CapChar Ltd launches project with Biochar Project Services and UK Hardwoods Ltd to investigate the use of biochar to enable the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in the UK.
The CapChar project has received funding from the UK Government’s Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to produce a feasibility study, assessing a technology that would enable the use of low grade biomass in pyrolysis production coupled with a circular process to sequester it in UK soils.
Led by CapChar Ltd, The CapChar project brings together leading industry partners including Biochar Project Services Ltd, a recognised expert with extensive experience in pyrolysis and biochar production; and Devon based UK Hardwoods Ltd. Both partners have thorough sectoral knowledge and will deliver practical knowledge as well as supporting the development of a market roll-out strategy. CapChar brings to the partnership their commercialisation team leading the pilot study design and biochar production technology assessments. During the feasibility study, all project partners will contribute to scoping a pilot demonstration to take forward into the next phase of the project.
Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:
“We are determined to tackle climate change and make it win-win for both our planet and our economy. Today’s major cash boost – targeted at our most polluting industries – will encourage the rapid development of the technologies we need to reign in our emissions and transition to a green economy, one that reduces costs for business, boosts investment and create jobs.”
“Just 6 months ago, the Prime Minister set out a clear 10 Point Plan for creating and supporting up to 250,000 British jobs as we level up and build back greener from the pandemic. Today we’re boosting our armoury for the fight against climate change and backing innovators and businesses to create green jobs right across the United Kingdom.”
Adam Samuel Co-Founder of CapChar, said:
“Biochar offers a potentially very compelling option to enable the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and this funding is a real opportunity for CapChar to showcase ‘Made in the UK’ Biochar as a Today Greenhouse Gas Removal solution, which not only has the ability to remove carbon dioxide but offers environmental benefits on many levels.”
“We are very pleased to be working with Biochar Projects Services Ltd and UK Hardwoods Ltd who between them have decades of experience in their respective fields. This project brings together a partnership which will focus on assessing technology options that give the greatest opportunity to ensure commercial viability through to a fully sustainable end product, laying the path towards the future of greenhouse gas removal.”
Ian McChesney, Director of Biochar Project Services Ltd, said:
“This project hopes to fill the gaps in pyrolysis production needed for widespread adoption of biochar sequestration, so we are really pleased to be part of this collaboration with CapChar and UK Hardwoods. The biochar industry has a huge role to play in the UK’s target to become Net Zero by 2050.”
Tom Bedford, Managing Director of UK Hardwoods, said:
“Low grade woody waste, presents a significant challenge to reducing carbon emissions and moving this sector towards Net Zero. Biochar is a lesser known Greenhouse Gas Removal solution, but deserves a place alongside other well-known technologies.”
Notes to editor:
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
This funding has been made available from the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which looks to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies and systems, through its Direct Air Capture and Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies competition. This competition will provide funding for developing technologies that enable the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in the UK.
Published on PRFIRE