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In Massachusetts a lot of energy is spent touting the solar sector as a leading renewable energy source in ensuring the Commonwealth will meet or exceed its goals for sourcing our energy needs. Our renewable future is looking a lot more diverse.

BioChar represents a big leap forward in the global effort to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a foundation for a much larger global organic fertilization movement. Talk with a bunch of greenbacks around the campfire; around the water cooler surrounded by a bunch of biochar entrepreneurs or a group of engineers from one of our top schools and nobody can seem to find anything wrong with BioChar. SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

In Part III Alec details the Terralogix system. He gives us an overview for its use as an energy production platform as well as its powerful use as a global sanitation solution for municipalities, farming, agribusiness and governments.

The Terralogix System

The Terralogix Group pyrolysis and electrical generation system starts with preparation of the feedstock to be pyrolized. This focuses on two factors: bringing the moisture content to 20% or less and, as necessary, pelletizing the material for even and predictable processing. Following feedstock preparation, the material is fed continuously into the pyrolizer, which is itself computer and operator monitored and controlled.

Biochar is generated through pyrolysis, the anaerobic combustion process. It differs from charcoal produced through aerobic, low-temperature combustion by the complexity of its molecular forms as well as by the incorporation of oxidized forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, converted to nitrates, phosphates and sulphates and bound within the newly formed carbon matrix. Binding of N, P, and S and carbonates prevents leaching of these nutrients/pollutants into surface and ground waters.

“Biochar may represent the single most important initiative for humanity’s environmental future. The biochar approach provides a uniquely powerful solution, for it allows us to address food security, the fuel crisis, and the climate problem, and all in an immensely practical manner. ” Prof. Tim Flannery, 2007 Australian of the Year

Haiti and other Latin American countries are benefiting from an ancient practice that converts waste into essential products and services. Biochar is a sustainable alternative to firewood and charcoal with the power to restore soil productivity, provide energy for domestic, agricultural and even industrial purposes, and mitigate climate change through carbon storage.