ReGenEarth has begun dismantling the former biomass furnace at its Eccleshall site, affectionately known on site as ‘Alice.’ After decades of service, Alice is being retired with respect, making space for a bold, next-generation vision. For many years, Alice played a vital role in generating renewable power.
However, after a series of equipment failures, rising feedstock costs and falling electricity prices, the biomass boiler reached the end of its operational life in September 2025, several years ahead of its scheduled run until 2027. Following a strategic review, the site is now being redeveloped under Project Phoenix, marking a major step towards next-generation circular infrastructure.
“Saying goodbye to Alice is bittersweet,” says Andy, ReGenEarth’s Eccleshall operations lead. “She served us well, but it’s exciting to see the site transition to technologies that offer even greater environmental and economic impact.”
Making way for the future
The Eccleshall site will become an integrated hub for sustainable solutions, combining biochar production with advanced Electro-Thermal Process (ETP) tyre recycling.
Phase 1 & 2 — Biochar production
Locally sourced waste materials will be transformed into biochar through a controlled pyrolysis process. The system is largely automated, providing commercially viable volumes for local landowners and potential export markets while requiring only a small, skilled workforce. Phase 2 of the redevelopment will introduce four pyrolysers in the former log line, producing biochar, carbon credits, and electricity.
Phase 2 — Next-generation tyre recycling
The planned ETP facility will use microwave-driven electro-thermal processing to recycle end-of-life tyres with zero emissions to the atmosphere. The process recovers steel, fabric, oil, and high-quality recovered carbon black (rCB), which can be reused in manufacturing new tyres, plastics and even sustainable aviation fuel. Each line employs around 45 skilled team members, with Phase 3 of the project focused on implementing the system in the former Biomass Power Hall to process over two million tyres per year. The gases produced during processing will power engines to generate electricity, while CO₂ is captured and turned into saleable products.
Project Phoenix in action
The dismantling of Alice marks the first visible stage of Project Phoenix at Eccleshall, ReGenEarth’s programme to transform legacy energy assets into modern climate infrastructure. So far, two-thirds of the biomass equipment has been removed, with reusable components entering the recycling system or being repurposed.
As redevelopment progresses, the site will create new opportunities for skilled employment, support advanced recycling innovation and position the region as a hub for clean technology and sustainable resource recovery.
