Suggested Citation:
Kane, Seth, Jin Fan, Sabbie Miller (2025)

Biochar in Data Center Decarbonization

. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RR-25-108

Abstract:

The large mass of materials used in structures, such as data centers, presents a notable reservoir to store CO2, and offset operational and hard-to-decarbonize emissions. One pathway to do this is via the use of biochar – a stable carbon material produced from residual biomass – in concrete as a partial replacement for cement. We examine the use of biochar in data center concrete to offset emissions and store carbon as an alternative to the purchase of carbon credits by technology companies. We identify key regionally available feedstocks for biochar to use in concrete, and quantify the degree to which biochar stored in concrete for data centers can offset emissions.