Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage in Agricultural Systems (PyCCS) Method Consultation

Overview

The production and sequestration of biochar (BC) may be described as a Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage (PyCCS) carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution. More specifically, it is a form of pre-combustion Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), as distinct from the more common post-combustion CCS methods.

Biochar represents a fundamentally different approach to carbon dioxide reduction and removal. It involves the deliberate extraction of a solid, carbon-rich product from biomass prior to combustion, thereby preventing that carbon from being returned to the atmosphere.

When incorporated into soil, it may improve agricultural and horticultural soil performance. Importantly, biochar remains stable in soil for centuries, and possibly longer.

Accordingly, biochar use constitutes a viable means of long-term carbon sequestration, whilst also potentially enhancing plant growth under many conditions.

This methodology also incorporates waste management activities and land management activities, recognising their integral role in enabling biochar production, application, and the associated carbon sequestration outcomes.

On behalf of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), submissions on the draft PyCCS method will be accepted before 5pm on 3 May 2024. Make your submission by clicking ‘Take the survey’ under the Have Your Say heading below.

The draft PyCCS method was released prior to the TAC’s public consultation period to allow early review of the material. The 14-day consultation period commenced on 15 April 2024. The explanatory material released with the consultation provides more detail on how the method intends to operate and highlights key issues for feedback during consultation.

Consultation documents

● Detailed outline of the BidCarbon (Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage in Agricultural Systems) Methodology and Data Asset

● Draft Explanatory Statement - BidCarbon (Pyrogenic Carbon Capture and Storage in Agricultural Systems) Methodology and Data Asset

● Request for confidential submission form

Have Your Say

To have your say:

● Familiarise yourself with the:

● detailed method outline

● explanatory statement

● explanatory material and

● request for confidential submission form.

●Complete our survey.

Submit your feedback by 5pm BST on Friday, 3 May 2024.

Read more links

● More information on the development of the PyCCS method

● BidCarbon Standard Scheme

● BidCarbon Standard Scheme method tracker