Nenana Biochar
Clean Energy, Clean Future
How It Started
The City of Nenana's biochar is produced as part of Nenana’s community-based biomass heating initiative, developed to address the region’s unique challenges in energy, waste, and forest management. Located in the remote interior of Alaska, Nenana faces high heating costs, limited solid waste infrastructure, and significant wildfire risk from surrounding overgrown forests.
In 2020, the City initiated construction of a biomass heating project designed to provide renewable heat to the Nenana School, the water treatment plant, and future infrastructure such as a community greenhouse. The facility also includes clean water access, restrooms, and wash facilities for residents living in dry cabins—enhancing local resilience and quality of life.
The heating system utilizes a 2.2 MBTU Hurst Boiler that combusts woody biomass feedstocks under fast pyrolysis conditions (low oxygen). Instead of producing ash, this process yields a fine to moderately coarse biochar that seeks to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Climate Action Reserve U.S. and Canada Biochar Protocol. This ensures that production, handling, and end use follow verified environmental safeguards to maintain carbon stability and traceability for potential inclusion in carbon credit programs.
Annually, the Nenana biomass system is projected to process 500–600 tons of wood chips, generating 50–60 tons of biochar. With potential for expansion to additional infrastructure it is anticipated that production will increase in the following years. This operation not only supports the local circular economy by reducing heating oil consumption and wildfire hazards, but also produces a carbon-rich, soil-enhancing biochar suitable for agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications under approved end-use categories. Climate Action Reserve End Use Categories
The City of Nenana is working with Soil Control Lab to test the biochar product under the Climate Action Reserve approved testing protocol. Results are anticipated at the end of calendar year 2025. Once testing results are received they will be included in the labeling and posted on our website.
What Is Biochar?
The Pro's & Con's
Biochar is produced when burning organic material in a high heat low oxygen environment. For this project, waste wood from firewise and sustainable forest management practices is burned in a BET high efficiency hydronic boiler. Biochar is low density, has a high carbon content, and is porous. The molecules in biochar and its porous structure attach to and hold onto water molecules and organic nutrients making it ideal for fast draining low nutrient soils. Biochar is an organic compound that reacts with its environment in positive and sometimes negative ways. Applying a soil amendment, biochar can rob soil of its nutrients in the short term and cause loss in yields for several rotations. Charging biochar with compost or other organic matter is a solution when done appropriately. As with any tool in your tool box there is a right and wrong way to utilize biochar as a soil amendment or carbon storage mechanism. For more information on the science of biochar utilization and recommended practices please visit the following resources.
International Biochar Initiative Home Page:
Non-Agricultural Uses of Biochar
United States Biochar Initiative: Home Page
Climate Action Reserve:
Approved end use of biochar under Climate Action Reserve Protocol
Carbon Credit Program
Pursuing carbon credit eligibility under the Climate Action Reserve, Nenana aims to enhance economic security for the city and its residents—creating new opportunities for local revenue generation, job growth, and environmentally responsible resource management through the verified sale of high-quality biochar. The Climate Action Reserve (CAR) is a nonprofit organization that establishes rigorous standards for measuring, verifying, and certifying greenhouse gas reductions across North America. Its U.S. and Canada Biochar Protocol provides a science-based framework for ensuring that biochar production and use result in long-term carbon sequestration and measurable climate benefits. The City of Nenana recognizes the value of participating in this certification program as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and community resilience. Climate Action Reserve
Certification procedures are in progress, updates on timeline coming soon!
Quality Control - Product Standards
The City of Nenana strives to manage an environmentally and economically sustainable biomass heat and biochar program. This program aims to provide quality heat and economy to their region. Testing our biochar under the rigorous testing standards set forth by Climate Action Reserve will provide our customers with transparent guaranteed quality biochar.
Test results are coming soon and will be posted here!
Material Data Safety Sheet: https://frereswood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/biochar-sds-us-6-4-21_frereswood.pdf
Biochar Sales
Dear Customer,
First, thank you for your business! The biochar produced in Nenana is produced under the Climate Action Reserve Protocol to ensure international/national environmental standards and quality are upheld based on sound science and tracking standards. We graciously ask you to help us with our tracking requirements by completing the Biochar End Use Destination Address and Biochar End Use from the list provided. For more information on the Climate Action Reserve
Why End Use Information Is Required (for Carbon Credit Program)
Under the Climate Action Reserve U.S. and Canada Biochar Protocol, documentation of biochar end use is critical because the carbon credit value depends on the stability and permanence of carbon storage in the final application. Different end uses—such as soil amendment, composting, construction materials, or waste management—affect how long biochar carbon remains sequestered. Providing this information ensures that the biochar is applied responsibly, complies with environmental safeguards, and qualifies for verified carbon credits under the Reserve’s standards.
Coming Soon!
New Biochar Products: While the City of Nenana is in the early phases of producing biochar for retail, plans are being developed to offer charged (nutrient infused biochar) for sale, soon!
Shipping: We are currently working on shipping options.
Customer Pick Up: The City of Nenana will be coordinating customer pick up for biochar Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
For shipping, customers should coordinate with their shipping company and schedule a pick up time with the City of Nenana at least 48 hours in advance. Special arrangements can be made for an additional cost.
Shipping Contact:
Nenana Administrator: Nichole Shreeve
phone:
Email: nenanacityadmi@gmail.com
Green Dump: The City of Nenana will be opening access to the City Green Dump in the spring of 2026. The green dump will allow residents to dispose of yard/land clearing waste. Disposing yard waste in this way reduces the frequency of on site open pile burning which creates risks of wildfire. Green Dump Location:
Contact Us
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