»Biochar can become a pillar of the German Energiewende. IBI is the international platform bringing together the representatives of science, business and politics in this area,«  said Professor Hornung. »The development of biochar systems follows the cradle to cradle principle and is more sustainable than conventional energy sources.«

Char from renewable raw materials

In general biochar is created by pyrolysis of biomass, that means organic compounds are split at approx. 400 °C under oxygen-free conditions. The International Biochar Initiative promotes the development of sustainable biochar systems (which gives equal consideration to ecological, social and economic aspects). The initiative supports the dissemination and exchange of information and facts concerning biochar topics.    

The Board sets the strategic direction for IBI and assumes the fiduciary responsibilities for the whole organization. Currently, the board has eight members from different regions of the world who represent a spread of relevant backgrounds and interests. IBI, which is located in Virginia (USA), envisions the commercialization of sustainable biochar systems at all scales by 2015.

 Professor Hornung conducts research in biomass-based systems for energy conversion and storage. He will increasingly work  on the creation of the Fraunhofer Center for Energy Storage (CES) as a strong pillar of the Bavarian and German innovation landscape. The researchers of the CES cross-technologically examine especially chemical and thermal energy storage systems. For this, they assess promising technologies and test them specifically in demonstration plants. Similarly, aspects of raw material availability and substitution are reviewed.