VABICHAR – Market study at international and national scopes for biochar

Start
January 2025
End
July 2025
Project cost
80 500 €
Role in the project
Consultant

Countries

Côte d’Ivoire

Fields

Agriculture Agroprocessing Bioenergy Climate Forest Market

Sectors

Timber Cocoa Cashew Cereal Cotton Organic waste Hevea Palm oil Shea Coconut

Main goals

The market study on biochar at the international and national scope, requested by ENABEL in Côte d’ivoire, is part of the implementation of the VABICUI project, which aims at strengthening organic waste valorization and clean cooking sectors. The action contributes to the reduction efforts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the country.

There are diverse possibilities to recycle and valorize by-products and waste from agricultural, industrial and even urban sectors. Among these, biochar appears as one appropriate solution, today raising greater interest mainly due to the apparent consolidation of climate finance.

Specific objectives

SO1. Assess and characterize biochar production and consumption worldwide
SO2. Assess the multiple contexts and regulatory developments affecting biochar markets (physical markets and carbon markets)
SO3. Benchmark the different related technologies and recent innovations of the biochar value chain, with a focus on the implications in terms of biochar quality
SO4. Present the specificities of the biochar market in Côte d’Ivoire
SO5. Formulate recommendations to drive the support of VABICUI to the Ivoirian biochar sector

Beneficiaries

BDA-ENABEL - Belgian Development Agency, Stakeholders in the Biomass sector in Côte d’ivoire

Results

R1. A literature review highlights the different steps in the biochar value chain, including the economic and environmental challenges associated to its production and use
R2. A global biochar value chain analysis highlights the global dynamics, the international market trends and the perspectives for innovation
R3. An analysis of national biochar value chain in Côte d’Ivoire identifies the local potentialities, the challenges and the levers for development of the sector in the Ivoirian context

Activities

A1. Kick-off and introduction
A2. Review of the biochar production practices
A3. International biochar market study (supply & demand)
A4. Assessment of the climate finance tools applied to biochar
A5. Field mission in Côte d’Ivoire
A6. Production of deliverables

Related people

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Value chain project manager / Agriculture & Market / France

Léo Godard

Agronomist with a degree from the French National School of Agricultural Science and Engineering of Toulouse (INP ENSAT), he works on the analysis of agroindustrial projects and provide consultancy for promoters and investors of agro value chains. He also provides technical assistance and consultancy for small to large scale agricultural to switch to organic or regenerative practices

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Head of Agrovalor Project / Bioenergy & Waste / Côte d'Ivoire

Jules-Dorgeles Gomeu

Holder of an engineering degree in management of mining, oil and energy activities, he brings his expertise in the coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities implemented by Nitidae in the shea processing sectors, cassava and cashew nuts, with particular expertise in supporting cooperatives and agri-food industrial units. With significant experience in managing projects on the processing of cassava, shea and cashew nuts financed by national and international institutions such as FIRCA, USAID and AFD, the Rhône-Alpes Region, he enjoys an ability to effectively coordinate teams, manage administrative and financial aspects, as well as cultivate fruitful relationships with partners and stakeholders. His solid academic background in engineering and project management complements his profile, allowing him to approach complex challenges with a holistic and strategic approach.

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Project manager / Bioenergy & Waste / France

Julia Artigas Sancho

Process engineer and holder of a European MsC in Renewable energies, she works on energy-related issues in African industry, since 2016. Process optimization and agri-waste-to-energy systems are her main expertise areas: appropriate technologies, training on operation and maintenance, biofuels…

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Co-Director

Matthieu Tiberghien

Holder of a Master's degree in Management from the Paris-Dauphine University and a Master in "Social Policies and Planning in developing Countries" from the London School of Economics, he brings his expertise in project building and project management in renewable energy, REDD+, technical engineering, economic and financial due diligence, business development, strategic partnerships, fundraising and human ressources management

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Project manager / Bioenergy & Waste / France

Etienne Perrier

Having graduated from the Engineering School INSA of Lyon as an Engineer in Energy & Environment, option "Thermal systems engineering", Section "Top-level sport", he brings his expertise in renewable thermal systems implementation and analysis, in the food processing industry (shea and cashew), waste recycling and training of local experts

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