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, heat, gas, power, electricity, cooling, organics and aqueous liquids. 

Biomass

 

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.

 

West Midlands companies are invited to join us to develop new low carbon products for growing markets such as:

  • Low carbon fuel for boilers and engines.
  • Soil conditioners and products for improved plant, tree and animal health.
  • Biochar for carbon capture and credits.
  • Biochar for water treatment and odour control.
  • Biochar for building and composite materials.
  • Bioliquids for low carbon weedkiller, fungicide and plant growth enhancer.

 

Image with Biochar uses

 

Pyrolysis Products

 

Icons image with arrow

The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator led by Aston University can help you boost your:

 

  • Technology innovations
  • Skills and knowledge
  • Network and supply chain connections
  • Finance sources
  • Market opportunities

 

 

Empowering local clusters

The project will build on research facilities at Aston University to develop growth potential targeting export contracts 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.

 

Cofton demonstratorEBRI Carbon Reduction Technology

 

 

 

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.


To find out more about joining the industrial cluster and how you can benefit from the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator email biochar@aston.ac.uk.

 

Alternatively visit www.bioenergy-for-business.org

 

Aston University has been awarded funding for this Biochar CleanTech Accelerator project to be delivered 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 between 2022-25 to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation ecosystems – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. The programme was boosted by an additional £30m of public funding for 2025/26 spread equally across the regions. Innovation Accelerators is piloting a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local partnerships to harness innovation to drive regional economic growth, attract private investment, and develop future technologies.
 

Aston and Innovate Accelerator partners