The Biochar Operator Course
A 100% virtual, self-paced training for anyone who wants to understand what a well-run biochar facility looks like.
About the Course
The Biochar Operator Course is a comprehensive, on-demand professional course designed for the people responsible for running biochar systems in real-world conditions. It bridges the gap between high-level engineering and the daily realities of the plant floor.
Built in partnership by IBI and Lyntra, and reviewed by an expert advisory committee, this course gives operators, technical teams, and project stakeholders the foundation they need to run safer, more reliable, and more bankable facilities.
What’s inside:
- 7 modules covering everything from pyrolysis science and feedstock management to safety, troubleshooting, maintenance, quality standards, and carbon credit calculations
- 30 on-demand videos you can access 24/7 at your own pace
- 35 practical resources, tools, and templates — SOPs, incident reporting forms, daily walkaround checklists, root cause analysis worksheets, operator logs, and more
- A final exam (80% to pass, unlimited attempts) leading to an IBI-backed certificate of completion
Key Details
100% virtual and self-paced
$850 USD participation fee
Modules 1–3 available May 8th. Modules 4–7 to follow shortly after.
Advisory Committee
This course was reviewed and endorsed by industry leaders
What You'll Learn
Understand the science of pyrolysis, the role of feedstock, the range of products (biochar, bio-oil, syngas, and more), and the typical equipment found in a pyrolysis plant.
Break down operational risks, learn the hierarchy of controls, master startup and shutdown procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, and emergency response — drawing on real-world incidents so you never repeat them.
Day-to-day routines, standard operating procedures, the daily huddle, instruments and interfaces, and how to read sensor data to catch problems early.
Root cause analysis using the seven basic quality tools, mass and energy balance, data-driven decision making, and a hands-on case study to put it all together.
How operators serve as the first line of defense against breakdowns, the production-maintenance paradox, preventative maintenance, and how to measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Field testing, representative sampling (including the cone-and-quarter method), how to read a certificate of analysis, and proper biochar storage and handling.
Calculate carbon credit output using established methodologies, understand how operational decisions affect credit volume and plant profitability, and get a grounded view of where the biochar market is headed.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for anyone who works with or invests in biochar operations:
- Plant operators and technical staff building a stronger operational foundation
- Plant managers who need their teams running safely and consistently
- Project developers who want to de-risk their facilities
- Financiers and investors evaluating operational credibility
- Carbon credit buyers who want to understand what a high-quality project looks like on the ground
No prior biochar experience required. The foundational modules are designed to bring anyone up to speed, while experienced operators will find new frameworks and practical tools to sharpen their practice.
“This course is what the UK biomass and biochar industry has been missing for fifteen years. It should be the baseline training not just for operators, but for auditors, planners, permitting officers, insurers, and fire inspectors.”
– Darren Jones, Woodtek
Meet Your Instructor
Travis Mays is a mechanical and petroleum engineer with 15 years of experience in project management and technical operations. Through his firm, Lyntra, he works with developers to move biobased carbon removal projects from the drawing board to operational reality.
His background is a deliberate mix of the technical and the commercial. With a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science (Petroleum), he understands the rigors of high-heat, high-pressure industrial environments. This is balanced by a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance, giving him the perspective needed to ensure a project isn’t just technically sound, but financially viable.
Throughout his career, Travis has focused on de-risking complex systems. He developed this course to bridge the gap between high-level engineering and the daily realities of the plant floor, helping operators run facilities that are safe, reliable, and “bankable” for the long term.
The Industry is Growing. Is Your Operation Ready?
Growth without operational capacity is fragile. In 2025, the biochar market delivered just 46% of forecasted output. 73% of active projects had to downgrade their capcity. Only 12% of projects assessed by major buyers were approved.
The largest unmitigated risk in biochar today is the human element — skilled operators and plant managers who understand what reliable biochar production actually requires.
This program will provide you and your employees with 10+ hours of video content training in safety, plant operations, maintenance, quality standards, and market context to future-proof your operation.
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