The Largest Industrial Biochar Deal to Date
Google has entered into a landmark agreement with Indian biochar startup Varaha to purchase 100,000 tons of carbon removal credits. This marks Google’s first carbon removal initiative in India and represents the largest biochar transaction in history.
Delivery Scheduled for 2030
The credits, generated by Varaha’s industrial biochar project in Gujarat, are set for delivery in 2030. The project will produce biochar using Prosopis Juliflora, an invasive plant species, through a pyrolysis process. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
“Biochar is a promising approach to carbon removal because it has the ability to scale worldwide, using existing technology, with positive side effects for soil health,” said Randy Spock, Google’s carbon removal lead.
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a stable, porous solid material produced by heating biomass at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis. This material locks carbon dioxide (CO2) into its structure, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. When added to soil, biochar improves soil quality and ensures the sequestered carbon remains stored for hundreds of years.
Addressing Environmental Challenges in Gujarat
Varaha’s project focuses on utilizing Prosopis Juliflora, an invasive species that has adversely affected biodiversity and grasslands in Gujarat. By harvesting this plant and restoring native grasslands, the initiative aims to simultaneously address environmental degradation and carbon sequestration.
Monitoring and Verification
Varaha employs a digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system, integrating remote sensing to track biomass availability. The biochar produced will undergo third-party auditing, with results submitted to Puro.earth, a carbon removal certification firm. Each ton of biochar is expected to generate 2.5 carbon credits. Varaha projects an annual output of one million credits by 2030.
Scaling Operations
In its inaugural project last year, Varaha processed 40,000 tons of biomass to produce 10,000 tons of biochar. CEO Madur Jain expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious 2030 target: “Even if we don’t grow our skills, we have already reached a level with which we are able to successfully process 40,000 tons of biomass per annum, which means that we can easily reach the target of 100,000 tons of biochar by 2030.”
Google’s Commitment to Carbon Removal
This initiative aligns with Google’s broader strategy to mitigate its carbon footprint. In recent months, Google has made several significant carbon removal investments:
- Terradot: A long-term purchase agreement and equity investment for 200,000 tons of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) carbon removal credits, set for delivery in the early 2030s. This deal was the largest ERW agreement to date.
- Holocene: A $10 million agreement to remove up to 100,000 tons of direct air capture (DAC) credits, also scheduled for the early 2030s.
FAQs
1. What is Prosopis Juliflora, and why is it used in this project?
Prosopis Juliflora is an invasive plant species that disrupts local ecosystems by overtaking grasslands. Using this plant for biochar production helps restore biodiversity while sequestering carbon.
2. How does biochar improve soil quality?
Biochar enhances soil fertility by increasing water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, making it a sustainable addition to agricultural practices.
3. Why is Google investing in carbon removal projects?
Google aims to achieve carbon neutrality and address its environmental impact by supporting scalable, innovative solutions like biochar, enhanced rock weathering, and direct air capture.
4. What role does Puro.earth play in this project?
Puro.earth is responsible for certifying the carbon removal credits generated by Varaha’s biochar project, ensuring credibility and transparency.
5. What are the expected outcomes of this project?
The project aims to produce one million carbon credits annually by 2030, restore native grasslands in Gujarat, and establish a scalable model for industrial biochar production.
