During the second week of our European tour, Biochar Chile has established important strategic alliances with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Austria, advancing in the development of research and collaborations in the field of biochar.

Meeting with Professor Christoph Pfeifer (Institute of Chemical and Energy Engineering – IVET)

During our visit to the Institute of Chemical and Energy Engineering (IVET), we had the privilege to explore the pyrolysis and gasification laboratories of Professor Christoph Pfeifer. During this meeting, future collaborations were discussed, and we are pleased to announce that we have agreed on the exchange of undergraduate and master students between Chile and Austria. This exchange will strengthen joint research in biochar and expand academic opportunities for both institutions.

Meeting with Margarita Calderón, Director of International Relations of BOKU

We also had a productive meeting with Margarita Calderón, Director of International Relations of BOKU, in which we discussed new collaborative activities between the Universidad de Concepción and BOKU. As a result of this meeting, it was agreed to extend the current agreement to include researchers from different areas, focused on circular economy, sustainability and biochar, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to these key issues.

Visit to Dr. Rebeca Hood-Nowotny (Institute for Soil Research – IBF) in Tulln

We met with Dr. Rebeca Hood-Nowotny, an expert in soil science and biochar, at the Institute of Soil Research (IBF) in Tulln. During the visit, we explored new opportunities for collaboration to investigate biochar applications in soils, with a special focus on its use as a tool for improving soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Visit to the SYNCRAFT Gasification Plant in Ternitz

We closed the week with a visit to the SYNCRAFT Gasification Plant in Ternitz, an innovative facility that produces high-quality biochar as well as electricity and heat from wood chips. This plant represents an outstanding example of how biochar can be integrated into sustainable energy solutions.

These meetings and partnerships reinforce our commitment to position Biochar Chile as a leader in biochar research and application, connecting international networks that will enrich the sector both in Chile and around the world. We continue working to bring the best practices and knowledge to our country, moving towards a more sustainable future.