US Biochar Market Outlook

biochar is an innovative material derived from renewable sources like agricultural waste products which has been receiving increased attention in the us due to its potential to address a multitude of industrial and environmental concerns. by capturing carbon dioxide released by combustible feedstock and storing it in a form that can be recycled, biochar has become a valuable option for energy production, wastewater treatment, and soil fertility. biochar is produced when organic material is heated in an oxygen-deprived environment. this conversion process turns biomass into a high carbon, charcoal based material with a consistent grain size. depending on the form chosen, it can be used as a soil amendment to increase soil fertility or as a fuel source for energy production. the us biochar industry has long been growing steadily and was estimated at nearly $100 million in 2017. the american market is currently dominated by the eastern region, which accounts for almost a quarter of the total production, followed by the western region with just under 20%. the remaining nearly half of the production is mainly distributed throughout the remaining regions. the usda has invested millions of dollars in biochar research and continues to fund programs to promote its usage for commercial agriculture, forestry management, waste management, and soil fertility. as of 2018, the largest player in the us biocarbon market is actogeo, a startup that develops and manufactures a line of patented biochar products tailored for farmers and agronomists. there is increasing demand for biochar in the us as a renewable energy source, soil amendment, wastewater treatment, and air pollution control. to this end, companies are investing in research and development to improve the availability of efficient biocarbon products and technologies. the outlook for the american biochar market over the next 14 years is positive due to increasing environmental awareness, government support, and technological advances. with its proven efficacy and affordability, the number of biochar products in the us is expected to significantly increase over the next two decades. as such, the industry could potentially reach $2 billion in total value by 2032.