World’s largest 'carbon removal plant' in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

What can I say
The thinking here is absolutely absurd as has been typical in my state for awhile.....
I need to hear from the rational thinking folks here to balance this out.


https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2024-08-05/worlds-largest-carbon-removal-plant-sets-its-roots-in-pine-bluff

The process is deceptively simple. Collectively, the waste byproduct of agricultural industries is called biomass. This biomass would normally be burned or left to decompose, releasing the stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Instead, Rogers plans to gather it, pulverize it, shape it into a brick, and bury it underground, stowing away the captured carbon.

To be effective, though, Rogers has to completely stop the natural decomposition process.

"Microbes need water to survive," said Rogers. "By drying the biomass below a certain moisture content, we are able to halt microbial activity, and therefore, keep the carbon preserved.”

If you think of biomass like a sponge soaking up the carbon, this method stops that carbon from ever being squeezed back out. The biomass blocks are sealed in a waterproof barrier and then will be entombed inside a secondary waterproof underground storage site.

I am wondering what the waterproof barrier is going to be as well as how disruptive burying the brick will be to the surrounding environment.

This seems to me to be a business trying to capitalize on the carbon credit market through greenwashing. I however need to see more information about their process.

Tim,
I'm quite cynical and suspicious about this states political party currently in charge and their motivation to encourage and allow certain businesses here.
This follows lithium mining that is also somewhere in the southern portion of Arkansas....at the same time those of us with hybrids or electric cars are penalized at $100 a year when we renew our plates.

So, yes, I am certain it is greenwashing motivated by greed.

I'm also wondering what the waterproof covering is? And how long it's all supposed to last?

They suggest it will go world wide...seems like it's leading up to saying compost and mulch are bad and supporting big ag bare land dry farming with only chemical additives?

I don't know but expect the bricks are not saving any carbon emmisions due to the processing involved?

This follows fracking where the waste was injected into the ground....

Fortunately we are in a mountainous area farther north in the state.

I'll see if I can find out any more info next time using the library wifi.

Someone please tell Rogers about pyrolysis...crop residues make fantastic biochar and then there's no dry storage problem because not only is it okay to get wet, you want to get bacteria and fungi in there on purpose. They could also tell him about how people will pay for the stuff, and how the process gives off excess heat.

Phil Stevens wrote:Someone please tell Rogers about pyrolysis...crop residues make fantastic biochar and then there's no dry storage problem because not only is it okay to get wet, you want to get bacteria and fungi in there on purpose. They could also tell him about how people will pay for the stuff, and how the process gives off excess heat.

Good idea!
It seems like there could be many choices like that before this complex dehydrated brick method?

here's a current link to the site itself.
https://www.graphyte.com/

Sounds like they are 'sequestering' carbon and selling carbon credits to polluters.