U.S. Biochar Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Technology (Pyrolysis and Gasification), By Application (Farming, Livestock, Power Generation, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. biochar market size was valued at USD 20.77 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.81% during the forecast period.

The U.S. has observed a significant rise in the demand for biochar as this new approach of using the product in soil amendment, which is created by gradually burning wood and agricultural byproducts, such as plant matter with less oxygen in a process called pyrolysis, has become progressively popular for its optimistic impacts on soil and the environment. The country held a significant share of the global market in 2022 and is expected to continue the trend during the forecast period. Growing demand for biochar for agricultural activities and industrial feedstock is likely to drive market growth.  

This COVID-19 pandemic crisis affected many industries in diverse ways, such as the halt of domestic industrial procedures, decreased production, disruptions in value chains, raw material shortage, halted international transactions, imports and export shutdown, unreachability of new orders and clients, lack of operating staffs, and other factors. The outbreak of COVID-19 expressively impacted the biochar producing plant market due to supply chain disruption. The overall energy demand broadly decreased in this region due to the pandemic, as most of the industries and commercial sectors were closed.

U.S. Biochar Market Trends

Advanced Technologies Enable Synthesis of Biochar Composites Either via Co-pyrolysis or Post-pyrolysis Modification

In the older approach, improvement agents such as minerals and metal oxides are fixed to the feedstock before pyrolysis. However, more studies are inclined toward adopting the latter method of post-pyrolysis modification. Considering the fact that the biochar-producing process involves high temperatures, the practicality of the introduction of certain chemicals is restricted. For instance, biochar-goethite composites with exceptional Arsenic adsorption and immobilization performances can only be synthesized using post-pyrolysis modification.

Source- International Energy Agency

In 2020, bioenergy power generation increased by 8%; nevertheless, the deployment has been inconsistent in the past. However, its capacity has expanded in the last five years. This positive growth also shines a light on the possibility of power generation from the product. Since scientists are already working on it, this possibility is expected to become an opportunity soon.

U.S. Biochar Market Growth Factors

Increased Usage of the Product in Agriculture Segment to Drive Market Growth

The persistently developing requirement for natural nourishment to the soil and grains has urged people to use advanced fertilizers and chemicals for healthy growth. The product is heavily used in agriculture for the enhancement of soil fertility, improving plant growth, and providing crop nutrition, which improves the overall productivity of farming. The product has also gained traction in livestock farming as an animal feed. Moreover, it is a rich nutrient material produced from biomass and has gained attention for improving crop yields’ water-holding capacity, reducing fertilizer requirements, and increasing crop yields.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Toxic Effects Related to the Product May Hamper Market Growth

The product can probably have a toxic effect on the ecosystem due to the presence of harmful substances. The application of the product in soil usually does not have a toxic effect and very often stimulates plants, the activity of bacteria, and invertebrates. However, its effect is determined by the product type, especially the feedstock used and pyrolysis temperature, as well as contaminants content. The main factors responsible for the product’s toxicity are the pH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, electrical conductivity, and heavy metals. Moreover, the inadequate availability of raw materials for producing the product is another restraining factor in some countries.

U.S. Biochar Market Segmentation Analysis

By Technology Analysis

Based on technology, the market is segmented into pyrolysis and gasification. Though there are several technologies for the production of biochar, pyrolysis and gasification have been commercially viable technologies.

The pyrolysis segment held the largest U.S. biochar market share in 2022 due to its increasing application, including soil amendment and removal of organic pollutants. Pyrolysis is dominating the market as it is an inexpensive technology that reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of water pollution. The best approach to mitigate the negative consequences of waste management on the environment is to observe the thermal recycling of waste tire materials using pyrolysis and to produce fuel and other solid products. Moreover, chars acquired from waste tire pyrolysis can be used for applications in pollution management or gas storage as adsorbents.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented into farming, livestock, power generation, and others. The farming segment held the dominating market share in 2022 due to the product’s ability to enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth, and provide crop nutrition.

• In April 2023, scientists at Junagadh Agriculture University found a resolution to the growing problem of agriculture residue, which is typically set on fire and causes severe pollution. The residue, disposal of which was a big task for farmers, can now be transformed into biochar, which has various applications across sectors. Moreover, JAU has launched a technology that can yield the product from waste, and they have been awarded for the same.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Biochar Market

The biochar industry is emerging and is expected to witness substantial opportunities for the U.S. market growth. The emphasis of manufacturers is on escalating awareness about the product. Other industry participants also emphasize developing reduced carbon emission manufacturing techniques, which results in less production and end-product cost. Moreover, major industry leaders have private or government backing for research and development and, therefore, aim to utilize cost-effective manufacturing techniques. Some other companies in the industry are investigating the use of the product in various other applications as it is named as a harmless and environmentally friendly product.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Airex Energy Inc (Canada)


• Phoenix (U.S.)


• Avello Bioenergy (U.S.)


• Black Owl Biochar (U.S.)


• Aries Clean Technologies (U.S.)


• CharGrow (U.S.)


• Yummet (U.S.)


• Genesis Enterprises Inc (Canada)


• Tolero Renewables LLC (U.S.)


• Pacific Biochar Benefit Corporation (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023: Verde Resources, Inc. has announced a partnership with Green Carbon Industries (GCI) to set the stage for transformative infrastructure development through innovative biochar asphalt showcase projects in the U.S., complementing GCI's proven success in showcase projects across the Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East, and Africa.


• July 2023: Airex Energy, Groupe Remabec, and SUEZ entered a partnership to create Canada’s first industrial biochar production plant in Port-Cartier, Quebec. The initial phase will be finalized in 2024 and will be the first project coming out from the partnership of SUEZ and Airex Energy, which is aiming for the production of 350,000 tonnes of the product by 2035.


• July 2023: In its initial two years, the European BeonNAT accomplished favorable results that validate the possibilities of refined biomass to yield bioplastics, active carbon, biochar, and litter with essential oils.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report offers an in-depth analysis of the market and focuses on its key aspects. Also, the market research report provides vital insights into the latest industry developments and scrutinizes technologies being adopted rapidly across the U.S. It further highlights some of the growth-stimulating factors and restraints, helping the reader gain in-depth knowledge about the industry.

Report Scope & Segmentation