Releaf Earth, a climate-tech startup, has launched Nigeria’s first industrial 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 production plant, marking a significant step in the country’s carbon removal and sustainable agriculture efforts. The facility, located in Cross River State, is designed to remove 40,000 to 60,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030, with plans to eventually scale to 100,000 tons.

The plant uses palm kernel shells—agricultural waste from palm nut processing—as 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 biochar, a carbon-rich material known to enhance soil health. This initiative is built on Releaf Earth’s patented Kraken system, which not only efficiently processes palm nuts at a high purity rate but also generates the waste needed for biochar production.

Beyond environmental goals, Releaf Earth aims to support local farmers by improving crop yields and creating new revenue streams through carbon credits. The company projects a 50% income boost for the agricultural communities involved. A prior pilot in 2024 reportedly led to a 25% increase in yields, reinforcing the technology’s potential.

To ensure credibility in its carbon removal claims, Releaf Earth has partnered with the Riverse registry, which will oversee transparency and traceability of the project’s operations.

The initiative has gained attention from prominent backers, including Y Combinator, Breakthrough Energy, AirMiners, and Angaza Capital. Releaf Earth was also named a finalist in the Africa-based accelerator program led by remove.

This facility positions Nigeria as a new player in the industrial biochar landscape while addressing both climate and economic challenges.