The Biochar project in Nagpur is a carbon removal initiative located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. It is being implemented by Varhad Capital Pvt Ltd as the implementation partner, with Green Carbon, Inc. acting as the plant manufacturer. The core of the project involves converting leftover cotton plants/stalks into biochar through a process called pyrolysis. This high-efficiency pyrolysis is conducted in the absence of oxygen, stabilizing carbon in a solid form that resists decomposition. The cotton stalks, which would otherwise be burned or left to rot, are sourced from local farmer cooperatives and agro-waste collectors in the Nagpur region. The produced biochar is then blended with organic compost to create a bio-fertilizer, referred to as "Biochaar++", and applied to agricultural soil. This application not only stores carbon long-term but also improves soil health by enhancing water retention and nutrient efficiency. Key aspects of the project include: • Carbon Removal: The project aims to sequester carbon that would otherwise be released as greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO₂ and methane from the natural decomposition or burning of cotton stalks. The biochar produced is designed for long-term permanence, with a molar hydrogen/organic carbon ratio (H/Corg) targeting below 0.4 (analyses show around <0.2) and a random reflectance (R0) exceeding 2%, indicating geological stability. • Scale and Reach: Each biochar plant is projected to produce approximately 3,000 tons of biochar annually, requiring 9,000–10,000 tons of feedstock from around 8,000 farmers across 10,000 hectares. Green Carbon, Inc. plans for 18 such plants in India (including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh), with a total anticipated output of 52,920 tons of biochar and 126,360 CO₂ Removal Certificates (CORCs). Over 3,000 farmers have already agreed to participate. • Additionality: The project demonstrates financial, regulatory, and carbon additionality. It relies on carbon credit revenue for viability, as the biochar market in Maharashtra is limited, and there are no government mandates for biochar production. • Co-benefits: Beyond carbon removal, the project delivers significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. It reduces air pollution by offering an alternative to stubble burning, creates a reliable income stream for smallholder farmers by purchasing agricultural waste, boosts crop yields (up to 20%), lessens the dependency on chemical fertilizers, and generates local employment opportunities. • Certification: The project follows the Puro Standard Biochar Methodology (Edition 2022 Version 3) and is preparing for a facility audit in Q4 2025, with crediting expected to start in Q1 2026. A comprehensive monitoring and reporting plan, verified by a third-party auditor, ensures the safety, eligibility, and accurate quantification of carbon removal activities

Description of Technology:

Sector:

Carbon Dioxide Removal

Type of Supplier:

Final Good

Supplier Geography:

India

Expected Capacity (Mt/Year):

60,300 Mt/Year