CarbonZero.Eco, a Silicon Valley startup focused on regenerative agriculture and carbon removal, announced the completion of its first large-scale biochar production facility in Colusa County, California. The company also revealed a significant agreement with Climeworks, a leader in carbon removal technology, to purchase its carbon removal credits.
Founded by 17-year-old Harper Moss, CarbonZero.Eco launched from stealth last year with backing from senior leaders at Google, Meta, Amazon, and various tech CEOs. Since then, the company has formed partnerships with over 100 almond farms across Colusa and Yolo Counties. These agreements aim to reduce up to 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions by converting agricultural waste into biochar.
Each year, more than 1.5 billion tons of agricultural waste are produced worldwide, and this number is rising. Traditional disposal methods like landfilling and incineration contribute roughly 3% of global greenhouse gases. Biochar offers a sustainable alternative by transforming biomass into a stable form of carbon, locking it away for hundreds to thousands of years.
CarbonZero.Eco is working with almond farmers to convert up to 1.5 million tons of almond shells into biochar. This process prevents shells from decomposing and releasing carbon into the atmosphere. The biochar also improves soil health, fertility, and crop yields over the long term.
The new facility in California’s Central Valley is strategically located next to almond shell stockpiles. It eliminates the need for transport, reducing emissions. The biochar will be blended into compost for farms, helping retain water and prevent aquifer depletion.
Harper Moss said, “This plant is a major step toward making carbon-negative agriculture practical and profitable. We’re creating a closed-loop system that benefits farmers and the climate.”
