Releaf Earth’s launch of Nigeria’s first industrial biochar carbon removal facility in Cross River State marks a significant advancement in the nation’s climate technology and sustainable agriculture sectors.
Says Ikenna Nzewi (CEO, Releaf Earth):
I’m excited to announce the launch of Releaf Earth (YC W19)’s biochar facility in Cross River State, Nigeria, the nation’s very first industrial production site!
We create premium biochar for permanent carbon removal using palm kernel shells, a byproduct from our patented Kraken nutcracking technology. Leveraging Riverse’s certified carbon removal credit registry, we are poised to remove 40,000-60,000 tons of CO₂e by 2030!
This biochar initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers substantial socio-economic benefits:
🌍 Environmental impact – advancing carbon sequestration
The facility is designed to remove between 40,000 to 60,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030, with aspirations to scale up to 100,000 tons. By converting palm kernel shells—a byproduct of palm nut processing—into biochar, the process sequesters carbon in a stable form, preventing its release into the atmosphere and contributing to long-term climate change mitigation.
🌱 Agricultural benefits: enhancing soil fertility and farmer incomes
Biochar application has been shown to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and enhance nutrient availability, leading to better crop yields. In a 2024 pilot program in Cross River State, farmers experienced a 23% increase in yields. Additionally, the use of biochar can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, lowering input costs for farmers. The sale of carbon credits generated from biochar production offers an additional revenue stream, potentially boosting farmer incomes by over 50%.
⚙️ Technological innovation – leveraging the Kraken System
Releaf Earth’s proprietary Kraken system efficiently processes palm nuts, producing high-quality kernels and generating palm kernel shells suitable for biochar production. This technology not only optimises resource utilization but also supports the scalability of biochar production in rural areas.
🤝 Strategic partnerships and verification
To ensure transparency and credibility in its carbon removal efforts, Releaf Earth has partnered with the Riverse registry for the verification of carbon credits. The initiative has garnered support from prominent organisations, including Y Combinator, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, AirMiners, and Angaza Capital, highlighting confidence in its potential for scalable impact.
🌐 Broader implications – positioning Nigeria as a leader in climate solutions
This facility positions Nigeria at the forefront of industrial biochar production in Africa, showcasing the country’s capacity for innovation in climate solutions. By transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, the project exemplifies a circular economy model that can be replicated across the continent, promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Releaf Earth’s biochar facility in Cross River State represents a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering economic growth. Its success could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across Africa and beyond
Numeris Media is an official Media Partner to Connected Banking Summit & Innovation Excellence Awards 2025 – Southern Africa
(May 21, 2025 | Johannesburg, South Africa)