Essential Oil Bioenergy and Biochar Production from Nuts and Botanicals

OBJECTIVES

Creation of new thermal bio-waste processing technologies

Test whether nut shells can be opened and essential oils extracted using a DIC (instant controlled pressure drop) unit

Measure how much essential oil is extracted and analyse its chemical make-up

Assess if the combined DIC and pyrolysis system can work well both technically and commercially to produce essential oils, biochar and energy from nut waste

Team

Kalpit Shah

Lead Researcher

Mojtaba Hedayatimarzabali

Research Fellow

Partners

Australian Taste Pine Nuts (ATPN)

South East Water

Progress

SUMMARY

This project began by exploring how to turn nut shell waste—pine nuts, almonds, macadamias, and hazelnuts—into useful products like essential oils, biochar and bioenergy using a three-stage process. Led by RMIT and originally partnered with Australian Taste Pine Nuts (ATPN), the research was affected by COVID-related changes, and South East Water has now joined as a key partner. The scope has expanded to include biosolids as a feedstock. A new thermal processing technology is being trialled and will be implemented by both partners after the research ends. Industry has already invested in an ADCAR unit to continue the trials, a manuscript is underway for publication, and the team has shared findings at industry and CSIRO events.

OPPORTUNITIES

Unlock new commercial uses for nut-shell waste and biosolids through bio-product innovation

Access funding and collaboration opportunities in sustainable agriculture and bioenergy research

Create scalable solutions that industry and government partners can adopt for circular economy goals

Strengthen cross-sector partnerships between universities, utilities, and agricultural businesses

Help shift agricultural waste processing from landfill to value-added bio-product creation

AS SEEN AT

CSIRO Agricultural Workshop – presentation