Minneapolis-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) company Carba has successfully installed a first-of-its-kind molten salt 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 reactor at its facility in Burnsville, Minnesota. This installation marks a significant technological advancement in the conversion of waste 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 into 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. Designed to operate continuously throughout the year, the reactor represents a strategic move to enhance the scalability and reliability of biochar production for long-term carbon sequestration

For years, the biochar sector has faced technical hurdles associated with conventional pyrolysis infrastructure. The industry has largely relied on legacy rotary kiln technology, which was originally designed for cement systems rather than biomass conversion. These adapted systems often suffer from operational inefficiencies and frequent mechanical faults, limiting the consistent uptime required for large-scale carbon removal projects. This technological mismatch has historically constrained the throughput and economic viability of biomass processing facilities.

To address these limitations, Carba engineered a novel reactor design from the ground up, specifically tailored for biomass conversion. The solution utilizes molten salt as both a thermal battery and a heat transfer fluid. This approach provides precise thermal control and process intensification, enabling the system to maintain optimal reaction temperatures with greater stability than traditional kilns. By leveraging the thermal properties of molten salt, the reactor is capable of “doing more with less,” optimizing energy consumption while maximizing the conversion of biomass feedstocks.

The operational outcomes of this deployment include significantly higher uptime and improved production yields compared to legacy systems. The reactor is designed for 24/7 operation, ensuring a steady stream of biochar that Carba intends to bury underground for permanent carbon storage, sequestering CO2 for over 1,000 years. This technical milestone follows a recent $6 million funding round aimed at expanding Carba’s project portfolio in the United States and accelerating deployment into Asian markets, signaling strong investor confidence in this intensified pyrolysis approach.