John S. Walker, President

The Buzz

“The benefits of improving their soil should be enough to persuade some farmers to make and bury biochar. Others, though, may need more incentives—probably in the form of carbon “offsets” that compensate for emissions elsewhere.”

The Economist, August 27, 2009

“Energy market forecasts in the 1970s did not foresee the rapid development of gas-powered generation through integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants and it is very possible that similar new energy options will arrive in future. An example of one such promising technology, Biochar….a charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass with minimal oxygen (pyrolysis)…Biochar systems need to be developed on a meaningful scale to determine better their true sequestration potential.” Tony Blair, Former UK Prime Minister, 2009

The Opportunity

Biomass waste can be converted into valuable commodities, but logistics drive costs past the market

Biochar is a multi-level product; a soil enhancement, carbon sink, fuel source, waste diversion practice.

Benefits of Using Biochar

Increased plant growth and crop yields

Prevents leaching of nutrients in the soil, especially in the tropics

Fewer chemical fertilizers needed

Can correct soil acidity [Biochar is acid or alkaline, depending on temperature, time and oxygen used in pyrolysis]

Stores carbon long term

Increased EM population

Benefits Of Biochar Cont. Increased earthworm population

Inexpensive soil amendment

Sustainable farming possible for the poor

Neutralizes bad odors, so perfect to add to a compost toilet

Improved water retention in the soil

Improved aeration and tilth

Reversal of desertification

Reforestation possible

Benefits Of Biochar Cont.

Reduced runoff of phosphorus into surface waters

Reduced leaching of nitrogen into groundwater

Reduced soil compaction

Improved soil drainage

Increased nutrient cycling

Improved germination

Improved plant resistance to fungal disease, root feeding nematodes and insect infestations

Benefits Of Biochar Cont.

Suppressed methane emission Reduced nitrous oxide emission Reduces aluminium toxicity Increased soil aggregation [gathering together of the soil]

due to increased fungal hypha Increased soil levels of available Ca, Mg, P, and K Stimulated symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes Increased arbuscular mycorrhyzal fungi [the kind that

attach to plant roots and exchange nutrients for sugars] Increased cation [a positively charged ion] exchange

capacity

Biomass Through Pyrolysis

The Biochar Carbon Cycle

Describe your Team

Technology

WRE has developed a mobile biochar system

Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.

The WRE-CHAB System

Technology

WRE has developed a mobile biochar system

Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.

Thank You

The WRE-CHAB System

Technology

WRE has developed a mobile biochar system

Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.

Thank You

The System

Inflow of Biomass

Technology

WRE has developed a mobile biochar system

Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.

Thank You

Pre-processing

Feedstock is pre-dried

up to 30% Moisture Content

Additional pre-drying can be added

Technology

WRE has developed a mobile biochar system

Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.

Thank You

A Continuous System

Dried feedstock flowing to the reactor.

24 hr. operation

The Outputs

Pyrolytic gases flared from the WRE-CHAB System

John Walker jsw@walkerrenewableenergy.com

www.walkerrenewableenergy.com