But biochar’s superpowers go far beyond improving soil health.
Deakin’s Associate Professor Nolene Byrne said the project will also explore how biochar could be introduced as a sustainable source for Australia’s battery supply chain.
“We’re exploring if biochar can be used as the anode active material within sodium-ion batteries,” she said.
If successful, sodium-ion batteries could become a safer, cheaper alternative to the lithium-ion batteries we use to store solar energy in our grid and home batteries.
“Biochar is looking promising as a next generation battery material, and through this project we’ll continue to explore what biochar composition will enhance battery performance,” she said.
Barwon Water’s Regional Renewable Organics Network projects aim to process approximately 60,000 tonnes of biosolids from Barwon Water’s water reclamation plants, 40,000 tonnes of organic food and garden waste, 14,000 tonnes of municipal green waste and commercial and industrial organic waste annually.
Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said it’s exciting to have leading thinkers from the water industry, Deakin and RMIT working together to explore how waste can be used to make our communities more sustainable.
“We’re delighted that through this collaboration we’ll be leading the charge to establish Victoria as a hub for the development of sustainable technologies, underscoring the vital role the water sector can play in recycling resources for the circular and new energy economy,” he said.
Backed by a $50 million grant from the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, with industry and university support, REACH is facilitating the development of greener supply chains and the move to a circular economy.
Story: Jacqui Mullins and Michael Quin
