Verra registers its first biochar project aimed at carbon reduction

Verra, a prominent organisation in the voluntary carbon market, has achieved a noteworthy milestone by registering its first biochar project under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. Utilising the VM0044 Methodology, this development signifies a major advancement for biochar projects as a credible option for large-scale carbon dioxide removal, according to a statement from Verra on Tuesday.

The breakthrough project, known as "Project Reignite: Turning Farm Waste into Climate Action" and designated by the Verra Project ID 4679, is situated in Odisha, India. The initiative has been spearheaded by Together for Restoration, a group committed to environmental restoration. The project engages local rural farmers, transitioning them from the traditional practice of open burning agricultural waste to processing this waste into biochar.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from heating biomass under conditions with limited oxygen, has been identified as having the potential to trap carbon for extensive periods, ranging from centuries to even millennia. In this Odisha project, the produced biochar is utilised as a soil amendment on the same local farms, thus enhancing soil quality and concurrently sequestering carbon.

The VM0044 methodology employed in this project focuses on Biochar Utilization in both soil and non-soil applications. This method allows for precise calculations of emissions reductions achieved via biochar production and application. The carbon credits generated from these reductions furnish the financial backing necessary for the project's maintenance and potential expansion.

Verra has announced plans to revise the existing VM0044, v1.1 methodology to further broaden its scope and enhance its applicability. This revision initiative aligns with Verra’s ongoing efforts to refine methodologies for carbon removal projects. A public consultation on these revisions is anticipated in the near future.

The implications of such projects are far-reaching. If implemented globally, biochar could play a formidable role in tackling climate change, with estimates suggesting it could mitigate at least 1 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050.

Verra's initiative represents a groundbreaking stride in the carbon market, showcasing the practical application of biochar production as an effective strategy for carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

Source: Noah Wire Services