Hyso’s first projects are Biochar in Paraguay, with plans to extend operations into the broader Mercosur region, strategically leveraging the substantial biomass residues at hand in the prolific agricultural areas of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.
Biochar is a carbon-rich, black substance created by pyrolysis (thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen).
It is similar to charcoal, and is used as a valuable additive in fertilisers, asphalt and cement.
By pyrolysing waste biomass instead of allowing natural decomposition, the carbon is locked in the form of biochar for centuries. Valuable, highly integral carbon removal credits are therefore created in the process which can be sold in the carbon market in addition to the highly desirable biochar.
Over 6x more carbon dioxide is released from decomposition of biomass compared to human emissions globally. Biochar ”locks up” these emissions, preventing their release. One tonne of biochar stores 2 to 3 tonnes of CO2.
Global demand of organic fertilisers is growing. Biochar is an organic soil supplement, reducing fertiliser requirement and improving yields. Growing demand for green building materials means biochar has significant value in cement or asphalt.
South America is an ideal market for biochar projects, wide availability of low-cost feedstock for the process as well as multiple channels for off-take.