Aston University and local industrial partners have developed an innovative pyrolysis technology able to transform organic material such as sawdust, fallen and diseased trees, dried chicken litter and agricultural straw, into commercially valuable bioproducts – biochar, gas and liquids.
The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and the Centre for the Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability (CEAS) at Aston University are looking for partners to commercialise biochar and related bioproducts.
The project will build on research facilities at Aston University to develop growth potential targeting commercial orders worth over £200 million of low carbon products produced by a regional industrial cluster.
Our technology uses sustainable tree residues to reduce emissions by replacing fossil fuels, creating natural carbon sinks and producing low carbon products including building materials, better soils, vinegar-based weed killers and plant growth enhancers. Future developments include advanced filters, 3D printing and nanotechnology products.
The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator will accelerate business growth through commercial application of new technology, developing investment readiness as well as integrating the expertise of a range of engineering disciplines.
Aston University has been awarded funding for this Biochar CleanTech Accelerator project as part of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment.
Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot Innovation Accelerators programme invested £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation clusters – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. This is a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local leaders to harness innovation to drive regional economic growth, help attract private investment, and develop future technologies.
