Reviewed by Lexie CornerApr 10 2025
Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a technology called PYROCO™ aimed at enabling more sustainable and cost-effective production of bio-oils. These bio-oils have the potential to replace petroleum-based products in various applications, including electronics, construction, and automobiles.
(L) Dr. Nimesha Rathnayake and Professor Kalpit Shah (R) with Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, who holds a vial of the team’s bio-oil. Image Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University.
PYROCO™ uses high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment to convert treated sewage (biosolids) into biochar, a carbon-rich material. This biochar can then serve as a catalyst in the production of phenol-rich bio-oil.
Developed over several years through collaboration between RMIT, South East Water, Intelligent Water Networks, and other water authorities, PYROCO™ is currently being explored for various circular economy applications.
Recent research by the RMIT team, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Petroleum, demonstrates that biochar derived from biosolids can effectively replace expensive catalysts currently used to extract oil from biomass, such as Willow Peppermint, an Australian native plant.
The study suggests that biochar from biosolids, produced using advanced pyrolysis technology like PYROCO™, provides a sustainable way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by replacing products with high emission footprints.
Using biochar made from biosolids as a catalyst could create a sustainable supply chain for phenol-rich bio-oils, which are essential for producing valuable chemicals like resins, lubricants, and additives used in various industries.
During the research, the team successfully produced bio-oil with high levels of phenolics (69 %) and hydrocarbons (14 %), demonstrating the efficacy of their biochar as a catalyst.
Scaling Up
RMIT’s Professor Kalpit Shah, Deputy Director (Research) of the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, stated that PYROCO™ is approaching commercial readiness.
RMIT, along with its partners Aqua Metro, South East Water, and its commercial arm Iota, has secured $3 million in funding from the Australian Government to build a commercial-scale demonstration plant (Mark-3) at one of South East Water’s water recycling plants next year.
Our upcoming project aligns with the Global Waste Management Policy and Australia’s National Waste Policy Action Plan. Our goal is to prevent PFAS-contaminated biosolids from being disposed of in landfill by converting them into PFAS-free biochar, for its diverse applications.
Kalpit Shah, Professor and Deputy Director (Research), ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, RMIT
“According to an International Biochar Initiative report, biochar will have a global market potential of $3.3 billion by next year, showcasing a truly circular solution,” said Shah.
This research aligns with the stricter PFAS regulations outlined in the recently introduced PFAS National Environment Management Plan 3.0 (NEMP 3.0).
South East Water is contributing an additional $3 million in funding and collaborating with other partners on this innovative $11 million project, which aims to support a more sustainable future.
Tried and Tested Technology
RMIT has submitted patent applications to protect the technology developed by its researchers in collaboration with South East Water, Intelligent Water Networks, and Greater Western Water.
RMIT has selected Iota as the commercial partner to bring PYROCO to market.
The most recent testing of the technology (Mark-2) at the Melton Recycled Water Plant is preparing the way for large-scale implementation. This follows two successful trials that demonstrated the technology's ability to remove pathogens, PFAS, and microplastics from biosolids.
The Mark-2 unit recently processed biosolids from five different water utilities across Australia to create biochar. Three more biosolid feedstocks will be processed in the next few months.
Kalpit Shah, Professor and Deputy Director (Research), ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, RMIT
South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen, stated that the recent PYROCO trials and the upcoming demonstration project represent significant advancements for the water industry in terms of environmental sustainability and innovation.
We’re tackling a national challenge by harnessing cutting-edge technology with the potential to destroy 99.99 % of PFAS in biosolids.
Lara Olsen, Managing Director, South East Water
“The PYROCO project reflects our vision of innovating with purpose to protect our environment for future generations,” said Olsen.
Aqua Metro Chief Executive Officer, Manish Pancholi, expressed the organization's pride in being at the forefront of PYROCO technology.
Manish Pancholi said, “Aqua Metro is excited and proud to have been awarded this Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) grant, leading the commercialization of PYROCO technology along with our RMIT, South East Water, Iota, and other partners.”
“We see a unique opportunity for this technology to provide significant decarbonization, environmental and circular-economy benefits to the water industry and potentially other industries and are looking forward to proving the PYROCO technology at scale,” said Pancholi.
The most recent RMIT study was a collaborative effort with Dr. Thallada Bhaskar's research group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Petroleum.
Journal Reference:
Kaur, R., et al. (2025) Role of carbo-catalyst on upgrading the pyrolysis vapors of spent Eucalyptus nicholii biomass: Towards sustainable phenolics production. Renewable Energy. doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.122468