Biochar may reduce impact of Alberta oil sands

The federal and provincial governments invested more than a million dollars in 2012 to help promote the biochar industry in Alberta.

But commercialization in the province is still a long way off.

Biochar is a form of charcoal made from organic wastes—usually from agricultural or forestry discards. It’s produced through pyrolysis, a burning process that takes place in a low oxygen environment.

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Biochar may help the future grow

Biochar is an emerging technology with endless potential for Alberta, according to expert Anthony Anyia.

Anyia, manager of the bioresource technologies business unit for Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF), said the non-fuel use of charcoal is a carbon-rich product of agriculture and forest residues and waste biomass.

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