The Hellenic 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 Association (HellaBiom) has actively engaged in Greece’s public consultation regarding the proposed legislation on carbon capture, utilization, and storage. The organization submitted detailed proposals advocating for the explicit inclusion of biomass-based carbon removal technologies, specifically 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 Carbon Removal (BCR) and Bioenergy Carbon Capture & Storage (BECCS), within the nation’s decarbonization strategy. This intervention positions biomass and pyrolysis-based solutions at the forefront of the country’s efforts to meet domestic and European climate targets and transition to a climate-neutral economy.

The primary challenge addressed by HellaBiom is the necessity for Greece to establish a robust regulatory pathway that recognizes the inherent potential of biogenic resources for achieving net-negative emissions. Despite recognizing biomass’s importance, the existing policy framework had not fully integrated BCR and BECCS as foundational tools for CO₂ removal. This regulatory gap risked sidelining an opportunity to enhance national energy security, stimulate rural economies through agricultural and forestry residues, and utilize a readily available domestic 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 for durable carbon sequestration.

HellaBiom’s solution centers on integrating biomass-based CO₂ capture directly into national carbon policies. The core proposal highlights Greece’s significant untapped solid biomass reserves, which possess the potential to yield up to 1 million tons of biochar annually. Based on current sequestration metrics, this biochar production could capture an estimated 2.5 million tons of CO₂per year by 2050. To initiate this trajectory, the company proposed establishing an intermediate target of 1 million tons of captured CO₂ annually by 2030, integrated into the revised National Energy and Climate Plan. Furthermore, proposals included critical market adjustments for biomass power stations, such as extending project timelines and prolonging price premium incentives to stabilize investments.

Successful adoption of these measures would yield several critical outcomes for Greece. Beyond the direct environmental benefit of sequestering 2.5 million tons of CO₂ annually through biochar alone, the plan promises significant economic returns. It is expected to create a self-sustaining value chain for agricultural and forest residues, driving investment in processing infrastructure and supporting the agricultural and forestry sectors. By explicitly recognizing these technologies, Greece aligns itself with the most advanced international carbon removal voluntary mechanisms, strengthening its position in the emerging European Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) market.

The key lesson for the international biochar industry derived from HellaBiom’s advocacy in Greece is the enduring importance of direct engagement with national legislative processes. Specifically, the biochar sector must actively champion the explicit inclusion of Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR) within national carbon capture policies and renewable energy frameworks. Policy stability, facilitated by necessary support measures and clear interim CO₂ removal targets, is not just a commercial benefit, but a prerequisite for unlocking large-scale, private-sector investment in biochar production and long-term climate action.