New Zealand-based Verdus Energy & Associates has launched its fifth-generation 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 Conversion Technology (BCT), an energy-neutral, circular economy system aimed at enabling dairy and livestock farms to achieve carbon-negative operations. The BCT system, which results from 15 years of development, converts agricultural residues and animal manure, including cattle manure and poultry litter, into a variety of high-value green products. Feedstocks like crop residues and municipal solid waste can also be processed.

The modular BCT units are designed for rapid deployment and decentralised use on farms, in forests, and at industrial sites. Each system is shipped in ten containers and can be assembled in under a month. Once operational, each module is capable of processing 36 tonnes of dry biomass daily with minimal emissions and zero residual waste.

Verdus Energy points out that more than 200 marketable products can be made using the technology, such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green fertilisers, organic pesticides and herbicides, bio-oils, and electricity; 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 being a key output. The technology offers significant climate benefits; biochar alone is capable of sequestering three tonnes of CO2​ per tonne applied to soil. Furthermore, its use can reduce methane emissions from cattle by up to 22%. Overall, Verdus Energy claims its solutions can cut total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 187%.

The company, which is partnered with governments, primary producers, energy firms, and waste managers, plans rapid international expansion, citing over 20 million tonnes of annual 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 surplus in New Zealand alone. Kevin Smith, President and COO, confirmed the technology’s commercial viability, noting that Version 4.0 has been operating for over two years, producing carbon fuel pellets for a major mining company. The rollout of the latest Version 5.0 is scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, with production in North America set for 2026.

SOURCE: Verdus Energy Introduces Biomass Technology for Carbon-Negative Farming