Central Lampung, South Sumatra
Majalengka, West Java
Sawa Biochar
Indonesia
Project Type:
Biochar, Carbon Removal
Location: Majalengka, West Java
/ Central Lampung, South Sumatra
/ Central Lampung, South Sumatra
Expected Impact Numbers:
Up to 108 local residents employed
Up to 170,000 tonnes of waste removed annually
Up to 50,000 onnes of CO2e removed annually
Project details
Sawa Project aims to revolutionize agricultural waste management in Indonesia by utilizing sugarcane bagasse, cassava, and other agricultural residues for soil applications. This waste is transformed into biochar through pyrolysis, a process that heats the feedstock in an oxygen-deprived environment, allowing carbon to be stored for over 100 years. As the first and largest commercial biochar project in Indonesia, Sawa has the potential to remove 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, offering substantial promise for the carbon market in Indonesia.
Sawa will initially develop in Majalengka Regency, West Java, before expanding across Java and into Sumatra. Traditionally, agricultural waste in Indonesia has been left to decay or burned, contributing to fire hazards, respiratory health issues, and methane emissions. By converting this waste into biochar, Sawa offers an eco-friendly solution, reducing CO2 emissions and generating valuable carbon credits.
Offset8 has facilitated an early-stage investment and will provide ongoing support with its expertise throughout the project’s lifespan. Offset8 and Sawa are committed to ensuring socio-economic benefits for local communities through a profit-sharing arrangement tied to the sale of carbon credits. This arrangement ensures that the benefits of the project are shared equitably, supporting community development and wellbeing, and fulfilling 5 UN Sustainable Development Goals with community benefits, including:
Sustainable Agricultural Waste Management
The project provides a sustainable solution for managing agricultural waste, reducing the need for burning and thereby decreasing fire hazards and methane emissions.
Natural Soil Amendment to Promote Food Security:
Biochar improves soil fertility and water retention, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security for local communities.
Increased Climate Resiliency
By sequestering carbon and enhancing soil quality, the project helps communities better withstand climate change impacts.
Enhanced Biodiversity and Soil Microbiology:
Biochar improves soil health by promoting biodiversity and increasing beneficial soil microorganisms, leading to healthier ecosystems.
Local Employment and Income Opportunities:
The project creates jobs in biochar production and application, providing steady income for local residents and contributing to economic growth. Farmers also gain an additional source of income from the sale of agricultural residues.
Project Developer
Sawa EcoSolutions, based in Singapore, and its Indonesian operating arm, Legasi Alam Indonesia, were founded in 2021 and specialize in sustainable agricultural waste management in Indonesia. With a clear vision, the company aims to establish 100 production facilities across Southeast Asia, removing 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually to combat climate change effectively. By harnessing the abundant agricultural residue biomasses in the region, Sawa not only addresses waste management challenges but also plays a crucial role in supporting food security by repurposing these resources.
