmosphere while producing energy is biochar bio-energy, based on low-temperature pyrolysis. This technology relies on capturing the off-gases from thermal decomposition of wood or grasses to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biochar is a major by-product of this pyrolysis, and has remarkable environmental properties.”
- Johannes Lehmann
(Lehmann, Johannes, 2007. Bioenergy in the Black, Front Ecol Environ 2007; 5(7): 381–387)
Dark earth from the Amazon, with biochar which accumulated about 800 years before present and still shows a distinctly black color, indicating the high stability of biochar (compare black topsoil with the yellow underlying material in the pit).
From: Bioenergy in the Black. Lehmann, J. , 2007