Joint stakeholder proposal on biochar carbon removal in the CRCF
A joint proposal on biochar carbon removal outlines robust standards for the EU CRCF, focusing on permanence, sustainability, and credible carbon accounting to support high-quality CDR.
Over recent months, biochar carbon removal (BCR) has been subject to complex discussions between industry and NGOs, reflecting diverse perspectives and challenging technical considerations. To move forward constructively, Bellona, Stiesdal, Pyrolysis Denmark, Biochar Europe, and Carbon Gap joined forces to identify a practical and robust compromise.
Our joint stakeholder proposal offers a workable way forward, recognizing the specific characteristics of biochar while aligning, in principle, with the EU CCS Directive’s liability and permanence approach. It provides clarity through:
- Conservative quantification, crediting only the demonstrably stable fraction of biochar carbon.
- A flexible buffer arrangement (initially 7%) designed to adapt transparently to evolving scientific evidence.
- Clear rules addressing different biochar applications (soil amendment, building materials, and industrial products), including responsible end-of-life assumptions.
- Transparent sustainability requirements for biomass sourcing to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Targeted scientific research, coordinated by the Commission, to improve understanding of permanence and inform future buffer adjustments.
We believe this compromise represents a credible and pragmatic solution. It could also serve as a valuable model for other emerging carbon removal methods.
We invite you and your organization to review our proposal and, if you agree that this represents a balanced and reasonable approach, join us in signaling your support. Your endorsement helps demonstrate that constructive, cross-sector collaboration can effectively shape robust EU climate policy.