Scoping the potential for biochar in a Scottish context

Removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and storing them permanently is important for achieving net zero. Biochar – a solid carbon material similar to charcoal – is one of the most widely used carbon removal methods worldwide.

Biochar is made by heating biological material, usually plant material, to very high temperatures in a process called pyrolysis. The resulting material can store carbon for long periods.

This report assesses the potential for biochar in Scotland. It examines the availability of materials for biochar production, its potential impacts on carbon storage, soil health and crop yields, lessons from other countries, potential uses in Scotland, and the main barriers and opportunities to its wider use.

Key findings

• Barriers and opportunities: Waste management rules, high and variable costs, and limited support for scaling up production are major barriers to investment. Carbon credit income and stronger, independent evidence from Scotland could help build confidence among farmers and investors.
• Feedstock sources: Scotland has plenty of biomass that could be used to make biochar, including forestry, farming and whisky production waste. More research is needed to assess the potential of major sources such as farm waste, sewage sludge and waste wood.
• Carbon storage: Biochar can store carbon for a long time, with forestry waste offering strong potential in Scotland. Scotland’s cool climate and mineral soils may also help it remain stable in the ground.
• Soil health, crop yields and climate resilience: Early research suggests biochar could increase crop and grass yields when used with organic fertiliser, improve soil quality and reduce some greenhouse gas emissions. However, evidence from Scotland is limited, and biochar should not currently be used on peat because of concerns about emissions.
• Lessons from other countries: Scotland can learn from countries such as Denmark, Sweden and Germany, which have taken different approaches to supporting biochar. Their experience shows that government support, funding and clear regulations can help develop the sector, but do not always lead to widespread use.
• How biochar could be used in Scotland: Seven potential uses for biochar in Scotland have been identified. Using it on farmland, particularly alongside organic fertilisers, offers the greatest potential for carbon storage while requiring little change to existing practices.

Areas for future action

• Support early commercial projects: Provide targeted funding to help biochar projects move from demonstration to commercial production, filling a gap in current funding.
• Clarify regulations: Work with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to develop clear rules for when biochar can be treated as a product rather than waste.
• Build the Scottish evidence base: Run field trials across Scottish soils and feedstocks to test realistic application rates and monitor the long-term effects on carbon storage and soil health.
• Identify opportunities for production: Map where biochar production could work best in Scotland, considering available materials, transport, infrastructure and potential uses for the heat produced.
• Compare environmental impacts: Assess the environmental impacts of different Scottish feedstocks and supply chains, including how biochar compares with other uses of the same materials.
• Develop common standards: Establish consistent standards for testing, tracking and monitoring biochar, including carbon claims and environmental safeguards.

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