Biochar from Australian nutshell

Description info

Pyrocal has been operating since 2014 with a mission to develop a scalable, continuous system to accelerate carbon dioxide removal in pursuit of net negative emissions. Pyrocal's continuous carbonization technology (CCT) utilises both pyrolysis and gasification, and with a throughput of up to 750kg feedstock per hour, can produce 1,500 tonnes of biochar per annum. Based on the nutshell feedstock that has a high carbon content of +80%, this equates to 4,468 and 4,569 tons of CO2 removed and stored for pecan and macadamia shell respectively.

In addition to agricultural residues, Pyrocal's team has optimized the system for forestry residues and biosolids, working with customers on designs that meet their specific requirements. This includes recovering the thermal energy which can be used for process heat. 

At Wellcamp in South East Queensland, Pyrocal operates a full-scale demonstration and R&D facility. The nutshell feedstock used to produce biochar at this facility is located in the surrounding regions, showcasing to customers how a Pyrocal system functions in a circular economy model. This nutshell would otherwise be used for mulch, compost, animal feed or end up in landfill or be incinerated.

Australia is a net exporter of food and we are proud to be adding value to agricultural residues and returning the benefit to the land that feeds us for generations to come.