Transitioning from Black to Green: Ireland Unveils One of Europe’s Largest Biochar Plants

Arigna Group, the leading manufacturer in Ireland’s low smoke coal sector and members of the Irish Bioenergy Association of Ireland (IrBEA), proudly announced the inauguration of one of Europe’s largest operational biochar plants. Located in Arigna, Co. Roscommon, this state-of-the-art facility marks the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, signalling a transition from traditional low smoke coal manufacturing towards renewable, eco-friendly practices and products.

Biochar’s Potential

Driven by a dedication to environmental responsibility and a recognition of the urgent need to address customers’ renewed priorities, Arigna Group has invested heavily in research and development to bring biochar technology to the forefront of its operations. Biochar, a carbon-rich charcoal produced from organic waste materials, offers a multitude of benefits including soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, waste management solutions and energy. It is the basis for Arigna Group’s newest product, Harvest Flame, a renewable biomass product for domestic heating sold under their domestic heating brand Arigna Fuels.

The newly commissioned biochar plant represents a pivotal moment for Arigna Group as it embraces a more sustainable future. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative processes, the plant is poised to produce high-quality biochar products that will revolutionise the agricultural, environmental, industrial and home heating sectors.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our biochar production plant, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability,” said Brendan Layden, Managing Director of Arigna Group. “This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and positions us as pioneers in the biochar industry. We believe that biochar holds immense potential to address pressing global challenges such as soil degradation, emissions and waste management. Being part of core groups like IrBEA and Bioenergy Europe are imperative for collaboration with likeminded businesses and organisations.”

Sustainably Sourced

The biochar plant’s operations will adhere to the highest standards of environmental sustainability, utilising organic residue materials sourced from locations where feedstocks traditionally have been sent to landfill and left to rot, thereby emitting toxic emissions into the atmosphere. These biomass feedstocks now produce biochar through a process of pyrolysis in Arigna, Co. Roscommon. This closed-loop system ensures minimal environmental impact while maximising resource efficiency.

Arigna Group is committed to driving innovation and fostering collaboration within the biochar industry. Through strategic partnerships with research institutions, government agencies, and environmental organisations, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of biochar technology and catalyse positive change on a global scale.

As Arigna Group embarks on this transformative journey towards sustainability, it reaffirms its commitment to its employees, customers, and stakeholders. By embracing biochar production, the company not only ensures its continued success in a rapidly evolving market but also fulfils its responsibility to future generations and the planet.

For more information about Arigna Group’s biochar plant and its sustainability initiatives, please visit arigna-group.com.

Arigna Group is a fifth-generation majority family-owned business with a history steeped in innovation. Arigna Fuels was the first company to manufacture low smoke coal in the late 1980s in Ireland and pivoted to renewable energy to power its plant in 1998, with the installation of the Spion Kop windfarm. In 2010 Arigna Fuels saw the need for a transition from black to green and began researching heavily in biochar with the upgrade of its state-of-the-art laboratory. In 2023, after over a decade of research and trials, Arigna Fuels made the decision to instal a 70,000 tonne per annum biochar plant. Installation began in the summer of 2023 with completion in November 2023. This biochar plant is now operational and can produce biochar at scale. With a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, Arigna Group is committed to driving positive change and shaping a better future for generations to come.