1. Challenges Faced
This U.S. client faces the challenge of low-value utilization of agricultural residues (almond shells). Traditional treatment methods such as low-price sales or open burning not only generated minimal economic returns but also ran counter to sustainability goals.
2. Goals for Change
Recognizing the vast potential of biochar carbon removal, the client decides to convert almond shells into biochar, creating both economic and environmental value. The project’s core goals include:
- Efficiently convert almond shells into biochar and distribute it to nearby almond farms to improve soil quality and support regional sustainable agriculture.
- Obtain and trade verified carbon credits through the long-term carbon sequestration properties of biochar.
3. Actions and Solutions
To achieve these goals, the client chose the Beston Group BST-50 biochar production machine. This equipment and its supporting services offer the following advantages:
- Equipment Support: The BST-50 model provides highly efficient biomass processing capacity. It is expected to process approximately 6 tons of almond shells per hour, operate 310 days per year, and achieve an annual processing volume of up to 20,000 tons.
- Experience Support: As a biochar pyrolysis technology provider for Puro.earth, Beston Group can provide clients with comprehensive operational data and technical documentation to support the application and certification of their carbon removal projects.
4. Project Achievements
The biochar machine has been successfully commissioned. It is expected to produce 6,000 tons of biochar annually, sequestering approximately 12,000 tons of CO₂. The project creates value across multiple dimensions:
- Carbon-negative Impact: Biochar removes carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Soil Health & Productivity: Biochar improves soil fertility and water retention, enhancing crop production conditions.
- Waste-to-resource Innovation: Agricultural residues such as almond shells are transformed into a valuable soil amendment.
- Job Creation: Each facility creates around 12 technical jobs, supporting local employment.
- Circular Economy: The project fosters a thriving green economy and enables sustainable growth across the region.
