Dartmouth project seeks to convert waste to energy

Dartmouth sophomore engineering student Ben Cavanagh monitors a biomass torrefaction reactor, which breaks down agricultural and forestry waste like husks and wood chips in a high heat, low oxygen environment to create a carbon-rich substance called biochar, at the Dartmouth Organic Farm in Hanover, N.H., on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Cavanagh is assisting earth sciences professor Mukul Sharma on his project studying the use of biochar in carbon sequestration, as fertilizer and as a fuel source. “If it works properly it’s a pretty elegant solution,” Cavanagh said. (Valley News - Alex Driehaus) Valley News – Alex Driehaus

Published: 11-18-2024 4:31 PM

HANOVER — Dartmouth sophomore engineering student Ben Cavanagh monitored a biomass torrefaction reactor, which breaks down agricultural and forestry waste like husks and wood chips in a high heat, low oxygen environment to create a carbon-rich substance called biochar, at the Dartmouth Organic Farm in Hanover on Monday.

Cavanagh is assisting earth sciences professor Mukul Sharma on his project studying the use of biochar in carbon sequestration, as fertilizer and as a fuel source.

“If it works properly it’s a pretty elegant solution,” Cavanagh said.