Small-scale technology

There are 2 types of technology for production devices under the BPS Standard:

● pyrolysis technology

● gasification technology.

A production device qualifies as a small-scale technology unit eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under subsection 5.(1) of the BPS Standard if:

● it does not generate electricity for supply to an electricity grid; and

● it belongs to either the gasification or pyrolysis technology category.

Small-scale technology are the most cost-effective and user-friendly way for households and small and medium enterprise to meet their carbon reduction goals. By participating in the voluntary carbon market, they help to reduce carbon emissions. They also make biochar more accessible and attractive.

Once your system is installed, you may also wish to consider selling some of the biochar. Depending on your location, you can find out what biochar market are available in each territory.

At the same time, installing a small-scale technology unit under the BidCarbon Standard Scheme allows you to create small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for it, which could add additional value to your operation.

About small-scale technology

Eligible products

Only certain product models are eligible for STCs. You must ensure that the model you select is on the approved product list.

Moving your biochar production systems

You can move the biochar production systems to a place other than the original location. You must:

● have a qualified or certified special operation the removal and re-installation

Second-hand systems are not eligible for STCs.

Maintain your biochar production systems

Maintain your biochar production systems

After your biochar production systems is installed, have it checked by a licensed, accredited professional every year.

It's also important to have regular maintenance performed to ensure your system is:

● safe for those living close by

● safe for production workers

● stability of monitoring (for example, closed-circuit television (CCTV))

We don't regulate system maintenance. Ask your retailer or installer about a recommended maintenance schedule.

If your biochar production system's measuring equipment is damaged, it will be due to one of the following reasons:

● dust and debris build-up

● water and moisture seepage

● vermin

● hail, wind and sunlight.

Regular maintenance should ensure:

● facility, secure and free of defects

● the measuring equipment is in perfect condition, with no parts that have deteriorated or corroded.

● switches don't have any defects

● wiring is not damaged or deteriorated

● all electrical components are operating as intended

● fittings and cables are securely attached

Follow our step-by-step guide to find out everything you need to know about installing a small-scale technology systems.

Installing a small-scale technology

Assess how much waste biomass type you generate each year

To help decide if a production device is right for you, you need to understand how much waste biomass type your home or business uses. This will also help you decide what size device you need.

Decide if you want to use an agent

Installing a small-scale pyrolytic facility system and creating STCs is complicated. To make things simpler, most people choose to use a registered agent.

Registered agents can help:

● calculate the financial benefit you're eligible for

● give you a discount on your system in exchange for the right to creating STCs for your system.

Ask your retailer if they'll include an option for you to assigning the right to create STCs to an agent in return for a discount. This will usually be part of your purchase contract.

Find out more about registered agents.

Important to know

We don't participate in any pricing. We also don't get involved in disputes between owners and agents. This is a contractual matter between you and your agent.

Get your system installed

On the day of installation, confirm your installer is the correct person for your installation and ask to see their accreditation and licence details.

If your installer is not on-site for the whole installation, confirm they'll be on-site for the:

● job setup

● mid-install

● commissioning.

After the installation is complete, check the system is in good condition and operating. Ask the installer for instructions on how to operate the system. If you're asked to sign paperwork, ensure you review and understand the documents before signing.

Contact your approved seller if you have concerns or a complaint about your installation. You can find their contact details on the invoice or contract from your installation. 

Create and register STCs

If you decide to create your own STCs, you must create them within 12 months of the installation.

You can't create STCs if you've already assigned the right to an agent.

If you’ve installed an eligible system in the past 12 months and haven’t assigned your STCs to an agent or claimed the certificates yourself, you should check your installation paperwork. You might still be eligible to create STCs.

Find out how to create STCs.

Choose a production device

The production device you choose will depend on your: 

● usage

● location, including the weather and sun exposure

● budget, including the payback period. 

To be eligible for STCs, your technology must:

● a pyrolysis technology device or gasification technology device

● have a capacity less than 150 L

● have its component listed on the approved product list

● comply with the quality standards of the country in which it is located.

It is advisable to conduct thorough research to determine which technology best suits your needs. Retailers and installers can provide guidance regarding the various types of technology available. Please note that prices, warranties, and system quality may vary.

Find a retailer and installer

Once you've decided to biochar production systems, you need to find a retailer.

To help protect you from purchasing non-accredited products, the Production Systems Validation (PSV) Initiative gives you an easy way to check and confirm that biochar production systems:

● are backed by manufacturer warranties

● meet the country in which the retail is located and find out what the standards for quality and performance

● are eligible for STCs.

You should ask your retailer for evidence that your new products are validated and eligible for Systems Certificates.. This will help ensure your system's quality and performance. It also protects you as a consumer if there are problems after installation.

Once you've chosen a retailer and agreed to the quote, they will work with an installer to get your system installed. To be eligible under the scheme, the system must be installed by a qualified and accredited person.

● Find an approved seller

● Find an installer

● Find out more about installation: 

● How do I choose a retailer or installer

● Installation requirements

Understand your local biochar as a soil conditioner market

You need to determine how you will use the biochar produced from waste biomass. Your options include:

● using it yourself

● selling it

● a combination of both