Why in NEWS
With India’s carbon market set to launch in 2026, CO₂ removal technologies like biochar are emerging as vital tools for reducing emissions and driving sustainable growth.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Biochar | Carbon-rich charcoal made by pyrolyzing agricultural residue or organic waste, used for carbon sequestration and soil enhancement. |
| Pyrolysis | Thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen, producing biochar, syngas, and bio-oil. |
| Carbon Sequestration | Long-term storage of CO₂ in soil, vegetation, or geological formations to mitigate climate change. |
| Syngas | Gas mixture from pyrolysis used for energy generation. |
Key Statistics on India’s CO₂ Emissions
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Share in global cumulative GHG emissions (1850–2019) | 4% |
| Per capita emissions | One-third of world average |
| GDP emission intensity reduction | 36% (2005–2020) |
| Global rank in GHG emissions | 3rd after China and USA |
| Major source | Power sector (50% of fuel-related CO₂) |
| Transport emissions | 12% of energy-related CO₂ emissions |
Potential Applications of Biochar
| Sector | Application | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Capture | Stores carbon in soils for 100–1,000 years; improves soil health; restores degraded land. | Removes ~0.1 gigatonne CO₂-eq/year using 30–50% waste feedstock. |
| Power Generation | Produces 20–30 MT syngas and 24–40 MT bio-oil annually. | Generates 8–13 TWh electricity; replaces 12–19 MT diesel/kerosene; cuts fossil fuel emissions by 2%. |
| Agriculture | Enhances water retention in semi-arid soils; reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50%. | Mitigates N₂O, a GHG with 273× warming potential of CO₂. |
| Construction | 2–5% biochar in concrete boosts strength, heat resistance by 20%, and captures 115 kg CO₂/m³. | Sustainable building material with carbon capture. |
| Wastewater Treatment | Adsorbs pollutants cost-effectively. | Addresses untreated 72% of India’s daily 70 billion litres of wastewater. |
Other Key CO₂ Removal Technologies
| Category | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-based | Afforestation, Reforestation, Agroforestry, Soil Carbon Sequestration | Use vegetation and soils for carbon storage. |
| Ocean-based | Artificial Upwelling, Seaweed Cultivation & Sinking | Capture carbon via marine biomass and nutrient cycling. |
| BECCS | Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage | Generates power from biomass with CO₂ capture and storage. |
| DAC | Direct Air Capture | Extracts CO₂ from air using chemicals; e.g., Climeworks, Carbon Engineering. |
| CCUS | Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage | Captures CO₂ from industrial sources for reuse or storage. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – “B-PAC”
Biochar
Power
Agriculture
Construction
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following byproducts of biochar production can be used for electricity generation?
a) Bio-oil
b) Syngas
c) Both a and b
d) None - Which gas has 273 times the warming potential of CO₂?
a) Methane
b) Nitrous Oxide
c) Sulphur Hexafluoride
d) Ozone - Direct Air Capture (DAC) refers to:
a) Removing CO₂ directly from industrial exhaust
b) Removing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere
c) Removing particulate matter from air
d) Increasing forest cover to capture CO₂
Mains Practice Questions
- Evaluate the role of biochar in India’s low-carbon transition strategy in the context of the upcoming carbon market. 10 Marks
- Discuss the advantages and limitations of biochar compared to other CO₂ removal technologies like BECCS and DAC. 15 Marks
Prelims Answers & Explanations
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | Both syngas and bio-oil are pyrolysis byproducts; syngas generates electricity, bio-oil can replace diesel/kerosene. |
| 2 | b | Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has 273× the warming potential of CO₂. |
| 3 | b | DAC chemically captures CO₂ directly from ambient air for storage or use. |
