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Transforming excess carbon into bio-oil

Transforming excess carbon into bio-oil

A company aims to reverse the carbon cycle by converting biomass into bio-oil and storing it underground to fight climate change.

Michelle Nijhuis reports for The New Yorker.

In short:

  • Charm Industrial, a startup, is experimenting with turning agricultural waste into bio-oil through a process called pyrolysis.
  • The company then stores this bio-oil in underground wells, mimicking natural fossil fuel formation but in reverse.
  • Despite technical challenges, Charm has started collaborating with major tech companies for carbon storage solutions.

Key quote:

“All through my career, I’ve helped industries deal with the things that come out of the back side of a plant that nobody wants to talk about.”

— Monte Markley, geologist from Wichita, Kansas

Why this matters:

Reversing the carbon cycle can significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, essential for combating global warming.

If implemented on a large scale, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, the use of biomass for bio-oil production promotes the sustainable management of organic waste materials, turning potential pollutants into valuable resources.

Related EHN coverage:

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Some of the biggest names in tech have inked a deal to turn corn stalks and tree trimmings into a barbecue sauce ingredient and then pump the stuff underground to try to fight climate change.

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