Native biomass crops on degraded lands for biochar: An opportunity for land regeneration

Project lead: Dr Fabiano Ximenes
Lead organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Partners: Western Sydney University, Catalyst Environment Management, Skye Point Innovation

The Challenge

Large areas of degraded and marginal land in NSW, particularly in the Hunter Valley, remain underutilised, limiting opportunities for carbon sequestration, renewable energy and landscape regeneration. While short rotation native species and biochar technologies exist, they have not been integrated at scale, leaving potential carbon, energy and soil health benefits untapped. There is also a lack of evidence on how such systems could be deployed in mosaic rotations to deliver measurable environmental and economic outcomes.

Our Approach

This project will undertake preliminary batch-scale trials of short rotation native biomass coppicing combined with biochar and bioenergy technologies. It will assess carbon sequestration potential, soil regeneration, and renewable energy production while establishing protocols and modelling for scaling. By integrating nature-based and technology-driven solutions, the project will test the viability of a mosaic rotation system that sequesters carbon in biomass, converts it to biochar for soil improvement and generates syngas to displace fossil fuels. The project will leverage existing landscape and climate-ecosystem models and draw on NSW expertise in biochar and renewable energy.

Expected Impact

This project aims to provide early evidence for a scalable, nature-positive approach to regenerating degraded land while supporting decarbonisation. It could demonstrate how native biomass and biochar systems sequester carbon, generate renewable energy and restore soil health. In the longer term, widespread adoption could unlock new regional green industries, enhance biodiversity and soil quality, and contribute to measurable emissions reductions. By providing a tested pathway, the project positions NSW to lead in circular bio-economy solutions with multiple social, economic and environmental co-benefits.

Project Timeline: March 2026 – February 2027