Waste to Energy – BioChar

Problem statement – Forestry

The harvesting of forestry in New Zealand generates a considerable volume of organic waste.
TBL Solutions wish to focus on two potential solutions.

Solution 1 – Bark as a carbon source for composting

Bark for use as the carbon source for sewage sludge and strong organic waste composting. For every cubic metre of sewage sludge generated, a cubic metre of bark is required as a carbon source. For a population of 3 million people connected to a reticulated wastewater system it is estimated 500,000 cubic metres of sewage sludge (DS 10%) is generated annually in NZ, therefore requiring 500,000 cubic meters of bark. At a weight of 200 kg per cubic meter, this is a requirement of 100,000 tonnes annually.

At least a similar amount of organic waste is generated from the primary processing industry in New Zealand.

Physical methodology is as per Biosolids Guidelines.

At the right location the project is ‘shovel ready’.

What TBL proposes to do is to scope out a pilot project and develop an initial better business case. Determine greenhouse gas reduction/sequestration and develop ‘gold standard’ ERUs.

Solution 2 – Pyrolysis of forestry wastes

Pyrolysis of forestry wastes to create biochar. Focus on bio-oil to aid transition to sustainable transport.

Link to machine in Foxton. Could make the project ‘shovel ready’.
Activation and nutrient absorption of biochar for land disposal (link to composting) Making ‘Terra Preta’
Need to activate bichar to  ‘pre-load’ with nutrients
Activated biochar impact on nitrous oxide emissions
This would utilise wood chip derived from forestry slash.

What TBL proposes to do is to scope out a pilot project and develop an initial better business case. Determine greenhouse gas reduction/sequestration and develop ‘gold standard’ ERUs This will include initial lab scale testing of carbon activation uses including interrupting the nitrous oxide cycle.