Maine’s forestry sector has faced significant challenges due to the decline of the paper industry, while the state’s agriculture industry contends with per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) contamination left after decades of spreading biosolids on agricultural land, affecting soil and water quality. Standard Biocarbon (SBC), a cleantech company based in Enfield, Maine, is tackling both issues by converting sawmill residuals into premium biochar, thereby rejuvenating the local forestry economy and providing a potent tool for the remediation of agricultural land.An Existing Resource&nbsp; Maine’s forests generate over 2 million tons of low-grade wood annually, including sawmill residuals. Over the past decade, the state has experienced significant volatility in markets for these materials, losing over 4 million tons of low-grade wood demand as paper and biomass power production has declined. SBC’s biochar facility, colocated with Pleasant River Lumber, offers a new use for residual wood chips, increasing the efficiency of the local forestry sector where sustainable harvest practices are strict, and no part of the tree can go unused. This partnership exemplifies circular economy principles by utilizing sawmill byproducts—wood chips, pins and fines—that would otherwise be trucked long distances to be combusted or made into paper. These residuals are now transformed into biochar, creating a new revenue stream for forestry businesses while ensuring healthy, productive working forests. &nbsp; &nbsp;Advanced Technology&nbsp; SBC’s biochar production facility utilizes the first PYREG system for biomass installed in the United States. This two-story system comprises three main components: a reactor, dust separator and flameless combustion chamber. The production process begins with the combustion chamber and reactors being preheated using external gas, such as propane or natural gas. Biomass is then fed into the pyrolysis reactor. Once the reactor reaches a threshold temperature, the external gas is no longer needed, as the heat inside the reactors causes the wood chips to release synthesis gas (syngas), which passes through the dust separator and into the flameless combustion chamber, where it is safely and efficiently incinerated at temperatures of over 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;The combustion of the syngas generates renewable thermal energy, which is moved over the reactors, thereby sustaining the autothermal process. This means that no further external energy is required. Furthermore, the excess thermal energy from this process is directed to a heat exchanger, whereby producing hot water for drying the biomass and providing heat for the site.Inside the reactor, the biomass reaches around 1,200 F in a near oxygen-free environment, producing biochar with 90% pure carbon content. The system became fully operational in October 2024, with an ambitious goal of producing 50 cubic yards of biochar per day. Fred Horton, co-owner of SBC, emphasizes the precision and efficiency of the process. “Our PYREG technology not only ensures the highest-quality biochar, but also allows us to scale production efficiently while maximizing the value of residual materials,” he says.Biochar: a PFAS Remediation Tool&nbsp; One of biochar’s most promising applications is its ability to address contamination caused by PFAS. These “forever chemicals” are notoriously persistent in the environment and have been linked to health risks such as kidney and testicular cancers. Maine, in particular, has grappled with PFAS contamination in farmland due to sludge spread in past decades. Horton highlights biochar’s role in combating PFAS contamination. “Biochar is very much like activated carbon—it can filter out heavy metals, arsenic, lead and other toxins in the soil, including PFAS,” he explains.SBC’s high-carbon biochar, produced using PYREG’s technology, is especially effective due to its purity and high sorption potential. The biochar binds PFAS, preventing the chemicals from entering crops and water systems. “While research is still ongoing to determine how long biochar holds PFAS and how much is needed for effective remediation, the hope is that a single application can interrupt the uptake permanently,” Horton adds. &nbsp;This capability makes biochar a game-changing solution for regions dealing with PFAS contamination, offering farmers and communities a tool to restore soil health and safety.SBC produces premium biochar with an organic carbon content exceeding 90%, very high surface area, ash content below 2%, and a pH of approximately 8. Benefits include a range of applications, including the following: &nbsp;● Soil health and productivity. Biochar improves soil structure, retains moisture, and enhances nutrient availability.● Environmental remediation. Due to its high porosity and surface area, SBC’s biochar binds toxins like heavy metals and PFAS, reducing contamination risks in soils and water.● Carbon sequestration. For every ton of biochar produced, approximately three tons of CO2 are removed from the atmosphere and stored in a stable form for millennia.Biochar with consistent quality and high carbon content also enables SBC to generate more carbon credits, further enhancing the project’s environmental and economic value. Use of PYREG’s digital MRV (measurement, reporting and verification) provides absolute verification of both biochar quality and the metrics needed for PYREG’s life cycle assessment.A Model for the Biomass Industry&nbsp; SBC’s project represents a significant milestone for the biomass industry. It showcases how residual materials, often seen as waste, can be upcycled into a product that supports sustainable forestry, environmental remediation and climate action. This model is particularly relevant as the biomass industry seeks to align with global sustainability goals. By creating a circular, high-value production process, SBC demonstrates how biomass can be leveraged not only for energy, but also for long-term carbon storage and soil enhancement.The Standard Biocarbon facility is more than just a cleantech success story—it’s a blueprint for scaling biochar production by leveraging existing forestry infrastructure and expertise to address pervasive large-scale problems like water and soil contamination, and resilience to extreme weather. By combining innovative technology with sustainable feedstock sourcing practices, SBC is delivering economic, environmental and societal benefits that resonate far beyond Maine.As the industry continues to adapt to new challenges, projects like SBC’s demonstrate the power of combining local resources, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability to drive transformative change. Author: Jörg zu Dohna&nbsp; CEO, Pyreg GmbH&nbsp; www.pyreg.com&nbsp; &nbsp;

2025-01-14 - A New Economic Engine for Maine’s Forest Industry (Biomass Magazine)

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Produced with state-of-the-art technology, a Maine biochar operation is harnessing the state’s vibrant forestry industry to tackle PFAS contamination, increase crop efficiency and remove carbon from the atmosphere.

A New Economic Engine for Maine’s Forest Industry

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