Shropshire Council: Joint venture in pyrolysis plant

• Location: Shropshire Council 

• Purpose: The project, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) - a separate legal entity from the council, is an innovative way to reduce carbon emissions and reduce waste. The project should reduce carbon in the atmosphere while operating on self-generated clean energy. The council will have 50% ownership of the SPV, providing the council with economic benefits as it is expected to make a gross profit of £133,333 per annum.

• Description: The council is working in partnership with Woodtek Ltd, a pyrolysis unit manufacturer, to operate the newly formed Biodynamic Carbon Ltd. The pyrolysis plant will create biochar from organic waste including wood and straw. The biochar has a number of uses, including in carbon sequestration,enhancing soil quality and as an eco-friendly addition in construction. The project is anticipated to remove 8,000 tonnes of CO₂, generating Carbon Offset Removal Certificates (CORCs) over 5 years which will then be sold on the market. 

• Funding: Shropshire Council approved £2 million for investment in pyrolysis in 2023 for the joint venture. The £2 million is a loan at commercial interest rates. 

• Conservative councillor/ council lead: Cllr Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport.

• Further links: Shropshire Council announcement.