CARBON TURNAROUND undertook in January 2022 a technical verification process of the innovative project proposal based on Biochar, which was developed by Sonnenerde GmbH. This technology proposal was presented at an international competition with the aim to award the most cost efficient and environmental sound project proposal for the sequestration of atmospheric or oceanic carbon dioxide for climate mitigation.

Since 2012 Sonnenerde GmbH is one of the first European companies to produce biochar as soil amendment with an advanced pyrolysis production plant. Based on the vast technological and operational experience gained in the last 10 years in its operating biochar facility Sonnenerde did develop an improved biochar production plant, which will be constructed in 2023 adjacent to the existing facility. This new biochar plant will leverage on the identified shortcomings of the existing plant in order to guarantee an innovative design which will be extremely energy efficient. Besides improved economics for the production of biochar and compost the new over-all plant concept in addition will allow for negative carbon-sequestration costs and thereby greenhouse gas abatement based on a profitable business case.

CARBON TURNAROUND did execute an independent 3rd party verification of the project proposal. This verification process included a detailed technical analysis regarding the technological feasibility of the proposed biochar production facility based on operational performance, the Process Flow Diagram and process descriptions presented as well as a verification of assumptions for carbon sequestration calculations, mass- and energy balance and system boundaries.

We are grateful for Sonnenerde´s confidence in CARBON TURNAROUND´s technical capabilities to act as an independent 3rd party verifier. We wish the team from Sonnenerde all the best to proceed in this ground-breaking competition!