In Sweden, Karlstad University has announced that it has secured funding for three new research projects within its New Development for Pellet Technology (NewDePT) research group. Supported by the Richert Foundation and the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova), the projects focus on long-term storage of biomass pellets, resource recovery from sewage sludge, and the sustainable utilisation of forestry industry residues.
Supported by the Richert Foundation and the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova), the three NewDePT projects focus on long-term storage of biomass pellets, resource recovery from sewage sludge, and the sustainable utilisation of forestry industry residues.
Pellets for enhanced energy security
To be led by Associate Professor Magnus Ståhl, the first project will run from September 2026 to June 2028. It will investigate how pellets produced from alternative and blended biomass feedstocks can be manufactured and stored safely and efficiently.
The aim is to strengthen Sweden’s energy security by developing pellets that can be stored for long periods without degrading.
The research will evaluate new feedstocks, including forestry thinning residues and roadside vegetation, to broaden the domestic raw material base and improve resilience during crises and supply disruptions.
The Richert Foundation is providing SEK 640,000 (≈ EUR 57,900) in funding.
Sewage sludge biochar as a new circular resource
The project “Sewage Sludge Biochar – From Pollution Risk to a Non-Toxic Circular Resource” aims to convert sewage sludge into biochar through pyrolysis.
Owned by the municipal wastewater treatment company Roslagsvatten AB, it will be led at Karlstad University by Associate Professor Magnus Ståhl and will continue until spring 2029.
Pyrolysis enables the recovery of valuable resources such as phosphorus and carbon while reducing contaminants.
Karlstad University will develop pellets based on pyrolysed sewage sludge biochar. These pellets will be tested in agriculture as slow-release fertilisers and soil improvers.
Through field trials and analyses of regulations, incentives and business models, the project aims to create the conditions for a future market for sewage sludge biochar.
Vinnova is providing total project funding of SEK 7.8 million (≈ EUR 705,600), of which SEK 650,000 (≈ EUR 58,800) is allocated to Karlstad University.
Giving forestry residues new value
A third project will be led by Associate Professor Maria Sandberg from the Water Energy Nexus research group, and it will focus on the sustainable management of forestry industry by-products.
The project will develop pellets and growing substrates based on residual materials such as sludge and ash from the forest industry.
By converting these materials into pyrochar and hydrochar, the researchers aim to create alternatives to both mineral fertilisers and peat.
The pellets will return nutrients to forest soils while degrading at an appropriate rate to minimise environmental impact.
The overall goal is to contribute to a more circular and climate-smart forestry sector through increased carbon storage, reduced dependence on imported inputs and improved opportunities to replace peat in forest nurseries.
The Richert Foundation is providing funding of SEK 840,000 (≈ EUR 76,000), and the project will run until 31 December 2027.
