Biochar for CO₂: Use Cases, Lab Testing, and Credit Readiness in Thailand

Biochar has emerged as a transformative solution for carbon dioxide management, especially in Thailand. As a versatile technology, it offers a rare "three-wins" opportunity: it reduces CO₂ emissions, enhances soil health, and provides the potential to generate high-quality carbon credits when measured and verified appropriately. This post details the specific applications of biochar in Thailand, the laboratory tests needed for quality assurance, and the steps necessary for achieving credit readiness.

Sample biochar products used in various applications

Understanding the Biology of Biochar

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic material in a low-oxygen environment. By locking away carbon for decades to millennia, biochar effectively sequesters CO₂. This type of permanence aligns well with contemporary carbon crediting strategies such as Verra’s VM0044 methodology.

Research indicates that biochar significantly boosts soil health. Various field and column studies—conducted in Thailand and across Southeast Asia—highlight its capacity to improve nutrient retention, reduce leaching, and enhance agricultural yields in degraded tropical soils. For instance, rice husk biochar has been shown to increase nitrogen retention, which is crucial for sustaining crop growth.

Biochar Applications in Thailand

1. Soil and Agriculture

Biochar has exceptional potential in agriculture, particularly in rice, sugarcane, and bamboo-growing regions of Thailand. The goal is to optimize nutrient retention, improve water holding capacity, and ultimately increase yields on impaired soils.

Studies conducted in Thailand and Southeast Asia demonstrate that biochar can effectively reduce nitrogen leaching, especially in flooded rice cultivation. Furthermore, the combination of biochar with organic fertilizers shows the most significant benefits in degraded soils.

Practical Tip: Particle size is essential. Utilizing finer rice husk biochar (less than 0.25 mm) proves more effective in reducing leaching than coarser fractions. Farmers should consider milling and sieving biochar to match their specific soil texture.

Healthy agricultural fields that have integrated biochar into the soil

2. Construction and Materials

Biochar can also find its way into construction materials, serving to cut down on cement usage while embedding carbon in the built environment. A noteworthy initiative involves a collaboration between SCG and Biochar Life to explore biochar-infused cement in a pilot project at Chiang Mai University. Initial findings suggest that incorporating 2.5 to 5% biochar not only enhances the strength of concrete but also lowers its overall carbon footprint.

Practical Tip: Begin with a replacement rate of 2.5 to 3% using biochar with particle sizes below 100 µm. Conduct side-by-side durability tests focused on chloride ingress, shrinkage, and fire resistance prior to wider adoption.

3. Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Filtration

In wastewater management, biochar serves as an effective absorbent to remove organic pollutants and heavy metals from both industrial and onsite systems. Various reviews and pilot studies affirm that modified forms of biochar demonstrate a remarkable ability to eliminate dyes and organics, often achieving high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and nitrogen removal rates.

Practical Tip: Consider upgrading biochar using acid/base activation or adding polysaccharide or metal oxide modifiers to enhance adsorption capacity. Be sure to validate the lifespan of biochar in these applications to ensure sustainable use.

Case Studies from Thailand

Several noteworthy case studies demonstrate the efficacy and versatility of biochar projects across Thailand:

• WongPhai + Planboo (Prachinburi): This initiative transforms bamboo offcuts into biochar through artisan kilns while utilizing IoT for digital monitoring. Launched in July 2023, this project emphasizes education and utilizes robust Advanced Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for credible carbon credits.

  
  

• Chiang Mai & Northern Provinces: Community-led biochar initiatives are making strides in improving air quality by replacing open burning with biochar production. The benefits include a direct correlation between reduced PM2.5 levels and enhanced community health.

  
  

• SCG + Biochar Life Partnership (2024 MoU): A pilot for creating biochar-infused cement roads at Chiang Mai University aims to leverage smallholder biochar production and embed carbon in construction materials.

  
  

• NSTDA/NANOTEC Program (2025): This national R&D initiative focuses on advancing reactor systems for high-quality biochar production targeted for energy solutions, agriculture, water treatment, and sustainable construction.

  
  

Laboratory Testing for Quality Assurance

One crucial step toward credit readiness is conducting laboratory tests that align with industry standards. The essential parameters include the following:

Soil and Credit Readiness (Aligned with VM0044)

1. Carbon Content and Stability: Proximate analysis and recalcitrance indicators assist in evaluating the biochar's longevity.

2. Volatile Matter and Ash: These values help predict the agronomic utility and any potential contaminants.

3. pH and Bulk Density: Both parameters impact soil performance and material mix designs for applications in construction and filtration.

4. Metals Screening: This is vital to ensure safety for land application.

   
   

Construction Mixes

1. Particle Size Distribution: Generally, sizes below 100 µm yield the best mechanical performance.

2. Mechanical Tests: Conduct tests for compressive, tensile, flexural strength, and durability, as global studies suggest that 2.5 to 5% replacements can enhance mechanical properties, depending on size and dispersion.

   
   

Filtration and Wastewater Management

1. Surface Chemistry: Understanding functional groups and adsorption capacity is critical.

2. Regeneration Performance: Evaluate the sustainability of the biochar under various usage scenarios.

   
   

Preparing for Credit Readiness under Verra

Transitioning to credit readiness involves meticulous preparation under the updated Verra VM0044 v1.2 methodology. Changes include the necessity for investment analysis that demonstrates additionality and clarifies eligibility and MRV for both soil and non-soil applications.

Your project’s data room should include substantive evidence such as:

• Feedstock Chain-of-Custody: Documenting waste biomass sources and sustainability claims.

• Production Logs: Keeping a record of kiln temperatures, duration, batch weights, energy use, and emissions alongside relevant facility images.

• Utilization Evidence: This might involve soil application maps or product specifications linked to carbon credits.

  
  

Pro Tip: Frequent use of digital logging and IoT methodologies can secure high integrity and reduce errors, as seen in successful smallholder projects.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions in Thailand

Various challenges continue to hinder biochar adoption in Thailand, including:

• Persistent Open Burning: Address this issue by improving collection and handling processes, implementing kiln ergonomics, and establishing community pay-per-batch programs, which have proven effective in northern Thailand.

• Contaminated or Coarse Biochar: Ensure biochar is properly milled and sieved, and maintain quality assurance panels prior to deployment.

• Weak Credit Packaging: Build comprehensive investment memos and supply chain documentation early in the project lifecycle to meet VM0044 v1.2 standards.

  
  

Transitioning from Pilot to Bankable Credits

To move from pilot projects to bankable carbon credits, consider the following checklist:

1. Confirm feedstock sustainability and baseline waste assessments.

2. Establish standardized operating procedures for kilns and corroborate with photographic evidence.

3. Conduct essential laboratory tests focused on carbon content, stability, and application-specific metrics.

4. Choose an appropriate use-case and tailor particle sizes and blends accordingly.

5. Implement a robust digital MRV system to log applications and GPS-tag pertinent mapping records.

6. Prepare your verification package, ensuring comprehensive documentation of chain-of-custody, data exports, and relevant images.

7. Seek credit alignment with qualifications for ICVCM CCP labels where appropriate.

8. Engage potential off-takers for agricultural and construction applications.

9. Launch community training initiatives focused on methodologies adopted in the WongPhai model, incorporating inclusive leadership strategies.

   
   

Biochar offers Thailand an invaluable opportunity not only to reduce emissions but also to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. By engaging in proper soil and lab practices, undertaking diligent MRV, and effectively packaging projects for carbon credits, Thailand can harness the full potential of biochar.

Site for biochar production highlighting sustainable practices

By fostering innovation and striving for high integrity in biochar projects, Thailand can serve as a leading global model in carbon management and sustainable development.

If you’re exploring biochar projects and how to achieve credit readiness, feel free to reach out for tailored guidance through AD ASIA Consulting— dedicated to enhancing sustainable practices and progress in environmental management.