Barcelona to Test Biochar Asphalt for Lower Emissions

Barcelona, Spain will begin testing a new asphalt made with biochar, a material derived from plant waste, in public works projects between October and December 2026. The city council, through BIT Habitat, BIMSA, and the Diputació de Barcelona, is leading the initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction without sacrificing durability.

Traditional asphalt filler will be completely replaced with biochar created from olive pits and pine pruning remnants, effectively storing carbon and repurposing waste. Project leaders estimate this substitution could reduce carbon emissions associated with pavement manufacturing by 75-76%.

Asfaltos y Construcciones Elsan (ELSAN), Agustí i Masoliver (AMSA), and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) are collaborating on the development, with Carboliva supplying the biochar. The initial phase involves a pilot program where the pavement’s performance will be monitored for a year to assess its resistance to traffic and weather before broader implementation.