Program Overview
Understanding the characteristics, production, and application of fit-for-purpose biocarbon products to develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges and industrial needs.
Recent Research
- Biocarbon for roadside drainage systems research is funded by the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation to mitigate polluted stormwater runoff.
- Demonstration of biochar for carbon sequestration in the built environment, such as parks and other city infrastructure, was funded by the University of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis.
- Stacking the environmental and economic benefits of engineered biocarbon to stabilize coal combustion sludge for safe, permanent storage is being investigated to help power companies comply with EPA mandates and offers a market opportunity for long-term biocarbon storage.
Related News
Watching NRRI facility transform is satisfying work for this project engineer.
Biochar catalyzes first year chemistry learning experience at UMD.
Post-doc explores treatment techniques for PFAS in food waste to remove roadblocks to energy production.
Organic chemist finds flexibility is key to moving NRRI innovations forward.
Advanced degree moves technician into broad arena of project management.
U.S. Department of Energy and NRRI fund project to develop biocarbon to replace fossil carbon in steelmaking process
Early NRRI R&D went on ‘rollercoaster ride’ leading to an international effort starring Minnesota’s giving tree, the paper birch
From college coursework to real-world application, Matt Young has built a career on a foundation of wood.
Gopher Resource leads federally funded projects to reduce the use of fossil coal in recycling process.
Promising lab results raises biochar's potential to filter pollutants in stormwater runoff.
Media Coverage
- – How biochar — the ‘Swiss Army knife of climate tools’ — is growing in Minnesota – MPR
- – Minneapolis is on the leading edge of biochar, a carbon sequestering material full of promise and still under research – Star Tribune
- – NRRI Works To Develop “Green Steel” Making Process – KDAL
- – NRRI receives grant to replace fossil fuel in some steelmaking – Business North
- – Whatever happened to … birch bark extracts? – Hometown Focus
- – Northland researchers look to biochar as possible climate solution – Duluth News Tribune
- – Study looks into biochar for battery recycling – Waste & Recycling Magazine
- – Multi-Year Initiative Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Aims to Support a More Resilient and Sustainable Domestic Supply Chain by Investing in Next Generation Metal Recycling Technologies – Waste Advantage Magazine
- – Earth Month: NRRI’s Biochar research – WDIO
- – Biochar forestry could reduce wildfire risk and capture carbon – Quetico Superior Wilderness News
- – Forest Service partners with researchers to transform wildfire fuel into biochar in Superior National Forest – WTIP