Carbon Removal · Biochar · CDR projects

We guide carbon removal projects from concept to certified carbon removal credits

We design, source and develop durable carbon removal (CDR) projects, with a focus on biochar production. We connect technology, certification and commerce so that a well-considered idea becomes a verified project with certified carbon removal credits ready for the market.

LONG-STANDING experience

We develop technologies and systemic solutions for biochar production and its application in agriculture and industry.

Our own practice

We have developed our own biochar project, KARBOTECH one, and taken it all the way to certification under the Isometric methodology.

Three perspectives, one team

Technology, European regulation (CRCF) and the market all sit at one table — we lead the project from concept all the way to the offtaker.

Context

What is durable carbon removal?

Carbon that has been stored for millions of years is being released back into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. Vegetation, soil and the oceans absorb some of these emissions. The rest remains in the atmosphere, and CO₂ concentrations are rising.

Durable carbon removal seeks the opposite direction: to deliberately remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store carbon for a long time in a form that can be measured, evidenced and independently verified.

How biochar works

Biochar works with the carbon that biomass captured from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

In the ordinary life cycle, this carbon returns to the air relatively quickly when biomass decomposes or is burned. Pyrolysis, however, converts biomass into a stable carbonaceous material — biochar. This significantly extends the storage time of the captured carbon.

Biochar therefore lengthens the carbon cycle of biomass: instead of a rapid return of carbon to the atmosphere, it stores it in solid form for centuries. Methodologies may assess the specific duration and amount of countable carbon removal differently; what matters are the data of the specific project and independent verification.

WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES

CDR projects get trapped in the valley of death

Every carbon removal project goes through a critical period between design validation and the issuance of the first certified credits. It needs capital to build, but has nothing to sell yet. This phase is known as the "valley of death", and most projects get stuck in it. We know this from our own experience: we designed the KARBOTECH one project, took it to CDR validation and secured contractual forward offtake for the certificates — but we stopped exactly where everyone stops: investment capital was missing. Rather than seeking a solution just for our own project, we built a tool that bridges the valley of death!

Certification is complex

Standards such as Isometric or CRCF have strict technical requirements that a project must meet even before the first credit is issued.

Seeking capital

Projects require capital for investment and to start operations. Carbon removal is financed through the purchase of certificates — either in advance via a forward contract, or once they have been issued.

The market is evolving

Buyers are looking for verified quality — a recognised standard, conclusive measurements and verification. Demand is growing faster than the supply of projects that meet these requirements.

How it works

How KESTO works

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What we do

KESTO focuses on four areas

Screening and due diligence

We assess the technical feasibility and certifiability of biochar production projects. We identify weak points and propose corrective measures.

Technical design and optimization

We help with technology design, setting process parameters and the documentation required for certification.

Certification and MRV

We guide projects through the certification process under the Isometric and CRCF standards. We set up monitoring, reporting and verification.

Commercial structuring

We connect projects with buyers of CDR credits, help structure commercial relationships and secure financing.

Who we serve

Two types of partners, one mission

For CDR project DEVELOPERS

Do you have a technology or project idea that you need to bring to certified credits?

KESTO gets involved as an active partner — helping with project design, financing, certification and commercialization. The goal is to create long-term sustainable projects that hold up before regulators and buyers alike.

Book a consultation

For buyers of CDR credits

Companies need quality CDR credits, not just a promise of future tonnes

We offer certified carbon removal credits from projects we have taken all the way to certification. By combining multiple projects into a portfolio, we give buyers larger volume, diversification and a single entry point to certificates, dMRV and contractual backing.

How we work

From the first call to a certified credit

Screening

We assess your project or idea — the technology, feedstock, location and certifiability potential.

Technical design

We design or optimize the technical solution so that it meets the requirements of certification standards.

Certification

We guide you through the process under the Isometric or CRCF standard — from documentation preparation to verification.

Commercial structuring

We connect the project with buyers and help structure contractual relationships and financing.

Long-term development

We don't follow projects only to their first certification — we help optimize operations, expand capacity and engage with new standards and markets.

People behind the project

Technology, regulation and the market under one roof

The KESTO team combines experience in technology development, project operations, certification preparation and trading on climate markets. We understand what it takes to develop durable carbon removal projects, including within the European regulatory environment.