A new collaborative effort between SUEZ, a global leader in environmental services, and Seabex, a French AgriTech startup, is set to investigate the agricultural advantages of 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 in the Loiret department of France. This partnership, announced on July 17, 2025, will involve a five-year experimental program on local farms, commencing in September 2025.

The initiative aims to quantify biochar’s impact on crucial agricultural metrics such as soil health, resilience to water stress, and overall crop performance. Biochar, a material produced through the high-temperature 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 of 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 in the absence of oxygen, is recognized by the IPCC as a highly effective solution for long-term carbon sequestration. Beyond its carbon capture capabilities, biochar possesses unique properties beneficial for sustainable water management in agriculture. When incorporated 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, it improves nutrient and water retention, enhances aeration and drainage, and fosters microbial life within the soil. These attributes contribute to soil regeneration, optimize fertilizer efficiency, boost agricultural yields, and conserve water resources.

SUEZ, which in July 2023 partnered with Canadian companies Airex Energy and Groupe Rémabec to form Carbonité for industrial biochar production from forest biomass residues in Canada, is leveraging this collaboration to explore biochar’s broader environmental benefits. Seabex, specializing in irrigation optimization and agricultural resource management through an AI-based platform utilizing satellite imagery and field data, will provide the analytical and monitoring tools for this experiment. Seabex’s data scientists and agronomists will oversee the trials and interpret the results. SUEZ will also benefit from the expertise of Terrial, a prominent French provider of fertilizers and organic soil amendments, while Seabex will collaborate with the Loiret Chamber of Agriculture, known for its focus on agricultural experimentation and innovation.

This partnership emerged from the Aquanova water competitiveness hub, an organization dedicated to fostering innovative projects addressing water resource challenges and regional development in France.