NoviqTech Partners With Swinburne on Biochar Concrete for Data Centres
NoviqTech‘s subsidiary Coralia has signed a Research Partnership Agreement with Swinburne University of Technology to advance biochar applications in low-carbon concrete production, specifically targeting data centre infrastructure. The partnership establishes a dual revenue pathway comprising biochar carbon removal credits and physical biochar for construction materials, positioning Coralia at the intersection of carbon markets and infrastructure decarbonisation supply chains.
Coralia partners with Swinburne University to develop biochar low-carbon concrete for data centres
The collaboration addresses a significant decarbonisation challenge in the construction sector, where cement accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Concrete can represent up to 40% of construction materials in data centres, creating substantial demand for low-carbon alternatives as Australia’s data centre capacity is projected to more than double to 3,100 MW by 2030, requiring an estimated $26 billion in investment.
The partnership extends Coralia’s capabilities across both carbon credit generation and physical decarbonisation applications, targeting data centre operators seeking to reduce embodied carbon in construction materials. The dual revenue model provides exposure to two growth markets, with data centre infrastructure demand serving as the commercial driver for biochar adoption in concrete applications.
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What is biochar and why does it matter for concrete?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from biomass through a controlled heating process. When incorporated into concrete, biochar offers a dual benefit: reducing emissions during concrete production whilst enabling long-term carbon sequestration as the biochar remains stable within the concrete structure for decades.
The material addresses a critical gap in construction sector decarbonisation. Traditional concrete production is highly carbon-intensive, with limited low-carbon alternatives available at commercial scale. Biochar provides a pathway to reduce embodied carbon in concrete whilst simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a combination that positions the technology as a potential solution for sectors facing regulatory pressure to reduce construction-related emissions.
For investors, biochar’s application in concrete represents an opportunity to capture value from the convergence of carbon removal markets and physical decarbonisation demand in high-growth infrastructure segments.
Phase 1 research programme targets non-structural concrete applications
The Phase 1 programme will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of incorporating biochar derived from invasive Chinese apple tree (Ziziphus mauritiana) biomass into non-structural concrete and landscaping products. The research components include:
- Feedstock and biochar characterisation
- Concrete mix design
- Performance and durability testing
- Accelerated ageing assessment
- Environmental assessment under tropical and coastal conditions
Swinburne University of Technology will develop testing methodologies, quality assurance frameworks, and regulatory pathway assessments aligned with Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4455.2. The programme culminates in a consolidated Phase 1 report, with a potential Phase 2 programme to evaluate scalability and structural concrete applications for data centre infrastructure.
Non-structural applications provide a lower regulatory barrier entry point compared to structural concrete, enabling faster commercialisation whilst generating performance data required for progression into higher-value structural applications. This staged approach is intended to establish market presence in segments where engineering and compliance requirements are comparatively lower, such as landscaping and civil works.
Industry context and prior biochar-concrete applications
The research programme will consider industry developments and prior pilot applications of biochar in construction materials. Reference projects include Holcim’s full-scale housing prototype using biochar-enhanced concrete at the Venice Biennale of Architecture, demonstrating industry momentum towards biochar adoption in construction.
Following the Phase 1 programme, Coralia will seek concrete industry partners to commence commercial trials of biochar-enhanced concrete. The company will also apply for grant opportunities to accelerate project development and scale testing activities.
Dual revenue model spans carbon credits and construction supply chains
Coralia’s partnership with Swinburne establishes two distinct revenue pathways, reducing dependency on single-market exposure.
| Revenue Stream | Description | Target Market |
|---|---|---|
| Biochar carbon removal credits | Generation and sale of high-integrity credits from biochar production | Carbon markets, corporate buyers seeking carbon dioxide removal |
| Physical biochar applications | Biochar incorporated into concrete to reduce embodied carbon | Data centres, digital infrastructure projects |
The staged commercialisation approach prioritises non-structural applications where regulatory and engineering requirements are lower. This generates performance data to inform potential progression into structural applications whilst establishing early market adoption and near-term revenue opportunities.
The strategic intent is to establish capability and market presence in high-volume segments prior to assessing broader commercialisation opportunities. This positions Coralia to capture value across both carbon credit markets and physical decarbonisation supply chains, aligned with growing demand for integrated, verifiable solutions addressing operational and embodied emissions in infrastructure projects.
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About the research partners
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is a leading Australian university recognised for applied research, innovation, and industry collaboration. The university maintains deep expertise in materials science, engineering, and sustainability, with established strengths in materials characterisation, performance testing, and standards-aligned validation of construction materials.
Swinburne’s research programmes focus on translating scientific discovery into scalable applications, with capabilities in advanced manufacturing, construction materials, and circular economy solutions. The university’s role in the partnership centres on developing testing methodologies and regulatory pathway assessments that align with Australian Standards.
Coralia’s positioning in biochar carbon removal
Coralia is building an institutional-grade portfolio of high-integrity Biochar Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) projects in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, North Queensland. The company targets data centres and AI hyperscale operators seeking to reduce net carbon emissions through high-integrity biochar carbon removals.
The partnership with Swinburne aligns with accelerating demand for verifiable carbon removal solutions, positioning Coralia to serve both domestic and global markets as data centre operators face increasing pressure to address embodied carbon in construction materials.
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