Bio-Balance

IDRIC Project 8.5

 
University of Bath
Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Lancaster University

Background

This project will explore the use of bio-based mechanisms to help industry, and industrial processes, be decarbonised.

A range of mechanisms are needed to decarbonise effectively and rapidly, and in order to achieve net zero across multiple sectors some form of bio and land-based carbon management is required. This includes utilising the ability of agriculture to contribute negative emissions that can be netted against the residual emissions from industrial clusters which are the hardest to decarbonise. Linking industrial clusters with the wider regional setting will also enhance their opportunity to provide lasting sustainability, and promotes integration with local environmental and ecological impacts and opportunities.

Prof Marcelle McManus

Prof Marcelle McManus

Principal Investigator
University of Bath

Project Team

University of Bath:

Dr Ariane S.S. Pinto
Dr Lewis J. McDonald
Dr Rebecca Rowe
Dr Iain Donnison

Aim

This project will identify the wider life cycle and ecosystem service opportunities and impact of land management for carbon. By directly linking the industrial clusters with the wider, rural community this project will determine the dynamic capacity of land and bio-based carbon storage. Although focused on the South Wales industrial cluster (SWIC), the approaches and methods can be applied more widely. We will work closely with IDRIC MIPs 5.2 and 1.3 (using funds from MIP 1.3 as additional resource for the LCA). The project will also help foster links between Supergen Bioenergy Hub and IDRIC. 

Building on South Wales’ position at the forefront of low carbon research we will open novel pathways for economic stimulus by the linking the economically important manufacturing and agriculture sectors. We aim to work with and link urban and rural economies including farming unions (NFU, FUW), industrial partners (Tata Steel) and policymakers (Natural Resources Wales). The project will identify wastes and by-products, such as CO2, light and heat, from industry and how they can be used by local communities and the possibility for implementing a circular economy between industry and communities.

The research will produce detailed case studies, linked directly to local challenges and demonstrate opportunities where carbon storage can be achieved. The case studies will highlight time scales, temporal nature of carbon capture, dynamic biomass carbon modelling and how this can link to industrial emission reduction.

Meet the Team

Pinto

Dr Ariane S. S. Pinto

University of Bath

McDonald

Dr Lewis. J. McDonald

University of Bath

Rowe

Dr Rebecca Rowe

University of Bath

McDonald

Dr Iain Donnison

University of Bath

Pinto

Dr Ariane S. S. Pinto

University of Bath

McDonald

Dr Lewis. J. McDonald

University of Bath

Rowe

Dr Rebecca Rowe

University of Bath

McDonald

Dr Iain Donnison

University of Bath

Case Study / Progress

  • Wastes and by-products from industrial processes have potential for a second life in agriculture and local communities if managed and accounted for correctly
  • Heat and CO2 from industry can be used for controlled environment agriculture, providing exciting new opportunities for industries to engage with their local communities
  • Soil and bio system optimisation are key to effective management of a circular economy focused on industry, agriculture and communities
  • Dynamic temporal and spatial modelling of carbon in biosystems is an under-researched area that is essential to understanding long term biological CO2 sequestration