SHELL

SHELL

Identifying new opportunities for transitioning to low-carbon energy

Context

As part of the energy transition, Shell is exploring ways to create energy and chemicals from biological materials. It asked Innovia to find new applications for a common by-product from these processes: a high-carbon material called biochar. For each application, Shell wanted to know what further processing biochar would need to be competitive.

Approach

We used our first-principles understanding and Shell’s deep knowledge of the processes that create the biochar to map biochar’s properties in a structured way. We identified which properties or combinations of properties were noteworthy, and suggested applications. For each application, we identified the key development challenges, explored how those challenges could be overcome, and recommended what Shell should do next.

Impact

Our work delivered new opportunities for transitioning to low-carbon energy. We have since worked with the Shell team to explore these in more detail. Our thinking has ongoing relevance for similar technologies using materials made from biological sources. These are likely necessary for the energy transition. Our direct client praised our structured approach: “Reading papers is one thing, but interpreting and spotting contradictions – that is an art.”

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