Minneapolis is set to become the first city in North America to own and operate a 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 facility, marking a significant step in urban climate action. The facility, located at 670 25th Ave. SE, will process wood waste from tree removals and utility maintenance, converting it into biochar to support soil health and carbon sequestration. Production is expected to begin in late summer or early fall of 2025.

Addressing Wood Waste and Carbon Emissions

Cities generate large amounts of wood waste from tree removals due to pests, disease, and infrastructure maintenance. Without intervention, this waste decomposes and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Minneapolis’ new facility aims to reduce emissions by capturing carbon in biochar, which remains stable in the soil for over a thousand years. Each year, the facility is expected to:

• Process over 3,000 tons of wood waste
• Produce more than 500 tons of biochar
• Remove nearly 3,700 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere, equivalent to taking 789 cars off the road

By turning waste into a long-term climate solution, Minneapolis is demonstrating how cities can integrate carbon sequestration into their waste management strategies.

Partnership with Xcel Energy

A key element of the project is a partnership with Xcel Energy, which will supply tree trimmings and other vegetation collected from power line maintenance. This collaboration ensures a steady stream of raw material for biochar production while diverting organic waste from landfills and incinerators. Under the agreement, Xcel Energy will collect, chip, and deliver wood waste within a six-mile radius of the facility, while the city will use it exclusively for biochar production. Both parties will cover their own costs, with no direct funding exchanged.

Applications of Biochar in Minneapolis

The biochar produced at the facility will support a range of environmental and urban planning initiatives. It will be used as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More in community gardens, city green spaces, and stormwater management systems, helping improve soil quality, increase drought resilience, and filter pollutants. The initiative aligns with Minneapolis’ 2023 Climate Equity Plan, which emphasizes carbon sequestration and sustainable land use practices.

Funding and Community Involvement

The project is funded through grants and existing utility fees, meaning it will not require additional taxpayer funding. Minneapolis is also working with a range of community and institutional partners, including local organizations focused on urban farming, public health, and sustainability research. Key partners include:

• Little Earth
• Minneapolis Edible Boulevards
• University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute
• Hennepin County and MnDOT
• Bloomberg Philanthropies

A Model for Other Cities

By launching its own biochar facility, Minneapolis is setting a precedent for other cities looking to integrate biochar into their climate action plans. The project demonstrates how urban centers can turn waste into a long-term carbon storage solution while improving local soil and water systems. With strong partnerships and a clear commitment to sustainability, Minneapolis is providing a blueprint for future municipal biochar initiatives across North America.