Establishing Criteria and Organizing guidelines for Advancing Standards in Biochar production and consumption using Renewable and Innovative Clean Alternatives (ECO-AFRICA)

Biomass is the primary energy source for cooking and heating in many developing countries, including Ghana, where nearly 70% of the population rely on fuelwood, charcoal, animal droppings, and agricultural waste. While biomass is a renewable energy option, the development of sustainable alternatives is crucial because of significant environmental and health concerns, including deforestation, exposure to harmful gases, and fine particulate matter. Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of pyrolysis, is gaining recognition as a sustainable and promising solution for waste management and climate action, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. With growing demand, biochar production is expected to rise, necessitating the adoption of safer and more efficient production technologies. The lack of standardized product certifications for solid fuels in Africa poses a challenge in ensuring the quality and compliance of biochar with regulations, hindering its widespread acceptance. This project proposes the need for an established criteria for the development of uniform guidelines to serve as a framework to advance the development of biochar standards. This will facilitate sustainable production and utilization comprehensively addressing environmental and health issues associated with traditional biomass use. Standardization is essential for product quality, regulatory compliance and the long-term growth of the biochar market in the region.