Black Bull Biochar has set up its Nordic Headquarters in Denmark
Turning Waste into Climate-Smart Value: How Biochar Works
Biochar is a form of stable carbon created by heating organic material (such as wood chips, straw pellets, crop residues or other biomass) in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis.The result is a carbon-rich material that can be added to soils as organic fertiliser to improve long-term soil health and productivity, increasing crop yields while minimising on-farm emissions.
A Proven Model: Partnerships with Nordic and Global Leaders
BBB already has a track record built on real-world delivery to partners based in the Nordics. For over four years, BBB has collaborated with Arla Foods to produce biochar that improves soil health and locks away carbon. The company also works with leading industrial players such as Ahlstrom to supply renewable hot water that helps reduce reliance on oil and gas. These collaborations show how BBB combines carbon removal with practical energy solutions for industries committed to decarbonisation.Scaling Up in Denmark: Hiring in 2026, Large-Scale Plant by 2028
Building on its success in the UK, BBB now plans to replicate this model in Denmark. The company will make its first Danish hires in 2026 to establish a local presence and lay the groundwork for an operational large-scale pyrolysis plant by 2028. This facility will enable BBB to deliver renewable heat and biochar at industrial scale, supporting Nordic manufacturers and district heating networks to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, while accelerating carbon removal.Denmark’s Climate Ambition Creates Ideal Conditions for Pyrolysis
Denmark is aiming to achieve 70% reductions in CO₂ emissions by 2030, working towards net zero by 2045. Agriculture is a key sector for Denmark and expected to account for up to half of its national emissions by 2030, making reductions in this sector crucial for a climate-neutral future. Pyrolysis holds significant potential to help reduce agricultural emissions and the Danish government therefore released a "Strategy and Action Plan for Pyrolysis" in 2024 to help promote pyrolysis technology as a means to reduce CO₂ emissions in agriculture with the aim to achieve a reduction of 300,000 tons of CO₂ by 2030, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 116,000 passenger cars.
The strategy focuses on developing clear and simple regulation, evaluating the climate impact for accurate emissions accounting as well as implementing enhanced incentives for deployment.
Nearly DKK 10 billion (EUR 1.35 billion) have been allocated to a pyrolysis fund for the adoption of pyrolysis in agriculture towards 2045, with applications for subsidies to open in 2027.
Why Denmark? CEO Alex Clarke on Choosing a Nordic Climate Leader
We chose Denmark because it’s leading the way on pyrolysis and industrial decarbonisation. The government’s clear strategy, strong incentives, and commitment to climate action make it the ideal location for scaling our technology across the Nordics.
Our goal is to replicate the success we’ve had in the UK by establishing a local team in 2026 and building a large-scale pyrolysis plant by 2028. This facility will deliver renewable heat and biochar at industrial scale, helping Nordic manufacturers and district heating networks cut fossil fuel use while removing carbon from the atmosphere.
We’re different because we combine carbon removal with practical energy solutions. We’re already one of the UK’s largest biochar producers, operating two major sites, and we’ve built strong partnerships with companies like Arla Foods and Ahlstrom. That experience gives us a proven model to scale in Denmark.
How Invest in Denmark Supported Black Bull Biochar
Invest in Denmark helped Black Bull Biochar explore opportunities in Denmark providing information about general framework conditions, the competitive landscape, potential investors and grant funding available for pilot facilities, the Tripartite Agreement and pyrolysis fund that will be available from 2027 onwards.
Invest in Denmark also helped facilitate introductions to relevant networks and service providers such as law firms as well as potential collaboration partners and biomass suppliers.
"I want to say a big thank you to Invest in Denmark. They have been instrumental in helping us navigate the market, connect with key stakeholders, and understand the regulatory landscape. Their support has accelerated our plans and given us confidence to expand into the Danish market for the long term."
A Warm Danish Welcome to a New Climate Partner
We are delighted to welcome Black Bull Biochar to Denmark. The Danish government is actively promoting biochar and pyrolysis technology as a means to reduce CO₂ emissions in agriculture, which account for a significant portion of Denmark’s overall emissions.
Pyrolysis is a valuable carbon removal technology with many additional benefits, which include improving soil health, crop yields and overall agricultural productivity as well as valorising waste through a circular use of resources. It also generates renewable heat and syngas that can be used to power operations and heat buildings, further reducing overall emissions.
We look forward to continue to support Black Bull Biochar as they set up facilities in Denmark as well as to their contribution to the development of pyrolysis as a valuable decarbonisation technology in Denmark.
About Pyrolysis in Denmark
Denmark’s 2024 National Pyrolysis Strategy
In October 2024, the Danish government released the "Strategy and Action Plan for Pyrolysis" to promote pyrolysis technology as a means to reduce CO₂ emissions in agriculture, as part of Denmark’s historic Tripartite Agreement and strategy to cut carbon emissions and restore nature.
To support this development, nearly 10 billion DKK has been allocated to a pyrolysis fund, providing incentives for the adoption of pyrolysis in agriculture, with applications opening in 2027.
The pyrolysis strategy outlines three primary focus areas:
- Clear and Simple Regulation:
- Establish clear guidelines for the application of biochar in agricultural soils, including environmental assessments and guidance for municipalities.
- Initiate studies on the formation, content, and degradation of environmentally harmful substances related to the pyrolysis process and biochar production.
- Develop a pyrolysis task force to coordinate the implementation of government initiatives and engage relevant stakeholders.
- Enhanced Incentives for Deployment:
- Implement a subsidy scheme from 2027 to support biochar storage in agricultural soils.
- Allocate funds for research, development, and demonstration of pyrolysis technology.
- Support the European Commission's efforts to establish a credible EU-wide certification system for carbon removal.
- Climate Impact and Emissions Accounting:
- Develop emission factors for biochar to be included in Denmark's greenhouse gas inventory by 2027.
- Measure methane emissions from pyrolysis plants and establish relevant emission factors.
- Contribute to the IPCC's methodological report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies to include various storage options in climate accounting.
Supporting Safe and Scalable Deployment
The strategy emphasizes the need for further research into the environmental and agronomic effects of biochar, as well as the development of clear regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective large-scale implementation of the technology.
For more detailed information, you can access the full strategy and work programme here: kefm.dk