MASH Makes Biochar SPV 01

The MASH Makes SPV 01 is a biochar production project in Udupi, Karnataka, India that converts agricultural waste into permanent carbon storage. The project uses cashew shell press cake, a waste byproduct from processing cashew nut shells. Typically, this material is transported long distances to brick kilns and ceramic factories where it's burned without proper emissions controls. Through this project, the feedstock is instead transported less than 2 kilometers for biochar production. The pyrolysis process transforms roughly half of the plant carbon into highly stable carbon compounds that form biochar. When applied to soil, most of this carbon remains locked away for thousands of years. The project expects to remove approximately 74,190 tonnes of CO₂ over its first five years.

Beyond carbon removal, the project markets biochar as a soil amendment to improve soil quality across India. The material boosts soil pH, increases water retention, and enhances nutrient storage. Currently, 30% of the gas produced during pyrolysis heats the reactor, with plans to use the remaining 70% for electricity generation to power the entire operation. The project distributes biochar through agricultural NGOs, input distributors, charitable foundations, and farmer cooperatives. It's also working with fertilizer companies to develop biochar-enhanced products.

SPV One Energy Products owns the carbon credits while selling the physical biochar. MASH Makes plans to replicate this model across India and Southeast Asia in the coming years.