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We conducted a technical-economic assessment covering two candidate sites. The analysis benchmarked three pyrolysis technology suppliers across processing capacity, energy performance, investment cost, site suitability, and technology readiness.
The work revealed Site 2 as the stronger option. Compared to site 1’s almost €10 million capital requirement, site 2’s required less than half of that, cutting financial exposure by roughly 50%. Energy performance also favoured site 2. Improving sludge dry matter content dropped external energy demand by 74%. That strategic identification of the optimal site saved up to €3 million in operational costs.
Annual sludge disposal savings further strengthened the economics, with upside as disposal prices are projected to rise. Supplier comparison showed one provider could more than double biochar output, increasing both revenue potential and carbon credit generation.
Beyond site selection, BioFlux developed Aquafin's commercial strategy for biochar markets. The team assessed construction-grade biochar pathways, provided scientific validation for product quality and environmental safety, and mapped regulatory compliance requirements. This gave Aquafin the confidence to pursue higher-value biochar applications while managing heavy metal behaviour and leaching risk.
The benchmarking framework also set clear supplier selection criteria based on temperature ranges, activation mechanisms, pollutant handling, and biochar end-use performance. Aquafin now negotiates contracts based on actual performance data rather than supplier marketing claims.
Aquafin has shifted project focus to Site 2 and refined its procurement approach using the supplier evaluation framework BioFlux developed.
