During the International 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 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, industry experts from Carbonfuture, Oregon 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 Solutions, and Char Technologies emphasized that the expansion of the biochar sector in the United States and Canada is currently restricted by economic factors rather than a lack of technology or demand. While the demand for biochar-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits frequently exceeds available supply, the physical biochar market faces hurdles in achieving commercial viability. Panelists argued that the industry does not require massive subsidies but rather targeted government incentives to bridge the gap for early adopters and stabilize the market.

The primary challenge identified by these organizations involves the disconnect between high demand for carbon credits and the difficulty of securing consistent off-take for the physical material. In the United States, agricultural applications represent a significant opportunity, yet they are hindered by a need for extensive product development and farmer education. Simultaneously, industrial sectors like steel and cement production in Canada and the U.S. require massive, consistent volumes that current suppliers struggle to provide reliably. Consequently, relying solely on CDR credit revenue is insufficient to support the high capital costs of scaling production facilities.

To address these barriers, industry leaders are pursuing a multi-stream revenue model that combines carbon credit sales with the commercialization of by-products. Andrew White of Char Technologies noted that producers of high fixed-carbon materials must also capture value from the gases generated during production to offset lower material yields. Furthermore, the industry is calling for specific policy supports to de-risk projects for investors. These solutions aim to provide the consistency required by heavy industry, such as steelmakers, who prioritize long-term reliability and high-tonnage deliveries over small-scale trials.

The anticipated outcomes of these strategic shifts include the stabilization of the biochar supply chain and the unlocking of large-scale industrial applications. By diversifying revenue and securing targeted policy interventions, firms like Oregon Biochar Solutions and Carbonfuture expect to meet the persistent demand for CDR credits while establishing biochar as a staple input for the steel and cement industries. Successful implementation of these measures will likely lead to increased project viability, allowing the industry to move beyond early adoption into a phase of sustained, large-scale industrial and agricultural utility.