Life Cycle Assessment of VGrid Biochar Gasifier
Project Details:
VGrid Energy Systems (VGrid) is a mobile, scalable gasifier that converts waste biomass to biochar and electricity. With a focus on innovating new solutions in renewable energy, VGrid is starting to deliver breakthrough technology to California Central Valley farmers to reduce their crippling water irrigation bills and to help rebuild their farm soil for long-term sustainability.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
KERAMIDA conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of VGrid’s biochar gasifier. This technology converts waste biomass (i.e., pistachio shells) to biochar (a beneficial product) and electricity. The entire cradle-to-grave LCA was conducted and submitted as part of VGrid’s application for CO2 removal certificates (CORCs) to the Puro Earth Registry. The amount of CORCs received is directly related to how much GHG is sequestered during the process. CORCs are critical to this technology because they are tradable commodities that can introduce revenue into VGrid’s business.
The initial review of the application resulted in about 2 CORCs per ton of biochar produced - which was 33% less than expected by our team. After several meetings to clarify our approach and methodology to Puro Earth, KERAMIDA was able to increase the amount of CORCs to a value above 3, which was higher than what was originally submitted. Subsequently, the Climate Action Portfolio purchased all of VGrid's CORCS. Learn more about their purchase here: www.co2.com/projects/biochar-made-from-pistachio-shells
Related Services:
KERAMIDA offers a wide variety of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) services to clients worldwide, including multi-facility industrial clients, industrial associations, law firms, and state organizations. Our experienced team of GHG experts provide carbon footprint evaluations, GHG inventories, GHG monitoring plans, and training.
