The Technology

The Transformative Power of Carbon-Negative Energy

CNIL is developing a large-scale energy, biochar and carbon capture and biochar production facility in Lincolnshire — converting wood and woody biomass into a permanent carbon sink while generating clean energy.

Industrial gasification facility
Project Overview

A New Class of Infrastructure

Carbon Negative Infrastructure Limited is building the UK's most ambitious biochar production facility. Located in Boston, Lincolnshire, the plant may process up to 137,000 tonnes of biomass waste per year through modern pyrolysis technology and re-use of the existing machinery at the plant.

The process produces three outputs: synthesis gas (syngas), which is converted to steam then electricity , and biochar — a stable, carbon-rich material that locks atmospheric carbon into the soil for centuries, and durable CORC carbon credits.

How It Works

The Energy and Biochar Process

01

Feedstock intake

Woodchip, forestry arisings, and clean, green biomass are received, dried, and prepared for processing. Feedstock is sourced from within a 50-mile radius where possible, minimising transport emissions.

02

High-temperature Pyrolysis

Biomass enters a pyrolysis chamber operating at 600–850°C in a low oxygen environment. This process breaks down organic material into syngas (CO, H₂, CH₄) and a solid carbon residue (biochar).

03

Syngas energy recovery

Cleaned syngas is combusted generating up to 12 MW of electricity and significant process heat — enough to power the facility and export surplus to the grid to power thoussnds of homes in the UK.

04

Biochar production and certification

The carbon-rich solid residue is processed into certified biochar meeting European Biochar Certificate (EBC) standards. Each tonne of biochar produced represents approximately 2.5t of CO₂ permanently removed from the atmosphere, depending on feedstock quality.

05

Soil application and carbon credits

Biochar is supplied to agricultural partners for soil amendment, improving crop yields and water retention. Each tonne generates verified carbon removal credits (CORCs) under internationally recognised standards such as Puro Earth.

Environmental Impact

Measurable, Permanent Carbon Removal

86,000tBiomass processed annually
48,000tCO₂ equivalent removed per year
12 MWClean electricity generated
100+Years carbon remains sequestered

Unlike nature-based carbon offsets that can be reversed by fire, disease, or land-use change, biochar represents a near-permanent form of carbon sequestration. Once incorporated into soil, the carbon is stable for hundreds to thousands of years.

The CNIL facility will be independently verified and registered under recognised carbon removal standards, generating high-integrity carbon removal credits that meet the growing demand from corporate net-zero commitments.

Project Timeline

Path to Operation

Q4 2026

Investment close

Completion of Series A funding round. Final investor commitments secured.

Q1 2027

Planning consent

Full planning permission granted. Environmental impact assessment complete.

Q2 2027

Construction begins

Site preparation and civil works commence. Equipment procurement finalised.

Q1 2028

Commissioning

Plant commissioning and performance testing. First biochar production.

Q3 2028

Full operation

Facility reaches full operational capacity. Carbon credit issuance begins.

Interested in the Investment Opportunity?

We are currently in discussions with a select group of investors. If you would like to learn more about the CNIL project, we invite you to make a confidential enquiry.

Make an Enquiry