The German municipal utilities of Dessau (Stadtwerke Dessau) have entered into a long-term agreement with climate tech company Novocarbo and its parent company Hevella Carbon, embarking on a biochar and renewable heat collaboration.
Under the agreement, Hamburg-headquartered Novocarbo is planning to construct the Carbon Removal Park Dessau.
This landmark site will serve to convert biogenic residues such as wood chips or fruit pits into biochar and renewable heat through a process known as pyrolysis.
The sustainable heat generated at the site will help the Dessau-Roßlau region boost its existing district heating network with a climate-oriented alternative.
Stadtwerke Dessau and Novocarbo kicked off the partnership by signing the agreement in the presence of Mayor Dr. Robert Reck, Stadtwerke CEO Dino Höll, and Novocarbo Managing Director Dr. Karl Reinhard Kolmsee.
As Mayor Dr. Robert Reck explained, “By signing this agreement, we are taking an important next step in developing our heat supply towards climate neutrality. The use of innovative technologies and regional resources sends a strong signal for active climate protection at the local level.”
The agreement covers a yearly heat supply of up to 13.5 gigawatt hours (GWh), which will ensure the cost-effective, continuous operation of Carbon Removal Park Dessau over a period of 15 years from commissioning.
In return, the district heating in the region (Fernwärmebedarf GmbH Dessau) will purchase the generated sustainable heat. The two partners shared that currently, commissioning is planned for no later than January 1, 2028.
Novocarbo’s biochar product, on the other hand, comes with a wide range of applications and can be used in industries such as agriculture, urban greening, and the construction sector.
Relevant: Novocarbo Issues First CDR Credits From Biochar-Infused Asphalt Pilot
Commenting on the agreement, Novocarbo Managing Director Dr. Karl Kolmsee stated, “Dessau-Roßlau is a strong example of how regional partnerships can drive decarbonization—and how we can further strengthen the region through local biomass processing and energy solutions.”
In a broader perspective, this partnership aligns with Stadtwerke Dessau’s sustainability strategy, which entails integrating at least 30% renewable energy or unavoidable waste heat into the system by 2030.
Read more: Novocarbo Pilots Carbon-Storing Asphalt In Germany
