Unlocking Biochar's Potential: New Tech Turns Waste Heat into Renewable Revenue

By Michelle Bell

November 04, 2025

For the biochar and pyrolysis industries, turning potential into profit has often hinged on overcoming complex financial modeling and demonstrating genuine environmental impact. Now, a new collaboration between climate-tech software provider Grain Ecosystems and waste heat recovery specialist ElectraTherm aims to bridge that gap, unlocking the economic viability of projects that convert organic matter into valuable resources. By integrating ElectraTherm's Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology directly into Grain’s equipment selection software, developers can finally accurately quantify the benefits of capturing and repurposing previously lost energy.

This isn’t simply about adding another tool to the toolkit; it’s about fundamentally changing how these projects are evaluated and financed. For years, the potential of waste heat recovery in biochar and pyrolysis has been recognized, but translating that potential into tangible financial returns proved challenging. “The biggest hurdle was always demonstrating the economic feasibility of incorporating waste heat recovery systems,” explains a leading biochar project developer who wished to remain anonymous. “Historically, it required significant engineering expertise and complex spreadsheets. This new platform streamlines the process and provides a clear picture of the financial upside.”

Beyond Theory: Modeling Real-World Financials

The integration centers on ElectraTherm’s ORC technology, which captures low-temperature waste heat – often released during the pyrolysis process – and converts it into usable electricity. While the technology itself isn’t new, its seamless integration with Grain Ecosystems’ platform is a game-changer. The software allows developers to model the entire project lifecycle, factoring in not only the cost of the ORC system but also the revenue generated from electricity sales, carbon credits, and the biochar itself.

“The beauty of this system is its granularity,” explains a source within Grain Ecosystems. “We're not just providing a rough estimate. We’re modeling the specific heat output, electricity prices in the local market, and even the impact of various incentive programs. This level of detail is crucial for attracting investors and securing financing.”

This ability to accurately model financials aligns directly with the growing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. Investors are increasingly demanding projects that demonstrate not only financial returns but also positive environmental impact. The integration of ORC technology into the modeling process allows developers to showcase the project’s carbon footprint reduction and contribution to a circular economy.

A Circular Economy Catalyst

The potential impact extends beyond individual project economics. By making waste heat recovery more economically viable, this collaboration can accelerate the broader adoption of biochar and pyrolysis technologies. Biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from biomass, offers a range of benefits, including soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, and water purification. Pyrolysis, the thermal decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, is a key process in biochar production.

“We’re seeing a growing interest in biochar as a sustainable solution for agriculture and land management,” notes a consultant specializing in renewable energy technologies. “However, the economic viability of biochar production has often been a limiting factor. This new technology helps address that challenge.”

Industry analysts predict a significant growth in the waste heat recovery market, driven by increasing regulatory pressures and the need for sustainable energy solutions. Statista projects the market will grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2023 and 2030. This trend is further fueled by government incentives, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Energy Recovery Property (WERP) tax incentive, which encourages investment in waste heat recovery technologies.

Software & Hardware: A Synergistic Approach

The collaboration between Grain Ecosystems and ElectraTherm exemplifies a growing trend in the clean tech sector: the convergence of software and hardware. By combining ElectraTherm’s expertise in ORC technology with Grain Ecosystems’ software platform, the two companies have created a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“This isn’t just about selling a piece of equipment,” says a source within ElectraTherm. “It’s about providing a comprehensive solution that helps developers design, finance, and operate their projects. The software platform is an integral part of that solution.”

The synergistic approach is particularly appealing to investors, who are increasingly seeking integrated solutions that reduce risk and maximize returns.

“Investors want to see a clear path to profitability,” explains a venture capitalist specializing in climate tech. “This collaboration provides that path by combining proven technology with sophisticated financial modeling.”

The integration of ORC technology into the modeling process also enables developers to optimize their project designs, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing costs. This is particularly important in the context of biochar and pyrolysis, where the efficiency of the process directly impacts the economic viability of the project.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Sustainable Solutions

The collaboration between Grain Ecosystems and ElectraTherm represents a significant step forward in the effort to unlock the full potential of biochar and pyrolysis. By making waste heat recovery more economically viable, this partnership can accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions for agriculture, land management, and energy production.

The challenge now is to scale these solutions and deploy them at a wider level. This will require continued innovation, supportive policies, and increased investment in the clean tech sector.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in the transition to a sustainable future,” says a leading biochar researcher. “This technology has the potential to play a significant role in that transition, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

By connecting waste heat recovery with financial modeling, Grain Ecosystems and ElectraTherm are not just building a better platform; they’re building a more sustainable future.