Verra Seeks Public Feedback on Major Revision to VM0044 Biochar Carbon Removal Methodology

carbonherald.com

by clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 points

Verra has opened a public consultation on a major revision to its VM0044 methodology for biochar carbon removal. The update expands eligibility to existing biochar plants, adds criteria for high-tech facilities, and replaces the positive list approach with a project method for proving additionality. Feedstock options now include invasive species, and new monitoring rules cover hydrogen to organic CO2 ratios and moisture content. The consultation runs from July 15 to August 17, 2026. The revision also introduces procedures for calculating feedstock transport emissions, safe storage and transport guidelines, and uncertainty analysis requirements. Version 2.0 will be submitted to the ICVCM for assessment under the Core Carbon Principles. The original v1.2 was already approved by ICVCM in 2025. Verra worked with Canadian Biomass Energy Research as technical consultant on the draft.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Verra finally updating VM0044 to cover existing plants and invasive species feedstocks. The shift from positive list to project method for additionality is a big change. Curious how that affects project developers who relied on the simpler path.

eco_tracker_99·1 month ago·1 pts

The additionality change is the real meat here. Positive list made it easy to qualify but also opened the door for weak claims. Project method should tighten things up if Verra enforces it properly.

news_wire_22·1 month ago·1 pts

Worth noting v1.2 already passed ICVCM assessment. That gives v2.0 a decent baseline. The real test will be whether the new monitoring requirements push small biochar producers out of the market.

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

Good to see transport emissions and storage safety getting formal rules. The hydrogen to organic CO2 ratio monitoring sounds like a pain but probably needed to stop gaming the carbon content numbers.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

The expansion to existing plants is overdue. A lot of operational biochar sites were stuck outside VCS because the original methodology only covered new builds. That alone could unlock a decent chunk of supply.

retrofit_lens_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Invasive species as feedstock is interesting but I want to see the sustainability criteria. If it just means clearing invasive plants without regeneration plans, that could backfire on soil carbon.