The Project
Working with farmers, industry operators and research institutions across Ireland’s Just Transition Fund Territory, the project is running large-scale demonstration trials across agriculture, water treatment and construction – generating the real-world data and commercial models needed to support long-term adoption across the region.
Working with farmers, industry operators and research institutions across Ireland’s Just Transition Fund Territory, the project is running large-scale demonstration trials across agriculture, water treatment and construction – generating the real-world data and commercial models needed to support long-term adoption across the region.
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich, charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass – such as wood chips, crop residues or agricultural by-products – with limited oxygen. It can store carbon in the soil for long periods, improve soil structure and nutrient retention, and act as a natural filter across a range of applications.
The Demonstration Trials
All trials are taking place within Ireland’s Just Transition Fund Territory, working directly with farmers, industry operators and research partners across counties Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath, and the municipal districts of Ballinasloe, Athy, Clane-Maynooth, Carrick-on-Suir and Thurles.
Biochar → Manure → Gas & Soil
Biochar
Biochar materials will be procured using biomasses sourced from indigenous feedstocks
Manure Additive
Biochar will be demonstrated as manure additive in poultry sheds and slurry storage
units to reduce emissions of ammonia.
Anaerobic Digestor
The manure-biochar blend from these units will then be fed to an anaerobic digestor where the addition of biochar is expected to achieve two benefits
Biogas
an increase in biogas production
Soil Amendment
The capturing and retaining of nutrients from manure in a manner which will slow the release of nutrients when used as a soil amendment
Demo 2
Biochar → Water Filtration → Asphalt
Biochar
Biochar materials will be procured using biomasses sourced from indigenous feedstocks
Water Filtration
Removal of organic contaminants from wastewater
Asphalt
The biochar will be incorporated into asphalt and used for the construction of roads and/or cycle lanes.
Planning For Scale
Alongside the demonstration trials, the project is developing a high-level blueprint for a mid-sized biochar production facility. This will give investors and stakeholders across the Just Transition region a practical foundation for future development and replication.
All biomass is sourced from indigenous feedstocks, with procurement open to companies operating within the Just Transition Fund Territory – keeping the value chain local and creating direct commercial opportunity in the region.
The Consortium
The project is led by the University of Limerick and brings together 14 partners spanning research, agriculture, industry and rural development. Connecting scientists, farmers, engineers, energy operators and community organisations within a single project is what makes cross-sector demonstration at this scale possible.
