Shropshire Council is pleased to announce a new partnership between Raft Energy and Biodynamic Carbon (BDC) — a joint venture between Shropshire Council and Carbon Hill Ltd.
The agreement sets out a long-term plan to produce high quality biochar and verified carbon removal credits, helping Shropshire lead the way in sustainable, locally driven climate action.
Biochar is a form of carbon rich material made from plant matter. When activated and added to Anaerobic Digestion (AD) systems – technology already used across the UK to turn waste into energy – it helps increase energy output and improves the quality of the resulting fertiliser. Crucially, it also locks carbon safely away for the long term, making it a powerful and affordable climate solution.
Raft Energy, an award-winning biotech company backed by major UK investors, has developed ActiCH4R, a specialist activated biochar that boosts the performance of biogas plants. When used alongside their ActiSense monitoring technology, AD operators can generate more renewable energy while cutting emissions.
The new framework agreement will allow both organisations to come to agreement on sales and production of the ActiCH4R product at each biochar production site. The first ‘Energy, Biochar and Carbon Capture’ system to be partially owned by a council is already operational near Welshpool. This unit is also 50% owned by Carbon Hill – a sister company of Woodtek Engineering Ltd. who manufacture the technology. Another fully council owned unit is set to be commissioned this spring in Ludlow. Both units will be generating certified carbon removal credits in line with recognised international standards, including the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) which ensures very high-grade biochar is produced.
This partnership means Shropshire can continue to advance its climate priorities reducing its reliance on Government funding, strengthening the county’s leadership in practical, commercially viable decarbonisation.
Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth, said:
“This partnership shows how Shropshire can lead the way nationally on practical, affordable climate solutions. By working with innovative companies like Raft Energy and local manufacturers like Woodtek Engineering Ltd, we’re delivering real carbon reduction, supporting greener energy production, and doing so without relying on Government support. It’s exactly the kind of sustainable, forward thinking approach our residents expect, and I’m delighted to see Shropshire at the forefront of it.”
The council looks forward to supporting this partnership as new projects come forward over the coming months.
