A national innovation cluster for biochar is being established in Sweden and Meva Energy is joining the initial steering group. This initiative marks a significant step in the field of biochar, and Meva Energy is proud to be part of this cluster, driving innovation and collaboration between biochar actors.
The steering group plays a crucial role in kickstarting and establishing a well-rooted cluster involving all stakeholders in the biochar industry, with a focus on research and development, industry and market development, and the evolution of policies and regulations.
Today, on the 1st of November, the inaugural steering group meeting is taking place, being led by NSR (Nordvästra Skånes Renhållningsaktiebolag).
Biochar, a porous material with a very large surface area and high carbon content that is produced by heating biomass in high temperatures and in an oxygen-limited environment. Biochar can be used for various applications thanks to its unique properties and benefits, including soil improvement, farming, and even steel manufacturing. Thanks to its stable carbon structure, biochar can serve as a significant carbon sink in the soil.
”It’s precisely these properties and enormous potentials with biochar that necessitate the formation of an innovation cluster,” says Sara Palander, Sustainability Manger at Meva Energy. ”We need to gather knowledge and experience from various perspectives to comprehend biochar and the ecosystem surrounding it, in order to make use of its benefits in the ongoing climate transition.”
Meva Energy sees many opportunities within the innovation cluster to advance its understanding of the biochar field and its potential. The application of biochar varies depending on factors such as the type of biomass used, heating temperature, duration of exposure to high temperatures, but also the influence of legislation.
”Now, we have the opportunity to forge connections and initiate collaborations that are crucial for our progress. Furthermore, we believe that our own experiences as biochar producers will be a valuable contribution to this transformative initiative”