Orlowski et al. (2026): Biochar Carbon Removal with energy co-production – Present and future business models
Monika Orlowski, Hannes Bluhm and Bernd Hirschl, IN: Biomass and Bioenergy, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2026.109346
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is essential for achieving climate neutrality, and Biochar Carbon Removal through slow pyrolysis is among the most mature options available. Although the number of pyrolysis plants in Europe is growing, research on their business models (BMs) remains limited. In this context, this paper explores three questions: How are current pyrolysis BMs with energy co-production configured? Which BM archetypes can be identified? And what future BM pathways appear promising? Their analysis draws on desktop research covering 39 plants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 11 interviews with operators and manufacturers, and an expert workshop using a backcasting approach.