# Technology-Economy-Policy: Biochar in the Low-Carbon Energy Transition--A Review
## 5 Policy: Support for Biochar  
In order to realize the large-scale environmental and economic potential of biochar, both through ecosystem services and the many possible applications in innovative value chains, the international policies of countries and environmental and sectoral regulations should be well integrated. Government support and a favorable policy framework are key factors driving the European biochar market. European governments are increasingly recognizing the environmental and agricultural benefits of biochar and are implementing policies to promote its production and use. These policies include grants, subsidies, and funding for research and development projects focused on biochar. In addition, a regulatory framework is being created to ensure the quality and safety of biochar products, increasing consumer confidence and market acceptance. To fully realize biochar's potential in reducing greenhouse gases and supporting innovative value chains, its carbon sequestration capabilities must be better integrated into national and international carbon accounting frameworks. Biochar's effectiveness in CO\({}_{2}\) removal and its recognition in climate policies need further clarification, particularly regarding how its benefits are measured and incorporated into carbon accounting systems. The European Union has made significant progress by including biochar in its regulatory frameworks, such as the European Green Deal and the 2021-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. These efforts are key to recognizing biochar as a tool for carbon sequestration. The EU has introduced regulations on biochar and established a CO\({}_{2}\) absorption certification system, ensuring that its carbon sequestration potential is properly monitored. Biochar is also gaining recognition as a Negative Emission Technology (NET), which supports its role in climate mitigation. To fully leverage this potential, political and financial support is essential. Policies incentivizing large-scale biochar production, particularly through carbon removal compensation, will make biochar a more economically viable solution. The integration of biochar into carbon accounting systems is vital for achieving climate neutrality goals, such as the EU's target of net zero emissions by 2050. Establishing systems for carbon credits and rewards for biochar-based sequestration will boost market growth and its adoption in tackling climate change. Government initiatives aiming to promote sustainable agriculture, soil health, and climate change mitigation further support the growth of the biochar market. Collaboration between governments, research institutions, and industry stakeholders fosters innovation and drives advances in biochar production technologies. Strong government support and policy incentives create a favorable environment for the growth and development of the biochar market in Europe. Until recently, the EU did not have clear regulations on the use of biochar. Net greenhouse gas emissions from the land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) have not been counted as EU emission reduction targets for a long time [100]. In recent years, the increased awareness of EU rulers has contributed to concrete actions in the Community of States to mitigate climate change. Significant changes in the use of biochar were introduced after the establishment of the European Green Deal [101]. The EU has established new regulations regarding fertilizing products, thanks to which biochar has appeared for the first time in European Union legislation [102]. A reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2021-2027 has been introduced, which includes the use of biochar for soil carbon sequestration. Also, a new action plan for a closed economy has been adopted by the European Commission [103], and the EU carbon dioxide absorption certification system by 2023 was announced [103; 104; 105].