ɫƵ researchers are to lead a €5 million project designed to turn climate innovation into real-world solutions for rural communities and industry, it has been announced.
The BIOCHAR project, led by Professor JJ Leahy, Department of Chemical Sciences and member of the Bernal Institute, will mark a major step forward in turning biochar research into practical climate solutions for agriculture, construction and industry.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from sustainably sourced biomass (such as wood chips or crop residues) which has the potential to improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance construction materials and support circular economy value chains.
The research project will bring together a range of partners from across Ireland and leverage their experience to develop and produce a sustainable biochar product for demonstration in agriculture, water treatment, and transport infrastructure.
The project will also develop a high-level blueprint for a mid-sized biochar facility to support future investment and replication in the region.
BIOCHAR aims to maximise the visibility, uptake and scalability of project results by delivering targeted dissemination and exploitation activities that translate biochar research into practical, sector-specific insights for agriculture, construction, industry, policymakers and rural communities. The project focuses on ensuring that these benefits are accessible, economically viable and aligned with regional and national climate goals.
The project will be delivered in Ireland’s Just Transition region in the Midlands, supporting rural communities as they adapt to climate action through innovation, skills development and sustainable economic opportunity.
BIOCHAR is one of two bioeconomy demonstration initiatives announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD.
In addition to the €5 million funding for the UL-led project, a further €5 million is being awarded to ‘TRANSFORM’, which is led by University College Dublin.
Marking the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “I am delighted to announce this €10 million in funding for two new bioeconomy demonstrator projects, as part of the EU Just Transition Fund. The BIOCHAR and TRANSFORM projects will demonstrate the potential uses of biochar in agriculture, bioenergy and sustainability, as well as transforming agri-food byproducts and waste into functional ingredients. This investment will build on the €22 million already committed to other bioeconomy pilot projects, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to ensuring the bioeconomy is scaled up across our economy and our rural areas.”
Commenting on the initiatives, Minister O’Brien stated: “I am delighted to see investment in two further bioeconomy demonstration projects in the Midlands region as part of the EU Just Transition Programme. This further investment into the region will support sustainability, innovation, economic and employment opportunities while continuing to build a solid base for regional expertise in this emerging area.
"The ‘BIOCHAR’ and ‘TRANSFORM’ projects provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the practical application of the circular economy model while demonstrating how the efficient and sustainable use of waste and by-products can support climate and economic goals. I look forward to hearing more about these projects as they develop and deliver opportunities within the Midlands region.”
BIOCHAR will deliver tailored engagement activities, sector-focused resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to support uptake of biochar solutions, while also informing policy development and future investment decisions.
UL's Professor Leahy has highlighted the project’s focus on impact and collaboration: “BIOCHAR is about moving from research to real-world application. By working closely with partners and rural communities, we are ensuring that biochar solutions are practical, scalable and capable of delivering long-term value as part of Ireland’s climate transition.
“Bringing together research organisations, industry partners, policymakers and community stakeholders, the project will engage participants across the Just Transition region and beyond, ensuring that project outcomes are widely shared and embedded beyond the project’s duration.”
Head of the EU Commission Representation in Ireland, Peter Power, said: “The EU Just Transition Fund is supporting Ireland’s Midlands in its path towards a net-zero economy that works for people and communities.
"The support announced for two circular bioeconomy projects is yet another example of how the EU JTF Programme is drawing on the resources and expertise already available within the region to strengthen innovative ecosystems and to create high-value, sustainable jobs. This is fully in line with the EU JTF’s objective, to support innovative and place-based opportunities that will have a lasting impact on the territory and on its people.”