[ A carbon-rich material ]
Biochar explained briefly
Biochar is produced by pyrolysis: biogenic residues such as wood are heated in the absence of oxygen. A large part of the carbon that the plants absorbed from the air as they grew is converted into a stable form. The result is a porous material with a large internal surface. This structure makes biochar useful in many applications: it stores water and nutrients, binds pollutants and can be incorporated into building materials and plastics. The principle is old: the black earth terra preta in the Amazon region owes much of its fertility to biochar worked into the soil. This carbon makes biochar a CO₂ sink: depending on its carbon content, one tonne binds up to around 3 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. If the char is used permanently and its whereabouts documented, this storage can be certified. If required, we take care of certification and marketing of the CO₂ certificates.
[ Personal ]
Our story with biochar
We, Sebastian Kießling and Lucie Töpfer, founded pyropower in 2022. Sebastian has been developing decentralised energy plants for more than 15 years and is a specialist in the externally fired micro gas turbine. Lucie has been working with pyrolysis and biochar since her studies.
We are united by one question: how can what is left over become something valuable? Our answer is a system in which nothing is lost. Wood residues from the region are turned into power, heat and biochar at the same time. The added value stays local, with businesses, municipalities and agriculture.
That is why we also sell our biochar ourselves. You talk to us directly, without intermediaries. We advise you on grain size, packaging and EBC class and show you how to work the char in correctly.
[ Under the microscope ]
The pore network of biochar
During pyrolysis, the cell structure of the wood is preserved as a fine network of pores. This large internal surface is what makes biochar valuable in the soil.
[ Effect ]
Biochar in soil
Worked into the soil, the pore network changes how water, nutrients and soil life interact.
Stronger plants
Water and nutrients remain available in the root zone, especially on poor soils.
Better through dry spells
The pores store water and release it slowly.
Humus build-up
Biochar stabilises organic matter in the soil.
Looser soil
The porous structure loosens the soil. It becomes better aerated.
Fertiliser lasts longer
Charged biochar releases nutrients gradually.
Less leaching
Less nitrate reaches the groundwater.
The effect depends on the soil, how it is worked in and how the biochar is prepared. We produce our biochar in line with the requirements of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC).
[ Example ]
Before and after
On the left, a green strip restored with biochar. On the right, two soil profiles: terra preta, a soil enriched with biochar over centuries, next to a soil without biochar.
Examples for illustration. How strongly biochar works depends on soil, climate, preparation and care.
[ Applications ]
Applications of biochar
From the barn to the construction site: biochar is a versatile raw material. The quality you need depends on the application. Tap a field to find out more.
[ Your path to biochar ]
Buy, produce or market
01
Buy biochar
You tell us the application and quantity, we deliver the right quality.
02
Produce it yourself
With your own Pyro-ClinX, you turn your residues into biochar, power and heat.
03
Have it marketed
For operators of a Pyro-ClinX: on request, we take care of selling your biochar.
[ Request a big bag ]
Biochar in an XXL big bag
Tell us the quantity and delivery location. We will get back to you with an offer and the analysis values.
More about quality
The feedstock is untreated forest residues and landscape maintenance wood from the region. Pyrolysis runs continuously at 650 to 800 °C, which produces a stable, porous char of consistent quality. For agriculture, livestock farming and organic farming, the EBC-AgroBio class is possible, depending on the residue.
The enquiry is non-binding and not yet a purchase contract. Image similar.
[ Knowledge ]
More about biochar
How biochar works in soil, how it stores carbon and how it differs from other processes: our articles, explained clearly.
[ FAQ ]
Frequently asked questions about biochar
01 What is biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from biogenic residues by pyrolysis. The carbon that the plants previously absorbed from the air is converted into a stable form.
02 What is biochar used for?
As a soil improver and substrate additive, as feed char and bedding, in tree substrates following the sponge city principle, as an additive in concrete, asphalt and plastics, and as a filter and adsorption medium.
03 Is your biochar EBC-certified?
We produce in line with the requirements of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC). Certification is per production site. Which class is achieved depends on the residue used. You will receive the current status and the analysis values with the offer.
04 How much does biochar cost per tonne?
The price depends on EBC class, grain size, preparation and quantity. We quote prices on request and agree fixed contingents for annual quantities.
05 How long does biochar store carbon?
The stable fraction of the carbon remains bound for centuries. Decisive factors are the pyrolysis temperature and the ratio of hydrogen to organic carbon (H/Corg), which must be below 0.7 according to the EBC.
06 How are CO₂ certificates generated from biochar?
If biochar is used permanently and its whereabouts documented, the carbon storage can be certified as a C-sink according to a recognised standard. An independent body verifies this, and the certificates are recorded in a registry.
07 Can I produce biochar myself?
Yes. With the Pyro-ClinX pyrolysis plant you produce around 75 kg of biochar per hour while generating 150 kW of power (gross) and up to 450 kW of heat. You can use your own wood residues for this.
08 Does pyropower take my biochar?
Yes. If you wish, there are two options for operators of a Pyro-ClinX: we market the biochar on your behalf or buy it at an agreed price. We provide the conditions on request.
09 What does biochar have to do with terra preta?
Terra preta is a very fertile black earth from the Amazon region. Its fertility is largely due to biochar worked into the soil. The principle is a model for today's soil applications.
010 Which EBC classes are there?
The EBC distinguishes classes by intended use: EBC-FeedPlus for feeding and bedding, EBC-AgroBio for organic farming, EBC-Agro for agriculture and horticulture, EBC-Urban for tree substrates and green spaces, EBC-Materials for products with consumer contact and EBC-Basic for industrial processing. Which class your biochar achieves depends on the residue used. We define the specification together with you.
[ Biochar ]
Biochar request
Our biochar comes from Pyro-ClinX plants developed for continuous industrial use. Biochar made to measure: we match feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and preparation to your application, from grain size to packaging. Tell us the application and annual quantity, and we will get back to you with an offer.
info@pyro-power.com 
+49 355 866 870 82 
pyropower GmbH