In Spain, the University of Murcia’s GITE Termotecnia research group is advancing a project focused on integrating renewable energy into the food processing sector. The initiative utilizes a hybrid thermal solar and biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More system to power industrial food dehydration processes. By incorporating a pyrolytic furnace into the energy mix, the project aims to decarbonize the production of ready-to-eat and minimally processed foods while simultaneously generating biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. This research highlights the feasibility of transitioning industrial thermal demands away from fossil fuels toward a more sustainable, circular model.

The primary challenge addressed by this initiative is the high energy intensity and carbon footprint associated with the “fourth and fifth range” food sectors. These industries rely heavily on dehydration to extend shelf life and ensure food safety, a process traditionally powered by fossil fuels. Furthermore, the agricultural sector in the Murcia region generates significant quantities of biomass waste, such as prunings from fruit and vegetable crops. These residues often lack efficient disposal or utilization pathways, frequently contributing to environmental management burdens or being burned in open fields, which releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

To address these issues, researchers developed a system that combines solar thermal collectors with a specialized pyrolytic furnace. This furnace processes agricultural residues through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, a thermochemical decomposition method that produces the high-temperature heat required for the drying tunnels. Unlike conventional combustion, this process operates in a low-oxygen environment, resulting in the production of biochar as a stable carbon byproduct. The system is designed to prioritize solar energy during daylight hours, using the pyrolytic biomass component to provide consistent thermal output and carbon sequestration capacity regardless of weather conditions.

The implementation of this hybrid system has demonstrated the potential for carbon-negative industrial operations. By sequestering atmospheric carbon within the biochar and substituting fossil fuels with renewable thermal energy, the process removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. This approach effectively transforms agricultural waste into a value-added soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More while providing a reliable energy source for food manufacturers. Consequently, the regional food supply chain reduces its environmental impact while improving waste management efficiency.