Sunbird Bioenergy and Carbon1 Launch Carbon-Negative Biochar Project in Zambia

Sunbird Group has partnered with UK-based technology firm Carbon1 to launch a pioneering biochar project in Kawambwa, Zambia, that will deliver permanent carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture benefits, and clean energy to local communities.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to climate-smart innovation and local impact. Sunbird will provide agricultural waste—primarily cassava residues—as the feedstock, while Carbon1 brings its cutting-edge pyrolysis technology, which thermally converts the biomass into biochar, a stable form of carbon that can remain in soils for hundreds to thousands of years.

Carbon1 biochar production partnership with Sunbird Group

Turning Waste into Climate and Soil Solutions

The biochar produced will be applied by Sunbird across its agricultural operations as a soil enhancement, improving moisture retention, nutrient availability, and crop yields, while simultaneously locking carbon away in the soil.

The co-generated clean thermal energy from the pyrolysis process will be used to power a local microgrid, supplying renewable energy to rural communities around Kawambwa. This adds another layer of impact by improving local energy access and reducing reliance on charcoal and diesel generators.

A Model for Carbon-Negative Development

This partnership exemplifies BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage), one of the few scalable and proven technologies for permanent carbon sequestration. Unlike temporary offsets, the carbon stored in biochar is physically removed from the atmosphere and stabilised in the ground, making the entire process carbon negative.

The business model is built on the generation and sale of high-quality carbon credits, verified by international standards, which can be purchased by companies seeking to meet net zero goals through nature-based, verifiable carbon removal solutions.

Scalable Impact

This project not only advances Zambia’s renewable energy and climate resilience goals, but also creates a replicable model for sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa—blending climate finance, agriculture, and rural electrification into a single, integrated solution.

Sunbird CEO Richard Bennett stated:

“Our partnership with Carbon1 enables us to turn agricultural waste into something of real long-term value—clean energy, healthier soils, and permanent carbon removal. It’s a win-win for the climate, the economy, and the local communities.”

The Kawambwa biochar project is expected to begin operation in [insert target launch date], with plans to scale across other Sunbird locations.