Leading the way – our plants and plans for the future

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. This agreement 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 late 2024.

We also have a second site under consideration for biochar production at the former anaerobic digestion plant on Coder Road Business Park, on the outskirts of Ludlow. The aim is to extensively utilise the existing building and site and to submit a planning application for the changed process at the end of November 2024. 

This is just the start though, and as a council we're planning more pyrolysis plants within Shropshire with the aim of becoming an area of expertise for biochar in much the same way as Ludlow was a pioneer for the anaerobic digestion industry. In time we'll be engaging with businesses who can benefit from the carbon negative energy and the environmentally friendly products we will create.