Understanding Biocarbon and Its Climate Impact

(NorthX Climate Tech/Canadian Biomass) It’s no secret that B.C. has a slash pile problem. Each year, millions of tonnes of low-quality forest residues are burned, releasing carbon and creating risks. But what if these and other residuals could unlock climate solutions and near-term, high-value economic opportunities?

This is where biocarbon holds real potential, and B.C. is well-positioned to lead it to commercial reality. NorthX is proud to launch our latest report, Biocarbon Rising: From Concept to Commercialization, developed in collaboration with Energy Super Modelers and International Analysts (ESMIA). This report explores the fundamentals of biocarbon, its commercial viability, and how this emerging sector can support deep decarbonization while delivering real economic value.

The growing emphasis on biochar, alongside the provincial government’s low carbon fuel production goals supported by the Low Carbon Fuels Standard, prompted a broader question: Is biochar the only viable biomass pathway, or are there untapped opportunities for other biocarbon products?

Unlocking opportunities for BC to lead
B.C. is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in the biocarbon sector, with abundant natural resources offering diverse feedstock opportunities, deep technical expertise, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and supportive regulatory frameworks. From feedstock to full-scale deployments, B.C. is already laying the groundwork for scalable, next-generation carbon solutions.

What is biocarbon? Biocarbon consists of the solid, liquid, and gaseous products made when biomass is heated with little or no oxygen. This process can produce products such as biochar, bio-coal and torrefied pellets, hydrochar, bio-oil, wood vinegar, and synthesis gas (syngas).

“What excites me most is seeing the ingenuity of local innovators already building real solutions in B.C. Biochar provides one of the most tangible and near-term pathways for permanent carbon dioxide removal, while bio-oil and syngas offer significant decarbonization potential for hard-to-abate sectors such as transportation. By synthesizing a cohesive sector overview in this report, our goal is to create transparency around market conditions and investment opportunities to ultimately accelerate the commercialization of the most impactful biocarbon technologies,” said Ashley Callister, investment lead at NorthX Climate Tech.

While the report is focused on B.C., any jurisdiction with access to ample residual resources could replicate the commercialization model demonstrated. Favourable policy environments could further accelerate biocarbon project development. READ MORE