Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to increase uptake of biochar as a carbon capture method.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero recognises the potential benefits of biochar and has been taking steps to address evidence gaps through research, funding five biochar projects in the Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation Competition, and the CO2RE Demonstrators Programme biochar project. The Government is exploring barriers to commercialisation and deployment at scale, including how further evidence can be generated on permanence, environmental impacts and the potential benefits in a UK context. The Government has announced an Independent Review to consider how Greenhouse Gas Removals, such as biochar, can assist the UK in meeting our net zero targets.