A new proposal by Manitoba-based startup Carbon Lock Tech could see the establishment of a $5 million pilot facility in Ritchot, Canada, with the goal of transforming organic waste into valuable 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 pellets. The company, led by CEO Kevin Danner, has developed a patented 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 system designed to convert materials such as food scraps, leaves, and branches into a stable, carbon-rich product. This process is positioned as a viable climate change solution by capturing and sequestering carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from decomposing waste.

The proposed one-acre facility, to be located near the existing Mid Canada landfill, would feature a self-sustaining pyrolytic reactor system and necessary storage infrastructure. The design is notably efficient, requiring minimal water and becoming energy-independent once operational. The project offers a dual-pronged approach to generating value: by selling the biochar pellets to a variety of sectors, including agriculture and construction, and by offering high-quality carbon removal credits to governments and corporations seeking to meet their Net-Zero sustainability targets.

The Ritchot council has shown unanimous support by passing a resolution to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with Carbon Lock Tech. This initial step is crucial for evaluating the project’s overall feasibility and will pave the way for a more detailed assessment of the proposed facility’s economic and environmental benefits. If successful, the project could serve as a model for how municipalities can manage their organic waste streams while contributing to broader climate goals and fostering local economic growth within the biochar industry.

SOURCE: Carbon Lock Tech Proposes $5M Waste-to-Biochar Facility In Ritchot