> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://aetlas.gitbook.io/aetlas/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://aetlas.gitbook.io/aetlas/for-project-developers/references-and-other-guidance/additional-principles-for-biomass-based-projects/other-considerations.md). # Other Considerations ## Biomass sustainability ### Project Developers Must * Avoid sourcing biomass from primary forests and areas with high conservation value. * Utilize biomass from sources with operational integrity and oversight through strong governance, management standards, and supply chain transparency (e.g., through certified forest management). * Source forest biomass only from regions with stable or increasing forest carbon stocks, unless carbon accounting transparently and conservatively incorporates decreases in those stocks. * Source biomass that does not distort markets for agriculture or forestry products (e.g., avoid biomass from roundwood that would otherwise be used for long-lived wood products). ### Project Developers Should * Propose projects that have a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, corresponding to a “system prototype demonstrated in a plant environment,” as defined by the [National Academies, 2019](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/developing-a-research-agenda-for-carbon-dioxide-removal-and-reliable-sequestration). Specifically, technology should have: * Demonstration of an actual system prototype in a relevant environment. * Final design virtually complete. * Demonstration-scale prototype, defined as 5–25 percent of final scale or design, or a 50-250 t/d dry biomass plant. * Undergone large pilot-scale testing using dry biomass feedstock at a scale equivalent to approximately 50-250 t/d (excluding projects that have demonstrated full-scale mobile/ modular processing units). * For more information on [TRL of different Biomass CDR methods](/aetlas/additional-pages/cdr-technology-readiness-level-trl/trl-for-biochar-and-beccs.md). * Describe key business model risks, including the structure and stability of subsidies, and technical risks, including a reasonable plan to mitigate those risks. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://aetlas.gitbook.io/aetlas/for-project-developers/references-and-other-guidance/additional-principles-for-biomass-based-projects/other-considerations.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.