Brodie Biomass, a Surrey-based farming business, is further diversifying following a £1.3m Green Loan funding package from HSBC UK.
Brodie Biomass, part of the Brodie Farms group of businesses, has used the funding to invest in a specialist biomass boiler, which will transform tree cuttings into high-quality biochar – a carbon-rich organic material created from the decomposition of biomass.
The new equipment uses a chemical process called pyrolysis, where organic materials are heated to high temperatures in reduced levels, or absence, of oxygen. Biochar produced using this method is gaining traction with regenerative farmers as it promotes sustainable farming practices, improves soil properties and enhances crop yields.
The equipment will allow Brodie Biomass to process the tree cuttings on-site. The facility is expected to produce around 1,000 tons of biochar each year, generating approximately 2,500 tons of carbon credits. These are measurable, verifiable emission reductions that can be traded to support businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.
Biochar can be used in agricultural applications due to its ability to improve soil organic matter, reduce the need for chemical fertilisers (when used in conjunction with composts) and enhance crop yields.
The process of creating biochar isolates carbon from the wood, that would otherwise be burnt and lost to the atmosphere. Capturing the carbon in biochar form and creating a compost allows it to be returned to the soil.
Pyrolysis also generates extremely high temperatures, which can be used to provide hot water for drying wood and agricultural produce or, alternatively, converted into electricity through an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.
Located near Brockham in Surrey, Brodie Biomass was launched as part of the diversification efforts of the family farm, which has more than 50 years’ experience in farming and working with the local arboreal industries.
Alex Brodie, managing director at Brodie Biomass, said: “Thanks to the support of HSBC UK, we’ve been able to invest in a start-up that allows us to diversify from and build on our main business which is farming.
“The new business brings in specialist infrastructure, enabling us to bring the pyrolysis process in-house.
“Alongside producing biochar and sequestering carbon, we are working towards reducing our carbon footprint in farming operations which should increase our subsidies under the Sustainable Farming Initiative.
“We are also generating surplus renewable energy which is available to the farm operations and possibly for export to the grid.
“The funding has provided us with the necessary capital to expand the business, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Thomas Andrews, relationship manager – South & East Agriculture at HSBC UK, added: “We have been discussing this project with the team at Brodie Biomass for the last two years. It has been a fantastic journey to see the work that has gone into researching the concept of biochar and then turning this into a viable business that has allowed HSBC to provide funding.
“There are numerous environmental benefits of using biochar and its applications both in agriculture and wider industries offer opportunities to sequester carbon and operate sustainably.”
