Biomass and soils

We are leading the development of biochar, a carbon-negative technology that converts captured CO₂ into charcoal, which can be placed back into soils.  

Biochar is a specially designed charcoal which offers a bright future for organic resource management, soil improvement and energy production.

It contains a high proportion of extremely stable carbon, and so sustainable production of biochar can be a significant, viable Negative Emissions Technology for mitigating human-induced climate change.

The School of GeoSciences hosts the UK Biochar Research Centre, which leads strategic, multidisciplinary investigations of biochar and provides a range of research and advice to relevant government bodies and companies.

Our research group created and provided a strategic overview of the Centre, focusing on the following areas:

• biochar and international development
• biochar and the soil ecosystem 
• biochar function
• biochar production
• biochar standards
• biochar systems analysis
• field experiments
• field trials

The Centre is also a partner in the Scottish Biofuel Programme. Our partnership means that UKBRC can provide free initial advice, expertise to SMEs in Scotland with the potential to integrate biochar with energy capture from pyrolysis and coupled technologies.

You can find out more on our work with biochar on the UK Biochar Research Centre website:

Visit the UK Biochar Research Centre website

Our team will explore the feasibility of using two carbon capture technologies for application on large-scale infrastructure projects. These technologies are biochar for the storage of carbon within the soil and enhanced rock weathering. Both of these technologies have already been shown to be effective for the direct capture of CO2 in agriculture.

The project will assess the feasibility, risks and opportunities of implementing these technologies in the context of infrastructure scheme delivery in the UK. Researchers will engage with the industry and stakeholders through consultation. Pilot schemes will be designed for a live infrastructure project, and suitable sites will be identified. The ultimate ambition is to demonstrate that these technologies can be upscaled for use within the UK Infrastructure sector.

Visit the BEIS website (item 10) for further information 

This was a collaborative project completed in the period 2016-2021.

GreenCarbon-ETN was aimed at new scientific knowledge, capability, technology, and commercial products for biomass-derived carbons (BCs). The objective of this project was to improve the way that Europe innovates and uses sustainable carbon materials.  

The project sought to cover all aspects of the supply chain - from feedstock (biomass precursors) to processing (i.e. thermochemical conversion), physical and chemical functionalisation through to application. Some possible end uses include CO2 capture, catalysis and fine chemicals, emphasising the need for sustainable BCs but carefully designed and engineered.