The network advancing Europe's biochar sector. Through collaboration with industry actors, scientific experts, and policymakers, we drive supportive policy change and promote biochar applications in responsible, circular economies.

Our Key Activities

Policy & 
Advocacy

Promote and support the integration of legal regulations and incentives for the production and use of biochar.

Industry Standards &
Regulations

Aid in the development of scientifically-backed standards and regulations for industrial biochar applications.

Research & 
Market Intelligence

Initiate and support research in order to close knowledge gaps, and produce Europe’s annual biochar market report.

Communication
& Engagement

Enhance awareness and understanding, connect stakeholders, and foster collaboration and synergies.

Our Team

Troy Robichaud
Events & Engagement
Harald Bier
Secretary General
Mariam Shafqat
Communications
Matt Mallory
LEAD Materials Working Group

Scientific Council

Biochar Europe’s Scientific Council (BCE-SC) is a multidisciplinary team of leading experts on biogenic carbons. This council brings together independent scientists from fields such as biochemistry, soil science, microbiology, organic geochemistry, engineering, economics, and material science. With extensive experience in biochar, organic carbon, and pyrolysis research, they address key questions in biochar science through regular and ad hoc meetings, providing expert insights and guidance. The council may also participate in board meetings to validate EBI's positions. As a collaborative platform, the council fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue, ensuring well-rounded perspectives on critical topics.

Prof. Hamed Sanei
Aarhus University
Professor and Research Chair Organic Petrology and Geochemistry, Director of the Lithospheric Organic Carbon Laboratory (LOC).
Organic carbon, with a focus on its implications for energy and environmental geoscience
Prof. Ondrej Masek
The University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences, UK Biochar Research Centre
Personal Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies
Pyrolysis and biochar research and development. Biochar engineering for carbon storage, environmental and material application. Integration of pyrolysis and biochar in wider bioeconomy and circular economy concepts.
Dr. Mauro Giorcelli
Politecnico di Torino
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) / ICHAR Executive member.
Biochar for innovative applications
Dr. Andrea Schievano
University of Milan, Joint Research Center - European Commission
Principal investigator in bio-electrochemistry

Board of Directors

Leopold Steinbeis
Managing Director - German Biochar e.V
6 years in Europe’s largest biochar association Deep understanding of BCR industry and its needs Direct involvement in biochar advocacy and policy development in Germany Established connections with biochar organizations of Austria, Italy, the Nordics and Switzerland
Philip Salfeld-Nebgen
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships - Outokumpu-EvoCarbon
10+ years in leadership roles at Outokumpu Expertise in investment, procurement and strategic projects & partnership developments. Now 3+ years on biocarbon for metallurgy development
Tobias Brink
Head of Business Development - Envigas AB
10+ years in executive and business development roles Board member: Swedish Biochar Innovation Cluster 8 years in scaling, commercializing and developing markets for biochar & co-products
Yannick Ferriere
President & Co-Founder - SG Energies, ATEE
25 years experienced senior executive Leading the association representing over 100 members of France’s pyro-gasification sector. Experienced in developing regulatory frameworks favorable for emerging circular and energy projects
Dr. Kathrin Weber
Research Manager - SINTEF Energy Research
Research manager at SINTEF Energy’s Thermal Energy department, leading the Bioenergy team. PhD in Energy and Process Engineering. 12+ years working in biochar-related topics. Strong focus on industrial collaboration in metallurgical and soil-based applications. Supporting organizer of the Biochar Summit
Hansjörg Lerchenmueller
Board Chairman - Biochar Europe & Carbuna AG
Degree in Physics 25+ years experience in high-tech management Multiple entrepreneur (clean tech start-ups) Awarded “Deutscher Umweltpreis” in 2012 2012 – 2016 Chairman of the CPV Consortium Since 2017 in biochar as investor & consultant
Helmut Gerber
CTO and Founder - PYREG GmbH
Degree in Mechanical Engineering 25+ years entrepreneurial & scientific experience in pyrolysis & gasification Inventors Award State of Rheinland-Pfalz 2006 & 2010 N-TV Energy Awards 2014 Nominee
Dr. Anna Lehner
Standards & Methodologies - Carbonfuture
PhD in Chemistry 10+ years research in Inorganic chemistry & energy materials 5 years working in/with GreenTech startups on go-to-market & key collaborations Implementing trustworthy digital MRV and market infrastructure for carbon removal scale-up at Carbonfuture
Marcel Huber
CEO and Founder - SynCraft GmbH
Degree in Process Engineering 25+ years entrepreneurial & scientific experience in pyrolysis & gasification Inventor of the staged, floating-fixed bed gasification technology Previously head of research area renewable energy at University for applied science in MCI Innsbruck

How we are rooted

To learn more about our organisation's guiding principles and values, please see our Ethics Declaration.
To learn about our membership, check out our Terms & Conditions.
To learn more about our organisation, please see our Statutes & Bylaws.
To learn about fair competition practices in BCE meetings and exchanges, please see our Competition Law & Information Exchange Guidance.