Pyrolysis-based carbon removal: production of biochar and Terra Preta from biogenic residual materials
bionero GmbH
Thurnau (Headquarters / Production) · 2 pyrolysis sites realizedNew on Amplifa
About bionero
bionero GmbH, based in Thurnau (Bavaria), specializes in the use of pyrolysis technology for carbon removal and sustainable energy generation. From biogenic residual materials such as horse manure and other organic biomass, the company produces biochar through pyrolysis, which binds carbon in the long term. The biochar is further refined in the company's own process into Terra Preta (black earth), a fertile soil improver based on biochar, compost and organic materials. The process was adapted by bionero to German conditions. More than 1000 tCO₂e have been removed and traded to date; the company operates two pyrolysis sites with a total of more than 10,000 m² of production space. Customers come from agriculture and horticulture as well as from retail, where bionero has been active as a market developer for Terra Preta products since 2019.
- Site
- Thurnau
- Processes
- Pyrolysis (of biomass for biochar production), Further refinement of biochar into Terra Preta, Carbon removal (pyrolysis technology), Production of biochar, Production and distribution of Terra Preta / peat-free soil, Trading of Terra Preta products in German retail
- Materials
- Biochar, Terra Preta (black earth), Pyrolysis
- Founded
- 2018
- Industries
- Carbon Removal / Climate Protection, Agriculture and Horticulture, Retail (Garden Products)
- 01
Reception of biogenic residual materials (e.g. horse manure, organic materials)
- 02
Pyrolysis of biomass into biochar
- 03
Carbon removal / CO₂ binding and trading
- 04
Further refinement of biochar into Terra Preta (with compost and organic
- 05
Distribution via retail and direct sales
Materials & Processes
Pyrolysis
Process for converting biogenic residual materials into biochar through the application of heat; the basis for carbon removal and biochar production.
Biochar
Product produced by pyrolysis of biomass, which binds carbon in the long term and is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Terra Preta (black earth)
Fertile black earth made from biochar, compost and organic materials; sold as peat-free soil for horticulture and agriculture.
Sites
Thurnau
DEHeadquarters / Production (together with the second pyrolysis site: +10,000 m² of production area)
- Materials
- Biogenic residual materials, biochar, Terra Preta
Products & Components
Inside the production
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrolysis (of biomass for biochar production)Heat treatment | – | – | – | – | Biomass, biogenic residual materials |
| Further refinement of biochar into Terra PretaAssembly | – | – | – | – | Biochar, compost, organic materials |
Additional services
History
- 2016
First own pyrolysis experiments, followed by further refinement of the biochar into Terra Preta
- 2018
Founding of bionero GmbH by Aaron, Lennart and Uwe Saßmannshausen (District Court of Bayreuth, HRB 6794)
- 2019
Entry into commerce: start with Terra Preta products as a market developer in German retail