Woody biomass burial is a carbon storage solution that involves the underground burial of woody biomass, such as tree trunks, branches, and other lignin-containing biomass.
The process begins with the collection and preparation of the biomass, ensuring it is suitable for burial. The biomass is then compartmentalized within a burial chamber, which is typically several meters deep. The excavation follows a bench mining approach, where each bench is sequentially excavated, providing a platform for the placement and burial of the biomass.
The biomass is stored in compartmentalised layers within the burial chamber.
To ensure the long-term preservation of the biomass and the carbon it contains, the burial chamber is gradually covered with clay or other non-permeable natural materials.
This effectively seals the burial chamber, creating an anaerobic environment that slows down the decomposition of the biomass and the release of carbon dioxide. Through a certified process and meticulous maintenance of ideal anaerobic conditions, Terrasink ensures the effective storage and preservation of the woody biomass, promoting long-term carbon sequestration.
Woody biomass burial is recognised as an effective carbon storage solution for several reasons. Firstly, the burial process effectively sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, preventing its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Woody biomass contains a significant amount of carbon, and by burying it in controlled environments, it remains stored and isolated from the carbon cycle for extended periods.
Secondly, the burial process utilises anaerobic conditions, which considerably slows down the decomposition of the biomass and the release of carbon dioxide. This enables long-term carbon storage, potentially lasting for centuries or more. Additionally, the process boasts a rapid deployment timeframe, proving to be a cost-effective method of keeping CO2 out of the atmosphere over time.
Lastly, woody biomass burial is a natural and sustainable approach that utilises renewable resources, unlike certain other carbon storage methods. It offers the added advantage of utilising biomass that may have otherwise gone to waste, thereby providing an environmentally beneficial means of managing and storing carbon.
The storage from the burial process ensures a remarkable level of permanence.
Through meticulous implementation of ideal anaerobic conditions and the use of certified, scientifically proven processes, the carbon contained within the wood can be stored by Terrasink for well over a millennium. This longevity is exemplified by the discovery of well-preserved wood in ancient archaeological sites, attesting to the effectiveness of the storage method.
Terrasink accepts various types of wood and biomass materials for burial, focusing on extracting value from waste materials. Specifically, the company works with trees affected by diseases such as xylella fastidiosa in Puglia, Italy, and utilises pruning residue from local woody perennial agriculture, including olive, almond, citrus, and other relevant species.
Terrasink is committed to sustainability and ensures that all materials used are sourced sustainably. Furthermore, the company pays farmers top rates for the supplied biomass material, supporting local agricultural communities and fostering economic benefits.
By effectively managing waste material and partnering with farmers, Terrasink promotes environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, and the efficient storage of carbon through its projects.
Yes, the carbon credits generated by Terrasink's projects are third-party verified and certified. We have partnered with an ICROA-affiliated registry and an internationally-recognised Validation Verification Body (VVB). These partnerships ensure that all our projects adhere to the highest standards and comply with the most rigorous rules in the realm of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). By undergoing rigorous verification and certification processes, we can provide assurance that our carbon credits are credible, transparent, and reliable in the fight against climate change.
The woody biomass burial sites developed by Terrasink are designed with a guaranteed and monitored chamber stability for a minimum of 100 years. However, it is important to note that the effects of the burial process can extend far beyond that timeframe. In scientific literature, numerous examples have been documented of wood discovered buried in anaerobic conditions, whether underground or underwater, dating back over 40,000 years.
This demonstrates the long-lasting effects of preserving wood in such environments.
The land used for the burial sites developed by Terrasink is sourced from our property portfolio, which includes land, industrial sites, and quarries. We do not utilise public land or land that is not owned by us. This approach ensures that the burial sites can be exclusively accessed by authorised parties, allowing for effective management and monitoring.
After a site is decommissioned, the legal ownership of the land and the site used for the project is transferred to a dedicated Land Trust. The Land Trust is established with the exclusive purpose of managing the monitoring of the site's integrity for a minimum of 100 years.
This ensures that the site is continuously monitored to ensure its stability and adherence to the intended parameters. If any deviation from normal parameters is detected, Land Trust will take appropriate action to remedy the situation. The Land Trust serves as a responsible entity dedicated to safeguarding the long-term integrity of the decommissioned burial site.
Yes, Terrasink has plans to use the site post-closure. Our goal is to return the site to its natural state as much as possible after the burial chamber is closed. The specific approach will depend on the type of site used for the project.
In some locations, restoration efforts may include converting land to natural green pastures or using it for grazing to promote ecological balance and biodiversity. I have. In the case of industrial land, the site may be designated as a restricted area for certain activities to ensure its integrity. In instances where former stone quarries are used for a scaled up version of the project, the land will be reused for the construction of a solar power plant.
Terrasink is committed to responsible land management and post-closure planning aims to find the balance of restoration, reclamation and rewilding efforts that best suits the unique characteristics and potential of each site.
The wood used in our woody biomass burial projects plays an important role in carbon storage and environmental protection. While it is true that wood has many uses, including some that may be considered 'productive', it is important to recognize the unique value and benefits of our approach. The use of wood in woody biomass burial effectively sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and prevents its release as a greenhouse gas emission. This process makes a significant contribution to mitigating climate change and reducing carbon dioxide levels. Burying woody biomass in a controlled environment ensures long-term storage of carbon, which can last for centuries or more.
Additionally, the wood we use for burial projects is often sourced from specific contexts, such as disease-affected trees or clippings from local farming practices. These materials may have limited alternative uses due to their condition and properties. Reusing this wood for carbon storage maximizes its environmental value and minimizes waste. Wood has other productive uses, but it is important to consider the broader environmental benefits and carbon storage imperatives. Our approach to woody biomass burial offers a sustainable and effective solution to carbon sequestration, thereby contributing to a greener future and a healthier planet.
Carbon credits generated by Terrasink differ in several important ways from credits generated by projects such as reforestation.
First, Terrasink's carbon credits come from the burial of woody biomass, which stores carbon-rich materials underground. This method provides a unique and effective means of carbon sequestration. In contrast, afforestation projects primarily focus on growth and carbon uptake by living trees.
Second, woody biomass burials provide long-term carbon storage that can persist for long periods, possibly centuries or longer. Afforestation projects promote carbon sequestration during the growth phase, but long-term storage may be limited by factors such as tree mortality, natural disturbances, and carbon release from eventual decomposition.
Additionally, woody biomass burials contribute to the circular economy by utilising biomass waste and materials that would otherwise go to waste. This approach offers an environmentally friendly way of managing and storing carbon while reducing waste. In contrast, afforestation projects focus on the creation of new forests or restoration of existing forests, and are primarily aimed at planting or reforestation goals.
Terrestrial Storage of Biomass Credits and Direct Air Capture (DAC) both ensure permanent, safe and accurate carbon storage. However, DAC is currently more expensive and energy intensive, which limits its wide acceptance and cost-effectiveness in most countries. On the contrary, Terrasink's woody biomass credits not only provide carbon storage, but also bring additional benefits to the local economy by supporting sustainable agriculture and promoting local biodiversity.
Terrasink places a high value on transparency in its carbon storage practices. Those interested have the opportunity to visit the tombs and observe the process with their own eyes. In addition, real-time sensor data continuously monitor and deliver the status of the storage locations, thus ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the entire storage process.
Terrestrial Storage of Biomass is a low-tech but high-impact solution that offers scalable carbon storage. It serves as an immediate measure until other technologies and processes become more widely adopted and commercially effective. This approach provides a practical and accessible solution to carbon storage, bridging the gap while advancements are made in alternative methods such as DAC.
Terrasink does have certain restrictions on the size and quantity of biomass that can be buried. The specific limitations may vary depending on factors such as the capacity and design of the burial chambers, regulatory requirements, and environmental considerations. However, Terrasink is equipped to handle substantial volumes of biomass and can accommodate a range of sizes. By utilizing a compartmentalized approach within the burial chambers, Terrasink can effectively manage and store significant quantities of biomass. The size and quantity restrictions are carefully evaluated and determined based on factors such as the available space, availability of of biomass, structural integrity, and efficient burial procedures.
Terrasink's methodology is versatile and nimble, allowing for significant potential impact.
The adaptable nature of our approach enables us to effectively address carbon storage needs across various contexts and scales. With the ability to swiftly implement our burial process and efficiently lock away carbon, the potential for impact is tremendous.
Terrasink's pilot projects have shown that significant amounts of CO2 can be captured. In our current pilot projects, we can effectively store 7,000 or 14,000 tons of CO2, respectively, in a short period of time of less than 6 months. These first projects demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach to woody biomass disposal.
Looking to the future, we have set ourselves ambitious targets for carbon storage. We estimate that by converting an abandoned quarry into a burial ground, we could sequester an impressive 500,000 tons of CO2 in 24 months. This process will be further improved, scaled up and replicated across multiple sites. This significant increase in capacity demonstrates our commitment to increasing the impact of carbon storage and addressing the urgent need to reduce emissions.
Terrasink prioritizes the protection of surrounding ecosystems and communities throughout the burial process. Key measures include:
- Thoughtful Site Selection: Careful evaluation of burial sites to minimize impacts on sensitive ecosystems and communities.
- Environmental Monitoring: Rigorous monitoring of water, soil, and air quality to detect and mitigate potential impacts.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to all relevant regulations and permits to meet environmental standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Active involvement of local communities and experts to address concerns and incorporate feedback.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Collaboration with ecologists and farmers to enhance local biodiversity and habitat restoration.
- Long-term Site Management: Transfer of land ownership to a dedicated Land Trust for ongoing monitoring and action if needed.
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