The City is exploring biochar and green hydrogen as part of its decarbonization strategy. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes. It is produced using a specific process to reduce contamination and safely store carbon. Green hydrogen is a controversial decarbonization strategy. It is a potential solution for decarbonizing heavy industry, long haul freight, shipping, and aviation.
The City sees biochar technology as a promising tool in mitigating climate change and improving soil quality, as well as reducing waste and producing energy as a byproduct. The City is exploring the production of biochar and hydrogen through biomass gasification using food scraps and sludge from wastewater treatment. Biomass gasification is a process that uses heat, steam, and oxygen to convert biomass to hydrogen and other products without combustion.
The City received funding from the US Department of Energy to pilot a hydrogen energy project to fuel TCAT’s electric buses. The pilot generates hydrogen energy from water via an electrolyzer and transfers it to a storage system, then to a fuel cell and, finally, to EV charging infrastructure.
