Wales is to build its ‘first’ biochar facility, which will produce charcoal from dry organic waste.
Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is to purchase a purpose built plant after the Welsh Assembly Government’ s Academic Expertise for Business programme (A4B) provided it with £180,000.
Biochar, produced by burning biomass through pyrolysis, can be used as a carbon-intensive soil conditioner. Additionally, energy-rich hydrocarbons produced as a by-product of the process will be used as heat to fuel the process or be used elsewhere.
Initially, the plant will be trialling the use of animal residues to create biochar but there are also plans to use waste from the pulp and paper industry.
IBERS research scientist Dr Edward Hodgson said: “We want to stimulate demand for bio-energy products and processes and it is essential to promote innovation in waste management and bio-energy conversion by improving organic waste production and management in Wales.”
The plant is expected to be ready for March 2010. Charcoal and organic waste producers in Wales will be invited to the plant in order to demonstrate the technology and the potential added value it could offer through waste management and renewable energy generation.
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “By tapping into the expertise and world-class facilities in our universities, it also offers an exciting opportunity for Welsh businesses to gain a real competitive edge.”
Locally and nationally produced organic waste will fuel the plant but as yet, the location of the plant has not yet been decided.
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