Argentina’s First Large-Scale Biochar Carbon Removal Hub: The GMF–Biocare Project Leading Climate Innovation in Latin America

Argentina’s forestry sector generates enormous value for the country — and an equally enormous volume of underutilised residues. Every year, pine and eucalyptus plantations across the Mesopotamia region produce hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste biomass that is often burned, left to decompose, or transported long distances at a cost. This represents not only a missed environmental opportunity but also a missed economic one.

Biocare Projects, together with GMF Latinoamérica, is transforming this challenge into a long-term climate solution. The Argentinean Forest Residue Biochar Project will convert local forestry residues into high-quality biochar and permanent carbon removals, while delivering measurable benefits for the surrounding communities, industries, and landscapes.

A Regional Opportunity for Climate Leadership

Northeast  Argentina holds one of South America’s strongest forestry clusters. The provinces of Corrientes, Misiones, and Entre Ríos account for nearly 80% of the country’s forestry output. Yet a large share of the region’s biomass remains unused or inefficiently managed.

By installing Biocare’s large-scale pyrolysis technology directly within the forestry hub, the project turns what was previously a cost and environmental liability into:

• Long-term carbon storage through stable biochar

• Improved soil productivity for regional agriculture

• Reduced open burning and associated air pollution

• New local value chains around sustainable biomass utilisation

  
  

“This is more than a climate project,” says Frances Furlong, LATAM Regional Manager at Biocare Projects. “By transforming local residues into carbon storage and healthier soils, we are unlocking a major opportunity for the region. Climate action, industry, and local communities all gain when we turn an underused resource into long-term value.”

Scalable, High-Integrity Carbon Removal

The project will deploy Biocare’s BITE pyrolysis system — a high-efficiency, continuous-flow reactor designed for industrial-scale biochar production with rigorous emissions control. Initially, the plant is expected to process approximately 140,000 tonnes of wet biomass annually (50% moisture), yielding around 23,000 tonnes of biochar. 

This corresponds to roughly 45,000 tonnes of verified CDR annually. With a modular design that enables future expansion, the project can scale to + 100,000 tonnes of annual CDR. 

Co-Benefits for Local Industries and Communities

The Mesopotamia region has strong agricultural and forestry value chains — from rice and yerba mate to fruit orchards, cattle, and timber exports. These sectors face challenges linked to soil degradation, pH imbalance, and increasing drought stress.

Biochar applications can directly support regional growers through:

• Improved soil structure and nutrient efficiency

• Higher water retention in drought-prone areas

• Better yields for crops such as yerba mate, citrus fruits, and rice

• Reduced fertiliser needs and lower input costs

The project will also create local jobs, reduce biomass handling and disposal costs, and support the region’s transition to a more circular, climate-positive economy.

A Benchmark for Latin America

As corporations around the world seek high-integrity carbon removals, Latin America has the potential to become a leading supplier — but only if projects combine strong engineering, transparent monitoring, and deep local partnerships.

The Argentinean Forest Residue Biochar Project stands out because it brings:

• Robust LCA and MMRV aligned with global buyers

• A circular model that benefits local forestry and agriculture

• A scalable technology pathway for future sites across the region

“This project demonstrates what high-integrity carbon removal can achieve for Latin America,” says Furlong. “It sets a precedent for how climate solutions can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits at the same time.” 

Sebastián Fragni, CEO of GMF Latinoamérica, highlights the importance of the partnership: “At GMF, we are proud to be part of the biochar project alongside our partner Biocare — an alliance that combines technology and sustainability to generate a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Together, we are committed to innovation and sustainability for a more resilient future.”

Looking Ahead

With construction scheduled for 2026 and first carbon credits expected in 2027, the project marks a major step forward for climate-positive industry in Corrientes and the broader Northeast region. As engineering advances and partnerships deepen, the Argentinean Forest Residue Biochar Project is positioned to become one of Latin America’s most impactful and scalable climate solutions.