FLS, a global developer of sustainable forestry and decarbonisation projects, has entered into a strategic partnership with HaiQi Group, a leading environmental technology manufacturer specialising in biomass pyrolysis.
Together, they will develop a portfolio of biochar, biocoke and activated carbon production projects in Paraguay.
Alessandro Materni, Managing Partner at FLS, commented: “This partnership demonstrates how four strategic national priorities can be advanced in unison: establishing a reliable offtake alternative for the country’s emerging forestry industry; achieving long-term carbon removal; generating clean energy; and creating substantial employment opportunities.
"We believe biomass pyrolysis can evolve into a cornerstone of Paraguay’s green industrial future, driving economic growth, climate resilience, and technological leadership across the region.”
FLS and HaiQi’s model also anticipates increasing scrutiny in carbon markets, particularly around the permanence, measurability and co-benefits of carbon removal projects.
By applying rigorous quality controls from the outset, the companies aim to position themselves as trusted partners for institutional carbon credit buyers, including large corporates with net-zero targets.
Steven Su, HaiQi’s CEO, said: “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to delivering credible, scalable decarbonisation solutions. As global demand for biocarbon products and verifiable, durable carbon removals accelerates, it positions us to capture these market opportunities while supplying clean, renewable energy to the Paraguayan grid.”
The partnership’s initial project will focus on transforming forestry residues into biochar through HaiQi’s proprietary pyrolysis and gasification technology, marking the first deployment of its kind in the region. Biochar offers a unique triple benefit: it locks carbon away for centuries, enriches soil to boost agroforestry productivity, and generates clean, renewable electricity.
Giovanni Marastoni, Head of Analytics at FLS, noted: “Many biochar and biocoke projects fail due to poor equipment selection. Machinery quality is a critical bottleneck, affecting carbon credit integrity and the consistency needed for biocoke production. Too often, low-cost alternatives promise exceptional returns but deliver poor or no performance. We have spent nearly two years evaluating global pyrolysis technologies through rigorous due diligence and on-site visits. Our conclusion is clear: HaiQi offers unmatched quality, reliability, and performance.”
Under the terms of the agreement, FLS will structure and lead the projects, while HaiQi will provide, maintain, and refine the core technology components. Both parties have also committed to working exclusively with one another on biomass pyrolysis projects in Paraguay for the duration of the agreement.
