Research and Development Grant Support for Renewable Hydrogen Production and Carbon Sequestration Forestry Residue Conversion

Forager Fuels, LLC, specializes in converting forestry residues into renewable hydrogen, biochar, and carbon credits through a relocatable bioenergy system with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Their technology reduces wildfire risk, produces clean energy, and sequesters carbon, offering a sustainable approach to forest management. 

The BECCS system aims to significantly decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from forestry operations, potentially saving the federal government approximately $66 million for every 100,000 acres of treated forestland. By reducing biomass transportation costs and optimizing resources, Forager Fuels is creating green hydrogen for various operations, biochar for animal feed, and carbon credits, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient future. 

Forager Fuels, LLC's vision faces challenges that necessitate substantial investment and strategic planning. The company's relocatable bioenergy system with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) promises transformative benefits, yet turning this vision into a reality demands overcoming financial and technological hurdles. The first challenge lies in securing the necessary funding to construct and deploy the relocatable system to forest sites. Adequate investment is paramount to cover the costs associated with on-site demonstrations, which are essential for proving the system's efficacy and scalability. Additionally, ongoing research and development are critical to refining technology, ensuring its maximum efficiency and effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing renewable energy. 

Another challenge is the procurement of specialized equipment required for operationalizing the BECCS system. This equipment is vital for converting forestry residues into renewable hydrogen, biochar, and carbon credits. Without these investments, the full potential of Forager Fuels' innovative approach to sustainable forestry management may remain unrealized.

The Challenge

Forager Fuels, LLC, specializes in converting forestry residues into renewable hydrogen, biochar, and carbon credits through a relocatable bioenergy system with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Their technology reduces wildfire risk, produces clean energy, and sequesters carbon, offering a sustainable approach to forest management. 

The BECCS system aims to significantly decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from forestry operations, potentially saving the federal government approximately $66 million for every 100,000 acres of treated forestland. By reducing biomass transportation costs and optimizing resources, Forager Fuels is creating green hydrogen for various operations, biochar for animal feed, and carbon credits, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient future. 

Forager Fuels, LLC's vision faces challenges that necessitate substantial investment and strategic planning. The company's relocatable bioenergy system with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) promises transformative benefits, yet turning this vision into a reality demands overcoming financial and technological hurdles. The first challenge lies in securing the necessary funding to construct and deploy the relocatable system to forest sites. Adequate investment is paramount to cover the costs associated with on-site demonstrations, which are essential for proving the system's efficacy and scalability. Additionally, ongoing research and development are critical to refining technology, ensuring its maximum efficiency and effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing renewable energy. 

Another challenge is the procurement of specialized equipment required for operationalizing the BECCS system. This equipment is vital for converting forestry residues into renewable hydrogen, biochar, and carbon credits. Without these investments, the full potential of Forager Fuels' innovative approach to sustainable forestry management may remain unrealized. 

Our Solution

FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovation, Grant Writing and Management team focused on the innovative technology behind the Forager Fuels BECCS system and prepared grant proposals to support essential research and development. The FCS Grants team is facilitating the launch of this groundbreaking system by securing matching funds necessary to attract capital from significant grant opportunities. This funding will aid in the construction of the relocatable system, cover costs for on-site demonstrations, support research and development to optimize the BECCS system, and procure the required equipment to operationalize the business. 

Results and Deliverables

The FCS Grants team crafted a highly technical Department of Energy – Office of Science, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer grant. A second grant was submitted to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities – Forest Retention & Health. The FCS Grants team also assisted in a third grant proposal to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wood Products and Bioenergy.  

Funding from these proposals will provide the essential capital investment required to implement this renewable energy solution, enabling significant cost savings by reducing biomass transportation expenses and federal and state government expenditure on forest management. Furthermore, these efforts will mitigate the destructive impact of wildfires, preserving lives, homes, businesses, and the environment while protecting valuable wildlife habitats.