About Aston University

The Bioenergy Research Group (BERG) within the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University in the United Kingdom is among the most established bioenergy research groups in the world. 

Our novel developments have led us to become one of the world’s leading university laboratories in thermal biomass processing. Led by Professor Tony Bridgwater, BERG’s interdisciplinary team of researchers come from a wide variety of backgrounds including chemical, mechanical and aerospace engineering, chemistry, physical environmental studies and business studies. 

The focus of our research is fast pyrolysis, which converts solid biomass into a valuable liquid energy carrier, or fuel known as bio-oil that can be directly used for heat, power and chemicals, and can be readily upgraded into higher value second generation biofuels and chemicals. There is complimentary work on: 

• Gasification
• Biomass Pre-treatment
• Product upgrading
• Hydrothermal liquefaction
• Characterisation and analysis
• Chemicals production
• System design
• Technical and economic evaluation

EBRI has developed some of the most comprehensive university based thermal processing facilities and capabilities in the world. These include extensive facilities for fast, intermediate and slow pyrolysis, analysis, CFD and process modelling.

Download a PDF of the facilities available to BRISK2 TA visitors here.