Grounded: My biochar startup journey

My adventure with biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More began like many others, as just a fascination. After years of talking about saving the planet while sitting behind desks in London, I decided it was time to get my hands dirty. This is the story of how I ventured into the biochar industry and the numerous lessons I’ve learned along the way (TL;DR, there’s a lot more still to learn!)

My introduction to biochar happened during my first season co-hosting a podcast about CDR, The Carbon Removal Show. Biochar captured my imagination. Biochar offered a more tangible approach for me personally. It not only sequesters carbon but promises a myriad of soil benefits, both immediate and impactful. I have ties to the British countryside and agriculture so this also helped.

I decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and launch Restord, a biochar venture from my family’s farm in Cornwall. Since then, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from understanding the science behind biochar to figuring out the financial and feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More aspects of running a biochar project. Each step of the way has been a learning curve, filled with trials and errors and occasional breakthroughs.

One memorable moment was walking through a clover field in Wales, discussing biochar application with local farmers. We observed how areas treated with biochar showed significantly improved clover growth, both exciting and affirming. Aside from the yield benefits, I was introduced to other potential (less well-publicised) benefits of biochar, like combatting ashAsh is the non-combustible inorganic residue that remains after organic matter, like wood or biomass, is completely burned. It consists mainly of minerals and is different from biochar, which is produced through incomplete combustion. Ash Ash is the residue that remains after the complete More die-back. A disease ravaging ash trees in the UK, predicted to kill up to 80% of the species.

Experiences like these not only deepened my understanding but also fueled my commitment.

The path hasn’t been smooth. From grappling with technical challenges, such as the acquisition of a pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More machine, and bureaucratic hurdles like overcoming permiting. We’re starting with a 100t/CO2e pilot project and getting this financed has been another major hurdle. We’ve ended up blending a myriad of finance options from grant awards and pre-purchases to personal savings and crowdfund campaigns. There’s no straightforward way to get project financing here.

Despite the obstacles, the support from other founders, farmers, scientists, and even policy makers has been invaluable in getting us launched. Their insights and encouragement have been crucial in navigating the complex landscape of starting a CDR business in the UK.

I realised how hard this process is, how early the biochar and CDR landscape is (particularly in the UK), and wanted others to learn from my successes and failures. So we’ve launched a podcast: “Grounded: A Climate Startup Journey.” The podcast chronicles the highs and lows of my venture, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of setting up a biochar business. It’s a platform for dialogue, learning, and inspiring others to take action.

Looking forward, the journey is far from over. The need for effective carbon removal strategies grows more urgent by the day, and biochar has the potential to play a significant role in this global effort. Our initial focus is on improving UK farm systems and biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More waste management, currently a net emission source.

Whether you are a climate activist, a farmer interested in sustainable practices, or simply curious about biochar, there is a place for you in this conversation. Follow our journey by subscribing to “Grounded: A Climate Startup Journey,” available on all major platforms. Together, we can make a difference, one handful of biochar at a time.

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About the Author

Tom Previte has a background in startups, and recently worked at a leading carbon removal (CDR) marketplace, growing the market for CDR and selling credits to leading buyers. Since 2021, he has been the co-host of The Carbon Removal Show, speaking to dozens of the world’s foremost voices in climate tech, hosting events, and becoming a respected thought-leader in his space. Today, he is putting his experience into practice as the founder of Restord, a UK-based biochar startup.