Commission steps up biomass use

Those interested in the new Bioenergy Scheme might also be interested in the launch of a major research initiative by European Commission about the sustainable use of biomass has been announced.Researchers and industry are going to develop new ways to convert biological feedstock into energy and valuable material using biorefinery technology. The Commission will fund the programme with € 52 million for 4 years. 81 partners from universities, research institutes and industry in 20 countries will invest an additional € 28 million.

The programme will contribute to the European Lead Market initiative on Bio-Based products. It aims to facilitate the translation of technological and non-technological innovation into commercial products and services. Biorefinery research will also contribute to the implementation of the European Energy & Climate Package. The goal is that by 2020 transport in every Member State will use a minimum of 10% renewable energy - especially biofuels. Biorefinery is also an important feature of the Bio-energy European Industrial Initiative, one of the six industrial initiatives of the European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan. Its objective is that by 2020 at least 14 % of the EU energy mix will be bio-energy. More than 200 000 local jobs could be created as a result.

Multidisciplinary research is needed to achieve the full potential of biomass, so the Commission is bringing together the most advanced developers in Europe of biorefineries. On the energy side they are developing new methods to convert biomass into so called second generation biofuels in which feedstock doesn’t compete with food production and which will produce heat and electricity. The other approach is to crack the components of biomass in order to produce chemicals and materials.

Three large collaborative projects will address the entire value chain from the production of biomass, logistics, intermediary processing steps and its conversion into end-products withthe feasibility of the techniques shown at pilot scale. One coordination action project will provide immediate support to and coordination of ongoing biorefinery research projects with potential high impact, as well as providing a framework for collaborations and information exchange, a common vision and a roadmap for 2020.

For further information visit the European Commission Research web site

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