Energy Farmers Australia is pleased to announce the development of our first mobile biochar kiln. The kiln has been in the pipeline for well over a year and we have just finished construction. We are in the process of commissioning the unit and expect to have it operating in the next couple of months.

This unit is mobile and will process approx. 200-300 kg/hour. Initially we will use it to produce biochar for field trials and to demonstrate bioenergy technology to farmers and farmer groups throughout WA.

How the Biochar Kiln Works

The process uses a diesel burner to heat the chamber, we then introduce biomass via a single screw auger. As the biomass moves along the chamber it heats and the gases bound up in the biomass are released. Initially, we will flare the gases however, we plan to utilise the gas to produce electricity during the next phase. We have a number of thermocouples throughout the kiln to monitor the temperature. We also have the ability to introduce water to the kiln which we can use to regulate the operating temperature and to quench the char.

Building the Knowledge of Biochar

We will be testing the process with a range of different feedstocks to determine biochar quality, yield and energy output. We are in the process of identifying markets for the biochar however, in the shorter term we will be offering the char to farmers, farmer groups and other interested parties to conduct trial work. This trial work will be invaluable going forward and important to the uptake of biochar production and the development of the biochar/bioenergy industry. We are also developing a life cycle assessment of the biochar kiln process, investigating the carbon farming opportunities under the Carbon Farming Initiative and seeking environmental approvals.

Energy Farmers intends to keep the agriculture and bioenergy community informed about the development of the kiln through updates on our website, the International Biochar Initiative and Bioenergy Australia. You can also contact us to find out more information.

The ‘Australian Bioenergy Roadmap – Setting the direction for biomass in stationary energy to 2020 and beyond” really highlights how far behind Australia is in terms of using biomass and waste to produce energy. After all, most European countries range from 4 to 15% in terms of how much bioenergy contributes to domestic energy supply.

The roadmap was funded by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, and is the culmination of a collaborative approach working in partnership with the bioenergy industry including the Clean Energy Council and Bioenergy Ausrtalia.

The biomass resource appraisal carried out as part of the development of the Roadmap confirmed that Australia has an abundance of economically viable and accessible biomass resources including agricultural related wastes, energy crops, landfill & sewage gas, sugarcane, urban biomass, and wood wastes.

Bioenergy enhances security of supply and provides a controllable and continuous supply of power. Bioenergy also produces thermal energy which can be used for heating and/or cooling. Bioenergy can contribute significantly to employment and economic development, particularly in rural and regional areas where much of the biomass resources are located and bioenergy can support existing enterprises such as farms and forestry.

The Roadmap demonstrates the potential of the industry and provides the pathways and guidance to attain that potential. The Clean Energy Futures legislation was a good first step, however for the industry to really take off it must be backed up by policy that reduces the barriers to entry, investment in R&D and more support for those already working hard to establish the industry.

The report covers the economic benefits of bioenergy, policy and regulatory environment and an outlook for the industry including the effects of a price on carbon.