Supporting the new carbon economy, production of biochar in Maine

by David Shaw

I am a founding investor in Standard Biocarbon (SBC), a development stage, Maine-based company focused on attractive business and social benefits of industrial scale production of biochar from forest biomass.  

Biochar, produced via the proven thermochemical process of pyrolysis, is a stable, porous material consisting of nearly pure carbon. It has significant value as a soil additive to build carbon reserves, increase water retention, and improve agricultural productivity.  Other applications include uses in composite materials such as cement, and as an additive to animal feeds.  

Beyond commercial market opportunities, the production of biochar from forest biomass has important social benefits as a method for large scale, low-cost carbon sequestration.  As risks associated with high atmospheric carbon have become better understood, public policies increasingly favor incentives for sequestration and reduced emissions.  I join the SBC team in being motivated by the social impact of our work.  And we expect to generate revenue from incentives, such as CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs), associated with the carbon sequestration benefits of our biochar production.  

I’m happy to share this video about our plans to return carbon to the earth, benefit agriculture and support prosperity in our communities including a planned facility in East Millinocket, Maine