Nice! And then add a biochar stove …
Great idea, why didn’t I think of that use? :S Because @Darren has this project for developing a biochar rocket stove. Darren, would it work with pine needles or need modifications for that (because the needles are very light per volume)?
This or a similar stove would be a great addition to the pine needle charring because it utilizes the heat of the charring process for cooking / space heating. The charcoal can be used for cooking etc. again (of course) or to make terra preta fertile soil (though I don’t know if that works well with pine needles … Darren may know).