Biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS)

How to use this methodology

This methodology is composed of modules, which allows Project Developers to choose the relevant modules for their project depending on their specific operations.

Modules are arranged into three module categories: carbon capture, transformation, and carbon storage. The modules available in the Riverse BiCRS methodology are presented in the figure below.

A general overview of the organization of the Riverse BiCRS modular methodology.

Modules are like mini-methodologies that only cover a part of the project life-cycle. Combining the relevant modules for a project results in a complete picture of eligibility criteria, GHG reduction quantification requirements, required data, monitoring plans, and other instructions for Riverse certification.

For a given project, multiple modules from each Module category may be selected if they are relevant to the project. For example, most projects will likely use both Transportation and Infrastructure and machinery modules from the Transformation category. At least one module must be selected from the carbon capture, transformation, and carbon storage categories.

Modules are compiled seamlessly on the Riverse Certification Platform. Project Developers only need to select the modules that are relevant for their project.

For example, the figure below represents a project that pyrolyzes biomass feedstock to produce biochar, which is then applied to agricultural soils. In this case, five modules are combined to represent the whole project. The eligibility criteria requirements from each module can be compiled to obtain the full list of eligibility requirements the Project Developer must respond to.

An visual example of how a project would combine elements from the relevant modules to obtain a whole-project picture.

Glossary

Bioenergy	Renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plant and animal waste, agricultural crops, and forestry residues, that are converted into heat, electricity, or fuels through processes like combustion, gasification, or fermentation
BECCS	BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) is a carbon mitigation technology that combines the use of bioenergy (from biomass) with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to remove and store carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the atmosphere
Biochar	material that is rich in stable carbon, produced through the thermal conversion of biomass in a low-oxygen environment
Delivery Risk	The potential risk that a project will not be able to deliver the anticipated results, such as the projected amount of biochar or carbon sequestration benefits.
End use application	The way biochar will be used, such as direct application to soil, mixing with compost and application of the mix to soil, mixing with cement for use in concrete.
End use point	The step in the production chain where biochar leaves the direct control of biochar producers, where it is assumed to be incorporated into its final end use application.
Embodied Transport Emissions	GHG emissions associated with the production, maintenance, and operation of transportation infrastructure and vehicles across all modes of transport (e.g., road, sea).
Feedstock	The organic material used as the raw input for biochar production, such as wood, agricultural residues, or manure.
Gasification	high-temperature process that involves the partial oxidation of organic materials in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen (or air) and a gasification agent
GVW	Gross Vehicle Weight is the total weight of a vehicle, including its own weight plus the weight of any cargo
Loading rate	Ratio of actual load to the full load or capacity (e.g. mass or volume) that a vehicle carries per trip.
Molar H/Corg ratio	The ratio of hydrogen to organic carbon atoms in biochar, used to assess the stability and quality of biochar; lower ratios indicate higher stability.
Permanence horizon	Sequestration horizon, commitment period
Production batch	Biochar produced under the same conditions regarding production temperature and feedstock mix. A production batch has a maximum validity of 365 days.
Production batch ID	A unique identifier for each production batch.
Pyrolysis	thermal decomposition process that occurs in the absence of oxygen
Random reflectance	A measure of the reflectivity of biochar under a microscope, indicating the degree of carbonization, inertinite characteristics and permanence of the biochar.
Segment	Part of the transportation process involving the movement of inputs or products between point A and point B within the project boundary.
Transport segment	One shipment of a fixed amount of material from a known location A to a known location B. It represents a one-way trip.
Transport Unit	A general term used to describe any vehicle, vessel, or mode of transportation used to move goods or passengers from one location to another. In this module version, this includes trucks and ships.
Transport type/ mode of transport	Type of transport. E.g. by land (truck, rail, pipe), by water (boat, ferry), by air (airplane). This module's first version focuses on road and sea transport type.
Verification period	The time period of project activities that a given verification audit and carbon credit issuance covers. For biochar application to soils, this may be one calendar year, or the duration of validity of one production batch.

Access the modules

Biomass feedstockTransportationProcessing and energy useEnergy co-productsInfrastructure and machineryBiochar application to soils