Partner interview : Don Coyne, CEO ANZBIG

Bio360 Expo is shining the light on the experts of the biotransition. Today we've asked Don Coyne, CEO of ANZBIG to give us his view on bioenergy and bioeconomy.

What do you think the future opportunities and challenges are for bioenergy and bioeconomy?

The future opportunities for bioenergy and a bioeconomy are endless because anything?that can be made out of old carbon can be replaced by new carbon. Biochar technology is proven and ready to scale, coal, oil and gas are transported all around the?world so in unison with the decarbonisation of the transport sector, we can produce?and use?the black stuff globally that stays on earth for a much longer period of time, that is let's say at least 500 years. Therefore, this practice helps repair the natural carbon cycle, taking it into account instead of ignoring it and the subsequent implications of that. Therefore, our consumerism becomes part of the solution rather than the problem.

What are the obstacles / opportunities?

Traditional practice and markets that are established can be hard to break. If there is no direct accountability to the denial of natural systems that support our lives and economy then a bio-transition will be thwarted. Perceived economics of mining new carbon can be misconstrued by those with vested interests to hold onto the old carbon economy. If the true costs of mining old carbon are not fully incorporated into production and use costs then we will continue on a path to bankruptcy as more?extreme climate variability costs us more and more.??

The opportunity that presents itself to flick the switch to a new carbon economy that reduces our waste and applies stewardship to our residues currently being burnt or landfilled are exponential. Plants are the ultimate form of carbon capture but they rot and die and the natural carbon cycle is neutral, turning?itself over approximately every 14 years or so. But because we continue to dig up old carbon and pump it straight into the sky, science tells us it's disrupting the natural carbon cycle and affecting the weather. The weather in turns affects our economy. The opportunity is to work with the natural carbon cycle for our long term benefit economically, socially and environmentally.?

Let's carry on the discussion at #Bio360Expo 8-9 February, Nantes. Check the 6 tracks conference program here

#biochar #bioeconomy #biocharfixescarbon