Biaco Secures Innovate UK Funding for Greenhouse Heating and Water Treatment Demonstration
Biaco Energy has been awarded funding through Innovate UK’s ADOPT programme to trial its innovative plasma technology in partnership with Vitacress Herbs, Vitacress Salads, and West Sussex Growers.
The project will showcase the potential of Biaco’s plasma heating system to decarbonise greenhouse operations by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based heating technologies, such as natural gas-powered CHP engines, which are commonly used across the sector.
Running over a 12-month period, the programme will begin with the installation of a Biaco prototype heating system at Vitacress Herbs’ greenhouse site in Runcton. The system will supply a proportion of the site’s heating demand, demonstrating a lower carbon alternative for controlled-environment agriculture.
In the second phase of the project, Biaco’s technology will be applied to liquid waste processing. Salad wash water from Vitacress Salads will be treated using the system, with the aim of breaking down residual pesticides and fertilisers. This could enable water reuse and significantly reduce environmental impact.
The project addresses two major challenges facing growers:
- Carbon-intensive heating: Current reliance on fossil fuels increases emissions and exposes businesses to rising carbon costs.
- Water sustainability: Freshwater used in salad washing cannot typically be reused due to contamination from agricultural chemicals.
By tackling both energy and water challenges, the trial aims to demonstrate a scalable, sustainable solution for the horticulture industry.
West Sussex Growers will support knowledge sharing throughout the project, helping to disseminate insights and best practices to growers both regionally and across the UK.
