[Terrapreta] Net Present Value and Net Future Value ofTP Benefits

[Mark Ludlow]

Sean,

 

Being a neophyte in the give-and-take of Terra Preta pros and cons, can you
enlighten me as to what any “organized” opposition is saying? Perhaps I am
naïve, but this seems like a win-win for civilization, given its
demonstrated benefits to soil productivity.

 

On a theoretical basis, how much carbon would we need to sequester before we
may begin to experience a swing toward negative effect (global cooling?
Attenuation of plant growth?). Obviously , we could shift strategies at that
point (begin to ‘mine’ charcoal landfills). But, generally, an energy
strategy based on extracting atmospheric carbon via solar-mediated
photosynthesis (and, of course wind, PV and other sustainable options
including conservation and conversion efficiency improvements) sounds very
attractive to me, if it indeed pencils-out.

 

(Realistically, it’s difficult to imagine any near-term risk of
“over-sequestering” carbon!)

 

Best regards,

Mark

 

From: Sean K. Barry [mailto:sean.barry at juno.com] 
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:18 PM
To: mark at ludlow.com; 'Jim Joyner'
Cc: 'terrapreta'
Subject: Re: [Terrapreta] Net Present Value and Net Future Value ofTP
Benefits

 

Hi Mark,

 

Thanks for these comments.  It seems that you recognize the lameness of
testing the work of doing Terra Preta formation in soil with "present value"
and "future value" estimates.  I can assure you, these hoop tests put up by
"the want-to-be willing" won't stop me trying things or speaking in support
of making Terra Preta a bigger reality in more peoples minds than it is now.

 

I think the formation of Terra Preta -like soils (and carbon sinks) can be a
great solution (the greatest even) to many of the worlds current problems.
I'd put most of its value into the future, too.  But, that might be just me.
I have a son and daughter and wish for them to have a better life than mine
and for them to try to make the world better for their children (my
grandchildren someday).  Pay it forward.  The past rarely ever returns or
makes payments.  Well, until I was born.

 

Regards,

 

SKB

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Mark Ludlow <mailto:mark at ludlow.com>  

To: 'Sean K. <mailto:sean.barry at juno.com>  Barry' ; 'Jim Joyner'
<mailto:jimstoy at dtccom.net>  

Cc: 'terrapreta' <mailto:terrapreta at bioenergylists.org>  

Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:57 PM

Subject: RE: [Terrapreta] Net Present Value and Net Future Value ofTP
Benefits

 

Hi,

 

I'm a recent joiner of this list but the concept of Terra Preta has
fascinated me for several years, particularly as it affects our strategy for
biomass utilization.

 

As long as the sun shines we can expect photosynthesis to continue. In my
mind, a balance must be struck between short-term needs for fuel from
biomass and the competing need to re-sequester atmospheric CO2 (via Terra
Preta or deep earth injection, etc.). In the short term, realizing the full
immediate energy potential of biomass substrates may be required (utilizing
pyrolysis gases as well as charcoal), even though this amounts to a
carbon-neutral strategy, at best.

 

As we begin to depend on a "hydrogen economy"-which I prefer to think of as
one depending on photosynthesis-building strong soils will be a key element
that will support future biomass production. At some point, returning carbon
to the soil, even though it represents a potential fuel source when gasified
and water-shift reacted, will make sense, given its ameliorating effect on
climate stability.

 

All of this will require investments and result in negative or positive cash
flows over time. Analyzing capital utilization with traditional PV and FV
methods works for widget manufacturers, but has more limited utility in
something as complex as energy policy, where markets are distorted by
government intervention (regulatory and incentive).

 

But all-in-all, Terra Preta seems like the one "can't lose" strategy for the
long term.

 

Best regards,

Mark Ludlow

 

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