Biochar from pyrolysis
What drives us
We're facing a climate emergency.
Our vision is to become carbon net-neutral by 2030 and assist in the ambition for Shropshire as a whole to become carbon net-neutral by 2040.
To meet our goals, not only must we drastically cut carbon emissions, but we also need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Rural areas have the greatest opportunities for carbon removal at scale so the Marches Forward Partnership will be pivotal in achieving this through strategic investments in pioneering, carbon sequestering technologies.
We're working across political parties, counties and borders to ensure that we have a healthy environment and a healthy economy so that our residents can live their best lives.
Leading the way
In April 2024, cabinet approved a new business proposal which saw us invest in a specialist pyrolysis company to help our understanding of, and involvement in, the carbon dioxide removal credits market – an agreement which is the first of its kind for any council in the UK.
The move represents significant action towards a carbon net-zero future using cutting-edge technology.
It doesn’t just promise to help reach our ambitious climate goals; it also offers a viable financial return on investment. This technology sets a new standard in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing a scalable model that can be adopted widely to maximize both environmental and economic benefits.
The company, named BioDynamic Carbon Ltd, is a joint venture between Shropshire Council and Carbon Hill Ltd, which is based in Powys.
Our pyrolysis unit will be manufactured and operated by Woodtek Engineering Ltd and we expect to produce biochar from autumn 2024.
This is just the start though, and as a council we're planning more pyrolysis plants within Shropshire. We'll also be engaging with businesses who can benefit from the carbon negative energy our units produce. More information regarding our exciting future plans will be available later this year.
Pyrolysis explained
The pyrolysis plant will use proprietary technology to produce biochar from various feedstocks, such as wood waste, straw and animal bedding.
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that can be used as a soil enhancer, a carbon-negative additive to materials like asphalt and concrete, and an air or water filter for various pollutants – just like activated charcoal. In all cases it acts as a store of carbon dioxide that would have otherwise returned to the atmosphere.
Our pyrolysis kiln uses plant matter that has taken carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows. High temperature treatment of this plant matter without oxygen releases gases which are burnt in a combustion chamber to create clean renewable heat, some of which is converted to electricity. What is left behind is almost pure carbon, known as biochar.
The biochar can then be applied to the earth or added to construction materials, thereby storing the carbon for 100+ years. Because of this, we are eligible to sell our carbon dioxide removal credits in the carbon market, or keep the credits ourselves to help offset our own emissions.
Frequently asked questions
How loud is the pyrolysis unit?
The loudest working part of the system is the electrical generator. At a distance of three metres it's 65-70db. 10m from the door it drops to 50-53db. As a comparison, a restaurant or office is regularly around 60db and the maximum level of noise allowed in a working environment is 85db.
Are there odours coming from the pyrolysis unit?
There are no smells from the unit’s output. Odour from the feedstock drying stage will depend on the feedstock used. We are not planning to use any food waste at this stage.
Are there emissions from the unit?
Woodtek Ltd clean all the emission before venting to the atmosphere using a wet scrubber meaning that Particulates are virtually eliminated.
- Methane: 0 emissions
- Sulphur and chlorine: 99% removal
- Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide: 95% removal
How big is a pyrolysis unit?
Pyrolysis units are housed indoors. The length is 18.3m by 24m width, with a maximum height of 7m.
How much carbon will be removed through the pyrolysis to biochar process?
Our unit will be able to sequester the equivalent of at least 1,600 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year. As a comparison Shropshire Council’s net direct (scope 1 and 2) carbon emissions in 2023 were 2,539 tonnes of CO2e.
How long is the carbon stored?
When biochar is added to the soil it stores the carbon for 100+ years. In materials, storage time depends on how long the material is used for and if the material is reused or recycled.
Where can the units be placed?
Units can be placed on any industrial or agricultural land, subject to the relevant planning permissions being granted.
What feedstock is used?
We're planning to mostly use woodchip. Our partner Woodtek Ltd may also test other feedstock like green waste - provided this feedstock isn’t contaminated. We need clean feedstock to ensure the resulting biochar can be used on the land.
Feedstock includes:
- Arboricultural arisings
- Virgin whole tree
- Virgin wood chip
- Parks and gardens arisings