Releaf Earth Launches Nigeria’s First Industrial Biochar Facility to Remove 40,000 Tonnes of CO₂ by 2030

Releaf Earth, a Nigerian climate and agricultural technology company, has launched the country’s first industrial-scale biochar production facility in Iwuru, Cross River State. The facility is projected to remove 40 kilotonnes (40,000 tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) from the atmosphere by 2030, with an additional 60 kilotonnes planned from upcoming facilities. This initiative places Nigeria on the global map of carbon removal innovation, offering environmental and economic benefits, especially for smallholder farmers. The company, originally known for its work in food processing, has transitioned into biochar production using agricultural waste specifically palm kernel shells as its primary raw material. Releaf Earth’s advanced nut-cracking machine, Kraken, has processed over 10,000 metric tonnes of palm nuts since its inception. This creates a steady supply of nutshells, which serve as an ideal feedstock for biochar production.

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance created through a process called pyrolysis, where organic material is heated in a low-oxygen environment. This method stabilizes carbon, preventing it from being released as CO₂ or other greenhouse gases. Once added to soil, biochar not only locks in carbon for thousands of years but also improves soil health by increasing water retention, enhancing nutrient availability, and strengthening crop resilience. The potential of biochar as a carbon removal method is significant. In 2023 and 2024, biochar accounted for the majority of verified carbon removal globally 94% and 86% respectively. Releaf Earth’s innovation aligns with this trend and provides additional value by enhancing soil productivity. Trials conducted in Cross River State in 2024 showed a 23% increase in crop yields alongside improvements in soil restoration.

From an economic perspective, biochar offers substantial benefits to farmers. It reduces the cost of fertilizers and boosts crop yields, which can lead to a more than 50% increase in smallholder farmers’ income. Releaf Earth also plans to certify its carbon removal credits through the Riverse Registry, ensuring transparency and integrity in the verification process. These credits can be tracked in real-time, reinforcing investor and consumer trust. Another impressive aspect of Releaf’s facility is its energy independence. The biochar production process generates its own renewable energy, enabling the units to operate with minimal external power. Only a limited amount of solar energy is needed to run auxiliary systems, making the solution ideal for rural, off-grid areas.

Releaf Earth’s CEO and co-founder, Ikenna Nzewi, emphasized Africa’s potential to lead the global carbon removal movement. “Africa has natural advantages to lead carbon removal globally,” Nzewi said. “Our thesis is to prove commercial viability with our own operations and then build products that facilitate other existing food processors’ expansion into biochar production.”

The company’s vision is supported by leading global climate actors, including Y Combinator, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, AirMiners, and Angaza Capital. According to Tito Jankowski, CEO of AirMiners, “Africa has everything it takes to lead the world in biochar… African entrepreneurs like the Releaf team are already turning agricultural waste into valuable biochar to help farmers grow more food and tackle environmental challenges.”

Releaf Earth’s broader strategy focuses on using food processing facilities across Africa as hubs for carbon removal. This model enables the company and its partners to scale quickly by leveraging existing infrastructure, social networks, and agricultural systems. It also positions African producers to generate high-quality carbon credits while helping farmers adopt organic, climate-smart practices. Looking ahead, Releaf Earth aims to collaborate with carbon certification bodies, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies to increase adoption and integrate biochar into national and regional farming policies. The company’s work represents a powerful blend of innovation, climate action, and rural development proving that African solutions can be at the forefront of global environmental progress.