26: BiCRS - How can biomass contribute to negative emissions in the future? A conversation with Stefanie Bischoff, Managing Director of Airfix

SustainNOW Podcast - Exploring Climate Solutions with Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Stephanie Bischof, Managing Director of AirFix, shares insights into the growing field of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS), a critical solution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. With over a decade of experience in corporate finance, Stephanie transitioned into the climate field after being inspired by a documentary on soil health. Since 2022, she has been leading AirFix, a company focused on developing carbon capture infrastructure and creating markets for negative emission technologies in Switzerland and across Europe.

BiCRS focuses on capturing and removing biogenic CO2, which comes from the combustion of biologically based materials, such as those from the paper industry, biomass power plants, and waste-to-energy facilities. Unlike fossil fuel emissions, biogenic CO2 is part of the natural carbon cycle. When captured and stored, it results in a net reduction of atmospheric CO2, making it an effective method for offsetting emissions in key industries.

AirFix’s mission is twofold: to accelerate the growth of the BiCRS market in Europe and to remove 5 million tonnes of CO2 over the next 10 years. The company advises emitters on carbon removal strategies, connects them with specialists, and helps build the necessary supply chains. AirFix is currently working on its first major project, which aims to remove 21,800 tonnes of CO2 over the next 5 years.

In this episode, Stephanie delves into the complexities of CO2 capture, including the logistical challenges and costs involved. She discusses the role of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits in helping companies meet sustainability targets and the regulatory landscape for carbon capture. The conversation also explores the potential of scaling the CDR industry, the challenges of transporting and storing CO2, and the broader market for carbon removal solutions. Stephanie shares her vision for AirFix’s future, providing valuable insights into how carbon removal technologies can drive real change in the fight against climate change.

Capíttulos

1. 26: BiCRS - How can biomass contribute to negative emissions in the future? A conversation with Stefanie Bischoff, Managing Director of Airfix (00:00:00)

2. Airfix Carbon (00:00:01)

3. How did someone with your background in finance get involved with carbon removal? (00:02:15)

4. Was there one specific moment that made you switch? (00:02:45)

5. Who is AirFix Carbon and what are you trying to do? (00:04:40)

6. How does Airfix work? (00:06:45)

7. What is so complex to capture CO2 and why is it so difficult? (00:08:15)

8. Why are we not just storing CO2 in Switzerland? (00:10:40)

9. Is it easier to transport oil/gas than CO2? (00:12:00)

10. How much does it cost to capture and store CO2? (00:13:00)

11. What is ETS? (00:13:40)

12. Are there any gold standards/certifications for carbon removal? (00:17:10)

13. How big is the carbon removal market? (00:19:15)

14. Should governments own the carbon removal infrastructure? (00:23:00)

15. What challenges exist in scaling up the CDR industry? (00:24:15)

16. How big is Airfix carbon and how are you financed? (00:29:00)

17. What will Airfix Carbon look like in 5 years? (00:29:45)

18. How do you measure your own CO2 goals? (00:31:10)

19. If you look back on the last year, what did you learn the most? (00:33:00)

20. How can people get in contact with you? (00:36:00)

21. What makes you confident that we will solve the climate crisis? (00:36:30)