Water Char

This project investigates and demonstrates the production and use of biochar in water filtration and substrate applications. Technical and practical expertise is combined with analysis of the business environment to explore the possibilities for biochar-based business opportunities especially in the Northern Savo region. The measures will create the preconditions for the formation of new business activities related to the production and use of biochar, especially in a sparsely populated area. The project will also strengthen the know-how in the use of biochar in water filtration and growth substrate applications.

The concept of biochar production, filtration and substrate use to be created during the project will promote the formation of an economically viable biochar utilisation chain in Northern Savonia. Through a comprehensive review of the value chain, models are created for the development of profitable and sustainable business based on biochar. The project focuses on exploring the potential of biochar-related business in smaller units, thus supporting the vitality of sparsely populated areas. The project investigates the suitability of different raw materials for biochar production and identify procedures for managing the quality of biochar production and manufacturing process. The water filtration aims to capture nutrients, and the removal of metals and solids from urban stormwaters. Furthermore, the project explores the use of biochar as growth substrate before and after filtration use. The project measures are actively communicated in order to strengthen regional impact. The project targets the Northern Savo focus areas of the smart specialisation strategy: machinery and energy industry, forest industry, smart water system and biorefining.