Ongoing R&D Projects

Pioneering technology for a regenerative bioeconomy

NEOTEC CDTI 2025 Project | Smart Biochar to Optimise Biogas Production

Innovation in pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion through artificial intelligence applied to tailor-made biochar.

Pyrocatalytica is developing the PRED-METACHAR project, funded by CDTI under the NEOTEC 2025 programme (File No. SNEO-20251327), with the aim of improving the efficiency of anaerobic digestion processes through the use of tailor-made biochar optimised with artificial intelligence.

The project lies at the intersection of advanced pyrolysis, functionalised biochar, biogas/biomethane and artificial intelligence, addressing one of the sector’s main challenges: the limited efficiency of methane production in anaerobic digestion plants.

Currently, anaerobic digestion processes achieve efficiencies of around 35%, due to the presence of inhibitors such as:

• Ammonium
• Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)
• Volatile fatty acids
• Heavy metals

This limits the energy performance and profitability of biogas and biomethane plants.

The PRED-METACHAR project develops a solution based on:

Tailor-Made Biochar

Functionalised biochar with specific properties:

• High specific surface area
• Inhibitor adsorption capacity
• Support for microbial communities
• Enhanced electron transfer (DIET)

Applied Artificial Intelligence

Development of predictive software based on:

• Neural networks
• Machine learning models

Capable of:

• Defining the optimal biochar microstructure
• Predicting methanogenic performance
• Optimising the production process

Pyrocatalytica does not simply develop a material, but an integrated technological solution capable of adapting biochar to each industrial process by combining:

• Process engineering
• Pyrolysis technology
• Materials science
• Artificial intelligence

Pyrocatalytica’s Contribution

Technical and Business Impact

The project will:

• Increase methane yield to significantly higher levels
• Improve the operational stability of biogas plants
• Reduce operating costs and energy dependence
• Promote the valorisation of organic waste
• Support renewable energy production and the circular economy

Industrial Applications

The technology developed is primarily aimed at:

• Biogas plants
• Biomethane plants
• Agro-industrial waste management
• Sludge and digestate treatment

With potential expansion into:

• Water treatment
• Replacement of activated carbon
• Industrial biochar applications

tor Effect Project within the AQUAHUB Consortium

Driving Water Quality, Sustainability and the Circular Economy through a Madrid-based Hub of Innovative Technological Solutions

Partners: Advance Water & Energy Solutions, Fertiberia, Incro, Quantia and the Technical University of Madrid. Subcontractors: Rey Juan Carlos University and Tecnalia.

Within the AQUAHUB programme, Pyrocatalytica will lead the work package focused on research into thermal treatments for organic waste, with particular emphasis on the pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of sludge, hydrochars and plant residues for the production of biochars with suitable properties for use as fertilisers.

The AQUAHUB project, “Driving Water Quality, Sustainability and the Circular Economy through a Madrid-based Hub of Innovative Technological Solutions”, File No. 59/561770.9/24, has received funding under the 2024 Call for Aid to contribute to improving Public-Private Cooperation in R&D&I through consortium-based tractor effect projects, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the ERDF Operational Programme of the Community of Madrid for the 2021–2027 period.

Pyrocatalytica in the AQUAHUB Project

The AQUAHUB project: “Driving Water Quality, Sustainability and the Circular Economy through a Madrid-based Hub of Innovative Technological Solutions”, led by AWAES (Tedagua Group), brings together INCRO, Fertiberia, QuantIA, Pyrocatalytica and the Technical University of Madrid, in collaboration with IMDEA Water, Tecnalia and Rey Juan Carlos University.

With a duration of 36 months and a budget of €4.5 million (€2.1 million of which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund – ERDF, File No. 59/561770.9/24), the project aims to transform environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities, promoting public-private cooperation in R&D&I and fostering innovative technological solutions in the Community of Madrid.

Within AQUAHUB, Pyrocatalytica leads Work Package 2, focused on research into thermal treatments for organic waste. Our work focuses on the pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of sludge, hydrochars and plant residues, with the aim of developing high-value biochars that can be used as regenerative fertilisers and circular economy solutions.

Through this participation, Pyrocatalytica contributes its expertise in smart pyrolysis and tailor-made biochar, helping to:

• Reduce the environmental footprint, by stabilising carbon and preventing emissions.
• Close the water and nutrient cycles, transforming waste into valuable resources.
• Generate sustainable fertilisers, aligned with regenerative agriculture and the bioeconomy.

In this way, we reaffirm our commitment to applied innovation and to creating solutions that combine science, industry and sustainability for a regenerative future.

Pyrocatalytica’s Contribution

Torres Quevedo Programmes (AEI)

i. Study of the catalytic improvement of high-temperature pyrolysis processes for the production of high-quality fuels from biomass, aimed at technology transfer at industrial scale.

ii. Development of a smart biofertiliser based on nanobiochar and immobilised microorganisms for soil restoration and the promotion of regenerative and sustainable agriculture.

Industrial Doctorate Programmes (CAM)

i. Selective removal of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water treatment plants: Biochar as an innovative solution within a circular economy.

– Academic institution: Complutense University of Madrid

ii. Electroadsorption treatment of contaminants containing N and P in wastewater using biochar electrodes synthesised from biomass waste.

– Academic institution: Autonomous University of Madrid

iii. Catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis oils for the production of sustainable fuels.

– Academic institution: Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry (CSIC)

Drawing on the latest scientific knowledge, PYROCATALYTICA designs, develops and produces tailor-made biochars on both small and large scales.

At Pyrocatalytica, we turn waste into high-value biochar using advanced pyrolysis technology. We design and install modular industrial equipment and produce tailor-made biochars adapted to each agricultural or industrial application.

Our innovation is built on proprietary catalysts and ongoing national and international R&D programmes. We collaborate with research centres and leading companies to bring sustainable, profitable solutions to market.