Releaf Earth, a Nigerian climate and agri-tech company, has launched the country’s first industrial biochar production facility in Iwuru, Cross River State.
The plant is projected to permanently remove 40,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent from the atmosphere by 2030, with expansion plans targeting an additional 60,000 tonnes across other locations.
The innovation, which marks a bold new chapter for Releaf Earth, leverages agricultural waste, specifically palm kernel shells—to produce high-grade biochar. This charcoal-like material is created through pyrolysis, a process that stabilizes carbon in organic waste by heating it in a low-oxygen environment, preventing the release of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.
When added to soil, biochar not only locks carbon away for thousands of years but also significantly boosts soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields.
“Africa has natural advantages to lead carbon removal globally,” said Ikenna Nzewi, CEO and co-founder of Releaf Earth.
“Our goal is to prove the commercial viability of biochar with our operations, and then empower other food processors to adopt this model. We believe this can build resilience for smallholder farmers and showcase African leadership in climate innovation.”
Releaf’s transition into biochar production builds on its established food processing infrastructure. Its proprietary machine, Kraken—the most advanced nutcracker in West Africa—has already processed over 10,000 metric tonnes of palm nuts, producing the ideal feedstock for biochar. The move positions Releaf as a leader in combining regenerative agriculture with carbon sequestration at scale.
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Biochar was the leading carbon removal method globally in both 2023 and 2024, accounting for 94% and 86% of removals, respectively. According to experts, Africa—home to over one billion tonnes of annual biomass—could become the most affordable and scalable producer of biochar worldwide.
“Africa has everything it takes to lead the world in biochar,” said Tito Jankowski, CEO of AirMiners, a global platform focused on carbon removal. “With agricultural waste, abundant sunshine, and millions of farmers, African innovators like Releaf are helping solve global climate and food security challenges.”
The benefits extend far beyond carbon removal. Farmers using biochar in pilot programs in Cross River State in 2024 saw a 23% increase in crop yields and reduced dependence on expensive fertilizers. In some cases, incomes rose by over 50%, thanks to improved productivity and the potential to earn from carbon removal credits—certified and issued via the Riverse Registry, which ensures integrity and traceability.
Uniquely, Releaf Earth’s biochar production units generate their own renewable energy during pyrolysis, making them well-suited for deployment in rural and off-grid areas. The system only requires a minimal solar input for auxiliary functions, keeping operations low-cost and highly scalable.
Backed by Y Combinator, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, AirMiners, and Angaza Capital, Releaf plans to collaborate with carbon certification bodies, government agencies, and agricultural cooperatives to expand biochar adoption.
The company is also developing tools to help other processors assess the feasibility of biochar based on location, biomass availability, and farmer relationships.
