Development and pilot work
CapChar pilot projects and technology development
CapChar’s development includes an early BEIS design study, pilot work with Restord in Cornwall and work with Carbon350 near Petersfield in Hampshire. These projects inform our approach to pyrolysis, heat recovery, thermal storage and carbon recording.
The original CapChar Project
A design study for local biochar carbon removal.
The CapChar Project was a design study for the Direct Air Capture and Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies competition run by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Led by CapChar Ltd alongside Biochar Project Services Ltd and UK Hardwoods Ltd, the study explored a pilot pyrolysis plant alongside a sawmill in South Molton, North Devon. The proposal was to convert local low-grade woody biomass into biochar and store carbon through its use in local soils.
What the study set out to develop
The proposed technology pathway combined biomass conversion, biochar production and recovered heat. It was structured around three stages:
- Initial production unit: develop technology targeting one tonne of biochar per day and establish its technical and environmental performance.
- Heat recovery and drying: add a drying operation using recovered process heat to improve productivity.
- Modular expansion: add a second kiln unit and drying operation, doubling the initial capacity and exploring a future route to four tonnes of biochar per day.
The original carbon-removal ambition
The proposal targeted a carbon-removal cost below £200 per tonne of CO2e, in line with the competition’s aims. It envisaged a network of more than 20 pyrolysis plants as a route towards at least 50,000 tonnes of CO2e removal annually by 2030.
These figures describe the original proposal’s objectives and development pathway. They are not measured project results or specifications for equipment currently offered by CapChar.
Cornwall pilot work.
Work with Tom Previte and Restord helped us develop practical experience of distributed biochar production and carbon recording.
That experience informs our approach to material handling, operation and the evidence needed to connect production with durable carbon storage.
Carbon350, Hampshire.
Our work with Carbon350 near Petersfield brings together biochar production, heat recovery and thermal storage in a farm setting.
The site provides a basis for continued learning about integration and operation. We continue to develop the integrated technology approach with the site team.
The next development stage.
We are applying the lessons from pilot work to integrated pyrolysis technology, heat recovery, thermal storage and carbon recording.
Each new project needs a defined equipment scope, site assessment and realistic commercial model.
Next step
Start with your site.
Tell us about your biomass, heat demand, available budget and timing. We’ll assess the practical fit before developing a system proposal.
Discuss your project ↗