Science Forums 2

[Michaelangelica]

Gerry Kutney from Alterna Energy Inc made this post on the TP list-serve.
I thought it raised an interesting point and asked for permission to re-post his comments here.

CARBON: Can Terra Preta Compete?

Those of us in the biocarbon industry (i.e., those that have manufacturing facilities for biocarbon and are marketing the material) watch with great interest the countless articles on terra preta. We are concerned, though, about the misunderstanding of the value of biocarbon. The biocarbon, itself, is discussed as almost a waste product that is worth a few dollars per ton. Biocarbon has inherent value as a renewable energy pellet, with an energy content of 30 GJ/te, which is similar to coal and almost double that of a wood pellet. Recently, a Korean steel manufacturer was reported to be paying over $300 per tonne for coking coal. If coal can be valued so highly, how much higher in price should be a renewable (GHG neutral) replacement for coal, i.e. biocarbon? An even higher valued market opens when the biocarbon is activated. An important environmental role for activated biocarbon is to remove mercury contamination from flew gas in coal-fired power plants. While costs increase to activate the material, selling prices are often in excess of $1,000 per tonne.



This wonder of nature appears to have amazing impact on plant growth and has a significant carbon negative footprint. However, studies in someone’s backyard or flower garden, do not supply the rigour that government agencies demand to prove the agricultural benefits of new products. Extensive field trials are required to prove and quantify the benefits of TP. The issue is especially important for terra preta since it does not fit the standard mold of an agricultural product. It is not a fertilizer or nutrient, yet it stimulates plant growth. This agricultural catalyst will likely be thus put under even closer regulatory scrutiny; more reason to get proper field trials under way.



We, at Alterna Energy (clean + green - the alterna option - Alterna Energy), are investigating carrying out such field trials on terra preta in Australia, and we will shortly be promoting such trials in Canada. These trials will only begin to quantify the benefits of terra preta. For the terra preta genii to be released from its carbon bottle, many soils in varying climatic conditions must be tested. In the meantime, Alterna Energy continues to market its biocarbon as carbon-neutral, bioenergy pellets. We eagerly await the opportunity to build plants around the world to supply a future agricultural market.



In the end, the success of terra preta will depend on demonstrated agricultural and environmental benefits, and competing market demand. Biocarbon is an amazing substance; so much so that various industries will be vying for its almost magical abilities. We will have to see if terra preta can compete? In other words, will the field trials demonstrate to the agricultural community and related government agencies that terra preta is worth, at least, what competing industries are willing to pay for it. Of course, we all hope that it can.







Gerry Kutney

Chief Operating Officer