Innovative Method for Capturing Carbon Dioxide
Veenmakers (a part of Restore Carbon BV) has started a unique pilot with Natuurmonumenten De Wieden to permanently store CO2. On a plot in the Barsbekerbinnenpolder, area-specific mown grass was injected into the ground below the groundwater level on December 5 and 6.
Innovative Method for Capturing Carbon Dioxide
Veenmakers has developed a unique new patented technology that injects area-specific mown grass deep into the peat soil below the groundwater level. This places the mown grass in an oxygen-free environment, halting the natural decomposition process. The mown grass forms a new peat layer deep beneath the surface, in the existing peat layer. Plants growing on Natuurmonumenten’s plots are mowed and removed annually. Natuurmonumenten does this to improve biodiversity. Plants naturally absorb CO2 and convert it into carbon as they grow. After mowing, the plant dies, and as it decomposes, CO2 is released into the air. With this pilot, Veenmakers injects the plant residues into the ground so they do not decompose, and the carbon remains permanently stored. In this way, they remove CO2 from the air. At the same time, we are also looking at improving the soil’s load-bearing capacity and testing whether this method could help prevent further land subsidence.
Win-Win Situation
Natuurmonumenten collaborates annually with various initiators on different pilots for the use of mown grass from the area, says Gidion Kok, area manager for De Wieden. With this pilot, Restore Carbon and Natuurmonumenten De Wieden hope to achieve a double win. Natuurmonumenten can inject part of the area’s own mown grass into the ground. Otherwise, this grass would be transported over a longer distance, reducing the number of transport movements. Veenmakers is using this innovative method, certified by ONCRA, to create new peat from mown grass. In this way, the parties are working together on a new climate solution and a circular future. The municipality of Steenwijkerland is also enthusiastic and supports the pilot.
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