ONE RED - Biochar Incentive Program

Concept 

The ONE RED Biochar Program will provide financial incentives to establish biochar processing facilities that will convert woody organic waste into biochar. The incentives would cover a percentage of the costs of material handling equipment, pyrolysis unit, wiring and installation, and utility upgrade and connection charges. ONE RED will fund up to 80% of project costs.

Funding Available: $4.4 million 

Greenhouse gas reductions by 2030: 12,000 metric tons

As plants and trees grow, they absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Natural decomposition and deforestation release this stored carbon back into the atmosphere. This carbon can be captured by converting tree materials and other organic materials (biomass) into biochar.

Biochar is produced by heating biomass to high temperature with little oxygen present, a process called pyrolysis. The resulting biochar is a charcoal-like substance that is porous and holds water and nutrients well.

The creation of biochar sequesters carbon, preventing it from being released back into the environment for long periods of time. Biochar can then be used as a carbon-rich, highly stable soil amendment that improves soil health and stores carbon in soils for over 100 years. Biochar can be used in home gardens and regenerative agricultural practices by decreasing synthetic fertilizer use and improving water retention in the soil.

Eligibility

Minimum eligibility requirements include:

• Projects must be located in Nebraska
• Entities must be in good standing with the Nebraska Secretary of State
• The applicant must be in compliance with all Nebraska environmental laws and with the Department’s regulations and permits at all Nebraska locations
• The applicant must commit to abide by and follow all applicable state and federal regulations, financial agreements, and reporting requirements

How to apply

Application details about this grant will be made available as the program is developed. Thanks for your patience!

Additional Information

More details about this program can be found in the workplan document attached at the top of this page. The full workplan is available on the ONE RED Implementation Page.

Contact

Email -- NDEE.ONERED@nebraska.gov

Or sign up for the ONE RED Listserv -- /resources-services/one-red-opportunity-nebraska-reducing-emissions-decarbonization/one-red-contact-information

Lean more about our other ONE RED Programs