To broaden the international perspective of graduate students and enhance their understanding of the current state of global research and scientific advancements, Professor Ondrej Masek from the University of Edinburgh, Chair of the Net Zero Technology Centre, invited by Professor Yang Qing from the School of Energy and Power Engineering,deliveredanacademic lecture titled“Synergies in biochar applications as a way to maximise impact”onSeptember 19thin Conference Room N102 of the Clean Energy Building. Thelecture waschaired by Professor Yang Haiping
During the lecture, Professor Masek focused on seven key challenges faced in the scale-up deployment of biochar, which were feedstock availability, technology scaling and deployment, cost of biochar and economic viability, carbon sequestration measurement and verification, environmental impact, policy and regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance and social impacts. He began by introducing various field applications of biochar such as microbial systems, agriculture, and building construction, emphasizing the importance of adjusting technical parameters during pre-treatment, pyrolysis, and post-treatment process to modify the properties of biochar for different application scenarios.Professor then introduced theconcept and value of the "sequential biochar system. Thebiochar's lifespan is extended through multi-sectoral integration and synergies, allowing users to share production and feedstock costs. Finally, Professor Masek highlighted the necessity of public and societal support to amplify biochar's impact and summarized the urgency of large-scale deployment.
The lecture greatly benefits the attending faculty and students, who engaged in in-depth conversations with Professor Masek on topics such as the abundance of biochar feedstocks, methods for adjusting pyrolysis technical parameters, and the practical realization of biochar's sequential system.
This lecture provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of future trends in large-scale biochar deployment, expanding the international perspective of the students and offering valuable guidance for their future research endeavors. It also promotedthecollaborative exchange within the department.
Lecturer’s Biography:
Prof. Ondrej holds the Personal Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies at the University of Edinburgh and leads the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC). With 18 years of experience in the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass and fossil resources, his work focuses on developing sustainable products that enhance energy efficiency, promote sustainability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since joining the university in 2009, he co-founded the UKBRC, driving research in biochar production for carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, and agricultural improvement. Prof. Ondrej has led and contributed to numerous projects across the UK, EU, and internationally.
Translated by Tang Xinyi
