UK-based pyrolysis technology firm Onnu has introduced its proprietary CarboFlow system, marking a new chapter in biomass carbon removal. Developed entirely in-house, CarboFlow aims to make biomass projects more viable, scalable, and profitable by overcoming previous industry challenges.
This milestone reflects Onnu’s evolution from project developer to full technology provider, highlighted by a major international partnership with Agrotech Bioenergy in Malaysia.
The collaboration focuses on converting agricultural residues into renewable energy, biochar, and verified carbon credits. Located in Sabah on Borneo Island, the project began operations last week using two CarboFlow units. These systems will process around 41,820 tonnes of biomass annually. That’s nearly 2,000 tonnes of biochar and generating enough renewable heat for plantation needs. The project is expected to generate about 3,937 carbon credits each year, verified under the Puro.earth standard.
Giles Welch, CEO of Onnu, explained that their new system addresses critical industry bottlenecks. Traditional pyrolysis equipment was expensive, slow to produce, and often not commercially viable. CarboFlow is designed for speed, efficiency, and scalability. It costs about two-thirds less, manufactures 4.5 times faster, and achieves payback in just three years.
In Malaysia’s plantations, waste like palm trunks and shells decomposes slowly, releasing carbon dioxide. Using CarboFlow, this biomass can be turned into biochar, locking away carbon permanently while producing renewable heat and bio-based fuels. The technology supports environmental and economic benefits, including soil health, energy generation, and decarbonization.
Agrotech Bioenergy plans to expand CarboFlow across plantations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia over five years. The goal is to sequester 360,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and produce 180,000 tonnes of biochar, helping reduce global emissions significantly.
