Kita visits Mash Makes biochar facility
Over the summer, Kita Carbon Analyst, Renuka, had the opportunity to visit the Mash Makes biochar facility in Hebri in the South Indian state of Karnataka.
As ever, seeing the innovative work being done in the carbon removal sector, in person, was both inspiring and encouraging - a reminder that all over the world, there are people and organisations with the same mission: to develop technologies and tools that can make a positive difference to the global environmental issues we are facing.
Read on for Renuka’s write-up about her time at the biochar facility…
Naman, Chinna, Renuka and Bobby at the Mash Makes biochar plant
In the month of August, I had the privilege of meeting the Mash Makes team and visiting their biochar plant nestled within the picturesque town of Hebri in the South Indian state of Karnataka. As I walked through the facility, I couldn't help but be captivated by the potential of this remarkable place. My visit to Mash Makes was a wonderful experience that left me in awe of the power of sustainable innovation.
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from organic materials like agricultural waste, has gained recognition in recent times for its numerous environmental benefits and its ability to sequester carbon for thousands of years. It enriches soil, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on the wonders of biochar, refer to our in-depth blog here.
Mash Makes is an Indo-Danish carbon negative energy company that began as a project at the Technological University of Denmark, converting waste streams (primarily waste agricultural residues and woody biomass) into energy products (biofuel, hydrogen, and electricity) including biochar, as a natural by-product.
The facility I visited is their first operational carbon removal plant in India and consists of multiple pyrolysis reactors. Using these reactors, cashew shell cakes are burnt at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to generate biochar. In addition to producing biochar, the pyrolysis process also generates byproducts such as biofuel and syn gas (synthesis gas) which in turn can be used to fuel the pyrolysis reactors. This method not only reduces waste but also produces a valuable resource for farmers due to its use in soil amendment - proving plant health through neutralising acidity, providing improved water and nutrient retention (especially in sandy soils) and improved drainage and aeration.
It was truly fascinating to see the towering retorts and pyrolysis chambers hum with activity, continuously converting cashew shell cakes into biochar. I am grateful for having the opportunity to meet with Naman (Project engineer), Chinna (SPV plant and operations head) and Bobby (Head of manufacturing) who took me around the plant and explained how the pyrolysis process worked in stages – right from the feeding system, down to the discharge system and everything in between.
A biochar sample
The entire process is systematic and efficient, thanks to the advanced technology designed by Mash Makes. The whole team is passionate about their journey towards sustainability and shaping a greener future. On talking to them and getting to see the process in person, it is apparent that getting to this point has been a rewarding experience everyone involved, one filled with challenges and triumphs.
As an added bonus and keepsake of our first site visit, I was given my very own biochar sample. If you find yourself inside the Lloyds of London building, don't hesitate to say hi and ask for a glimpse of this remarkable biochar specimen!
My visit to Mash Makes reinforced my belief in the power of people from diverse backgrounds coming together to drive sustainable innovation, combat climate change and improve our world. Mash Makes has not only mastered the science of biochar production but has also created a thriving ecosystem where environmental responsibility and innovation go hand in hand. As I left the facility, I felt inspired knowing carbon removal efforts have a significant impact on the planet and that the work we do at Kita enables these efforts to thrive.