From Research to Reality
Exploring Biochar in Practice around Kassel
As part of the CASCADE conference in Kassel, participants from across Europe gathered for an excursion that brought the Circular Carbon Economy to life. Around 50 participants from countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Albania, Germany and France took part in the visit, creating a vibrant setting for exchange and discussion.
The excursion centred on understanding the entire process from biomass to biochar and its real-world applications. At three different sites, participants explored the connections between research, farming practices and industrial approaches.
From Green Waste to Biochar: Insights from the TechLab
The first stop, at the TechLab at the University of Kassel in Eichenberg, provided a structured introduction to the technical process. Divided into smaller groups, participants followed three key steps:
- pre-treatment of green waste;
- production of biomass-based pellets; and
- small-scale pyrolysis for research purposes.
This hands-on setup allowed participants to see how different technological components interact. At the same time, discussions highlighted a crucial challenge: how to transition from controlled research environments to scalable, real-world solutions.
Climate Farming in Practice at Hof Tolle
The second stop shifted the focus from technology to land use. At Hof Tolle, participants explored a working example of climate farming and agroforestry.
The farm combines:
- agricultural production
- tree systems for wind protection and resilience
- small-scale livestock
Agroforestry plays a central role here, protecting crops and offering additional outputs such as nuts and biomass. The visit demonstrated how nature-based solutions can be integrated into practical farming systems and opened discussions about economic viability and long-term adaptation.
Scaling Up: Biochar production at KohleHelden
The final stop offered a more applied and business-oriented perspective. At KohleHelden, participants explored a mid-scale pyrolysis system focused on producing certified biochar.
Key aspects included:
- the use of regional tree waste as a primary feedstock;
- the transition from traditional tree care services to biochar production; and
- a strong focus on certification and product quality (EBC standards).
This example clearly illustrated how biochar production can evolve into a viable business model that links waste management, climate action and market opportunities.
A Shared Learning Experience
The excursion was particularly valuable due to the diversity of locations and the continuous exchange between participants and experts. Discussions were highly interactive, with researchers, practitioners and stakeholders sharing their perspectives and experiences throughout the day.
The excursion highlighted a key insight: the circular carbon economy is not a single solution, but a system that connects research, land use and industry.
Experiencing these connections first-hand gave participants a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing biochar solutions from concept to implementation.