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Pyrolysis is a thermal process in which biogenic residues – such as green waste, landscape maintenance wood or sewage sludge – are heated in the absence of oxygen. With this so-called ‘negative emissions technology’ (NETS), CO₂ is not released into the air as it is during combustion. Instead, three products are created:

• solid carbon (biochar/plant carbon)
• liquid condensates (oils)
• a gas mixture (usually used directly for energy)

Product distribution can be specifically controlled (e.g. ‘slow’ vs. ‘fast’ pyrolysis). Of particular interest is solid carbon, because it stores carbon over the long term and can be used in a variety of ways.

Pyrolysis combines two challenges that local authorities are familiar with: the correct handling of waste and residual materials AND the contribution to be made to climate protection. 

The material conversion creates new recycling paths:

• Climate benefits: If biochar is used permanently as a material rather than being incinerated, it can sequester carbon for decades or even centuries. This means that the CO2 contained in the original material (tree or shrub) is not released into the atmosphere but stored in compact form.
• Circular economy: Biochar can be used in soils, as filter material, in building materials or in asphalt.
• Waste management: Instead of disposal costs, usable products are created.

Particularly important for local authorities in Germany: From 2029, the federal government will require phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge. Pyrolysis can be a building block here to meet requirements and make recyclable materials usable.

• From an ecological perspective, pyrolysis is fundamentally a valuable approach because it binds carbon in the long term, reduces waste streams and strengthens regional cycles. However, correct application is crucial: only if suitable residual materials are used and the carbon products are permanently recycled (e.g. as soil additives or filter material) can a real climate benefit be achieved.
• The process is also interesting in terms of efficiency: modern plants today are energy self-sufficient, as the process gas produced can be used for their own supply. Economic efficiency depends primarily on the input materials, the recycling option and possible certification revenues (e.g. for CO₂ removals).
• Market relevance is increasing significantly, driven by municipal waste strategies, the issue of phosphorus recovery and the growing demand for certified biochar. Numerous pilot and demonstration plants are currently being built in Germany, and the new EU certification for CO₂ removals (CRCF) could give pyrolysis additional momentum in the future.

Pyrolysis is a promising tool for local authorities that want to recycle waste streams in a climate-friendly way. It opens up opportunities to make better use of resources, capture CO₂, and at the same time meet legal requirements such as phosphorus recovery. For us at goodmen energy, it is ONE possible building block in making our heat supply systems renewable and environmentally friendly.

Note: The information in this blog post is tailored to the German market.