Description

Aperam BioEnergia is a well-established Brazilian company operating in the forestry and renewable energy sectors. Situated in the northeast region of Minas Gerais, Aperam manages a charcoal operation with a production capacity of approximately 420,000 tons per year, all with emissions control. This operation is supported by about 126,000 hectares of FSC-certified planted and native forests, which significantly impact local biodiversity and the economy. Key Highlights: - The company's inaugural biochar project marks a sustainable shift in how charcoal production waste is utilized. Previously directed toward cement and energy production, this waste is now returned to Aperam's forests as biochar, where it serves as a lasting method for carbon removal from the atmosphere and enhances soil quality. - This transformation has been made possible through the implementation of CO2 removal certificates, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship. - Aperam BioEnergia plans to scale up its biochar operations, aiming to bolster carbon sequestration, enhance forest productivity by improving soil properties, and drive local social and economic development. - Despite the shift in energy use, the availability of affordable renewable energy sources in Brazil ensures no reliance on fossil fuels will occur. The company currently has the capacity to produce around 30,000 tonnes of carbon removal annually. Biochar is a valuable soil amendment, improving crucial soil characteristics such as organic matter, fertility, and cohesion, and boosting forest productivity. Its application increases soil water retention, reducing evaporation rates and facilitating a controlled replenishment of nearby water sources. Aperam BioEnergia also contributes to local social development programs by providing biochar, which has significantly enhanced crop productivity for local farmers and positively impacted social development. This project represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, promoting environmental health and community prosperity through innovative practices in forestry management.