Biomass Facts is made possible by the generous support of companies and organizations to government agencies. Thanks to the involvement of these parties, we can continue our work and take an objective, informative look at the versatile world of biomass. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working together to raise awareness and knowledge about biomass...
The House of Representatives has decided that the burning of woody biomass should no longer be regarded as a 'sustainable energy source'. It is striking that Frans Timmermans, now PvdA/GL leader, also supports this change of course. While in his role as European Commissioner he was still a strong supporter of biomass as an alternative to fossil fuels. The Animal Party came up with a motion…
At the end of May we had our annual audit for BetterBiomass (NTA8080). Although our organization is certified for various systems and has relevant processes structurally on our agenda, this is still a time to ensure that there are some points missing. The audit took place at a larger central location where…
Wood is widely used for the production of everyday goods such as building materials, furniture, packaging materials and even textiles. Bark, which makes up 10-15% of a tree trunk, is a byproduct of wood processing and has only current value in energy production. What if softwood bark could be turned into a valuable source of…
On Friday, June 7, Platform Bio-Economie presented the 12th edition of the annual report on the use of woody biomass in the Netherlands. It is very important that transparent and well-founded figures can be made available to government, the business community and ultimately to Dutch citizens in order to monitor developments in this domain...
Are you interested in the latest developments in the world of biomass? Would you like to stay informed of the latest news, thought-provoking blogs and inspiring interviews? Then our monthly newsletter is exactly what you are looking for! At Biomass Facts we believe in the power and possibilities of biomass. Every month we bring you an overview…
This week, voters in the EU will be heading to the polls and electing a new European Parliament. As the campaigning gears up, the outgoing Commission's biggest legacy – the Green Deal – is drawing some criticism. Euractiv went as far as calling it “The number one election punching bag…”. Rhetoric about dismantling the Green…
BioBTX, Dutch technology developer in circular chemistry, has raised more than €80 million to build its first commercial factory. This investment makes it possible to scale up BioBTX's innovative ICCP technology in the PETRA Circular Chemicals Plant in Delfzijl. In this factory, plastic residual flows are converted into aromatics, building blocks for chemical...
In recent weeks, all political parties have shared their (draft) election manifestos for the European Parliament elections on June 6. The NVDE has listed the relevant passages that touch on the climate and energy transition. You can find the entire overview on their site. The table lists the parties in order of the number of seats…
In Drachten we find Fiberplast Group, a supplier of sustainable floor and facade solutions. Their mission is clear: delivering total solutions with a strong emphasis on biobased and circular construction. We spoke with CEO Walter Wieten and Commercial Director Gert Vos about their view on the future of the construction industry.
About 2030 homes must be built in our country by 900.000. The demand for building materials is increasing significantly. Together we work towards one goal: accelerating the transition to a circular and biobased (construction) economy. Biobased building: NEXT level. Circular construction The demand for building materials is increasing significantly due to the enormous demand for homes. Where…
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has presented the 'Scenario study of green gas production around 2030' to the House of Representatives. This study, conducted by CE Delft and New Energy Coalition, explores the development of green gas installations, their locations and production volumes in the Netherlands towards 2030. The results provide insight into provincial production capacities based on local…
Over the next 3 years, 11 partners in West North Brabant will work under the leadership of TNO to create green building blocks with local vegetable residual flows. From grass to glue, from sugar beet pulp to paint or from wood chips to insulating foam are examples of what the B4 project – Better Biobased Building Blocks – has in mind. These building blocks…
Bioenergy is one of the largest renewable energy sources worldwide and also one of the most important energy pillars in the future energy mix. Raw materials from biomass can be converted into different forms of energy via various chemical, biochemical, mechanical or thermochemical processes, such as cooling, heating, electricity production or the production of biofuels. Introduction Bioenergy is one of the largest renewable energy sources…
The outgoing cabinet does not intend to discourage the import of foreign woody biomass. A majority of the House of Representatives had requested this, but according to Minister Jetten, this goes against European and international trade rules. In the two-minute Climate and Energy debate of April 14, members Teunissen and Postma submitted a motion…
Microsoft and Swedish energy company Stockholm Exergi have announced a 10-year offtake agreement, which will provide Microsoft with more than 3,3 million tonnes of carbon removal certificates from the planned Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) facility in Värtan, Stockholm. The agreement marks the world's largest ever carbon removal deal, according to the companies. Anders Egelrud, CEO of Stockholm Exergi: “The agreement…
The Turin Joint Statement on Sustainable Biofuels highlights the role of sustainable biofuels in decarbonizing all transport sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, innovation, and creating value for communities. The Turin Joint Statement on Sustainable Biofuels highlights the role of sustainable biofuels in decarbonizing all transport sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, innovation, and creating value for communities. Signed…
The Turin Joint Declaration on Sustainable Biofuels highlights the role of sustainable biofuels in decarbonizing all transport sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, innovation and creating value for communities. The statement, signed by more than 75 industry leaders, trade associations and R&D organizations, draws attention to actions the G7 countries can…
Leading Japanese companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (“TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING”) and British renewable energy business, Drax Group (Drax), have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop both the world's first biomass-fueled ship (bioship) and the technology that could power it. Biomass is playing a growing…
Leading Japanese Companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (“TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING”) and British renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop both the world's first biomass-powered ship (bioship) and the technology that powers it could be…
On the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, innovative tests are underway with what are known as 'liquid trees' – photobioreactors that use microalgae to draw CO2 from the atmosphere. This project, led by Argentinian scientists, offers a promising solution in the fight against climate change. Instead of using traditional trees,…
The European Bio-Based Digital Twins (BBTWINS) project is organizing a webinar on May 15 from 10.00:11.00 AM to 2:XNUMX AM CET (GMT+XNUMX) examining the potential of digital twins within the biobased agri-food sector. BBTWINS is developing a digital platform for the optimization of agrifood value chain processes and the supply of high-quality biomass for bioprocessing. The platform is based on…
In the world of biobased construction, wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But an innovative perspective highlights straw as a promising alternative. Rob van Nistelrooij, owner of Bouwbedrijf Gebroeders van Herpen, enthusiastically supports this idea of straw as the 'building material of the future'. “Bio-based construction…
There is a strong connection between bioenergy and sustainable forest management. But how does this work? On the week of the International Day of Forests, Bioenergy Europe is proud to present a new paper on The Symbiotic Relationship between Bioenergy and Forest Management in Europe. The paper aims to clarify common misconceptions on the topic, delving into…
There is a strong link between bioenergy and sustainable forest management. But how does this work? In the week of the International Day of Forests, Bioenergy Europe presented a new article about the symbiotic relationship between bioenergy and forest management in Europe. The article aims to clarify common misconceptions on this subject, by…
Last week, CBE JU published its call for project proposals for 2024. A total of 213 million euros will be spent on promoting competitive circular biobased industries in Europe, spread over 18 topics. All stakeholders in the circular biobased sector can submit an application before the deadline of September 18, 2024, 17.00:XNUMX PM Brussels time.…
Bringing products and users together in the biobased economy is important. That is why Biobased Innovations Garden cordially invites suppliers of biobased products to promote their products at the exhibitor market during the Biobased Acceleration Day 2024. This day is intended to show which biobased products are already being produced. Textiles, packaging, cosmetics…
Writing a blog is a bit like a battle against a steadily ticking clock. As the deadline approaches, a calm state of being is disrupted by missing inspiration. I usually start with a piece of text that ultimately doesn't make it and disappears into the refrigerator for possible later use. Which by the way never happens. Because usually…
The Netherlands can be climate neutral by 2050 without adjusting its economic structure. This is evident from new research by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). The condition is that the production of bio raw materials and green hydrogen is significantly scaled up. The PBL calculated more than thirty techno-economic processes and concludes that postponing or excluding in advance…
The European Commission has approved a €900 million French scheme to support companies investing in the use of biomass and renewable hydrogen in energy and fuel production, to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition…
The European Commission has approved a €900 million French plan to support companies investing in the use of biomass and renewable hydrogen in energy and fuel production, to promote the transition to a net-zero economy in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved in…
The tax on natural gas is going up. The outgoing government is imposing a heavy energy tax on large-scale consumers in particular. In the Spring Memorandum, an increase of 22,4 percent was announced for the third, fourth and fifth brackets. An additional increase of 2030 percent will follow in 2,7. These are measures that should encourage major consumers to look for sustainable alternatives to natural gas. Hydrogen, for example, for which a separate reduced rate applies.
On April 12, the Council of the European Union adopted the overhaul of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This new version of the legislation will promote renovation and encourage the replacement of old inefficient fossil fuels boilers with on-site renewables, including biomass. Bioenergy Europe considers the new EPBD is a good step forward in phasing…
On April 12, the Council of the European Union revised the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). accepted. This new version of the legislation will promote renovation and encourage the replacement of old, inefficient fossil fuel boilers with on-site renewable energy sources, including biomass. Bioenergy Europe considers the new EPBD as…
The demand for sustainable and circular alternatives to fossil raw materials offers opportunities for the European biobased industry. This also applies to Central and Eastern European countries, where the development of biobased activities has lagged behind that in Western Europe. Recently updated country reports on the biobased industry in Romania and Poland underline the enormous potential in these countries,…
A group of Brabant farmers who grow raw materials for biobased building materials are uniting in the new Growers Cooperative. According to the initiators, the establishment of this cooperative focused on biobased crops is a first in the Netherlands. "This sustainable way of growing can become an alternative revenue model for many agricultural entrepreneurs," says board member and farmer John Verberne of…
Staatsbosbeheer manages approximately 275.000 hectares of land for the Dutch company, of which approximately 100.000 hectares is FSC certified forest. We were founded exactly 125 years ago to bring poor 'waste' land to sustainable use. In other words, forest planting and its management. But we no longer produce wood alone. We also provide a living environment for people, plants and animals. Briefly summarized in three pillars: Protect, Experience and Utilize.
Last month, the US Department of Energy (DOE) updated its cornerstone study on the availability of sustainable biomass concluding “More than 1 billion tons of biomass production capacity is identified nationally, while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, and exports. ” The report covers a range of possible feedstocks, not just woody biomass. At the…
If you are looking for bioaromatic samples (derived from sugar or lignin) to test in your products and/or if you could use application development support ranging from feasibility studies to prototype/pilot scale, BIO-CAPPP offers project SME innovation vouchers to support your innovations. BIO-CAPPP project partners VITO, Centexbel and TNO can…
The government will stimulate the cultivation of bio-based building materials as much as possible. Outgoing Minister Hugo de Jonge of Housing and Spatial Planning reminded the House of Representatives of this during a debate on circular construction. Member of Parliament Cor Pierik (BBB) demands more effort from the cabinet. 'Or growing raw materials for the construction of a new…
Last year we posted a series of interviews with people who work at companies that focus on bio-based raw materials. This year we are making a new series of interviews. In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. In this miniseries we highlight…
How many demands do you want to make on the lifeboat when the ship starts to sink? The recent political debate about bioenergy with CO2 storage (BECCS) reminded me of this cartoon. The Party for the Animals proposed banning sustainable biomass + CO2 storage for electricity production. Fortunately, the House of Representatives decided not to get rid of any tools...
Intercos SpA, global leader in research and development, production and marketing of cosmetics and skin care and hair and body care. Amarey, founded by the Illy family, an innovative start-up specialized in functional coffee-based products, announces a strategic partnership for research, innovation and development of cosmetic raw materials obtained with respect for…
The 2023 annual report provides a good picture of all activities and developments that the Green Gas Platform was involved with last year. Both in general terms and per expert group. It was an eventful year with a number of striking topics: a calculation error in the SDE++ subsidy for the category of small-scale mono-manure fermentation, uncertainty about...
The 2nd edition of the four-day Biobased Battle took place in March. 142 students from 7 different colleges in the Netherlands and Finland worked in multidisciplinary teams on corporate sustainability issues. The target? Presenting the best practical biobased solutions! The Biobased Battle 2024 is organized by Avans/MNEXT, HAN, HZ, Karelia, LAB, OAMK and…
After the Easter weekend it is very appropriate to tell a story about an egg and I thought of Columbus' egg, a symbol for finding a simple solution to a challenging problem. For decades we have been trying to replace fossil raw materials with biogenic alternatives, but the road to sustainability appears to be bumpier than expected.…
The down-to-earth English already figured it out: 'You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs'. It is no different with wood and trees: a healthy, thick tree is cut down to make a wooden table. And that change is sometimes, and for some people, a painful experience. Not surprising of course, especially when it comes to thick trees...
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At the end of last year I took part in a working visit to a few interesting bio boilers in Amersfoort. Then the question arose how much sustainable biomass there is actually locally: How do you show that there is enough biomass in a radius of 150 km around Amersfoort? It turned out that an answer was not easy to give. Because I…
Many sectors see a role for bio-based materials in the energy and raw materials transition. However, there are still many uncertainties: about the extent to which the available amount of bio-raw materials will be sufficient for the growing demand in various sectors, what the role of bio-raw materials is in the transition, and about the environmental effects of the cultivation of non-food crops. Of…
Low trophic marine biomass will play an important role in the development of circular and climate-neutral human, animal and non-food applications. Low trophic marine species, like mussels, are low in the food chain. They do not need land or fresh water and obtain their nutrition directly from their habitat. In addition, mussel cultivation in a…
The volume of green gas produced in 2023 is 280.200.000 m³. This is equivalent to 0,28 BCM and means a growth of 22% compared to 2022. The Dutch grid operators have announced this. The growth is partly due to several new green gas feeders that have entered the Dutch market. The Green Gas Platform…
On March 12, during the Week of the Circular Economy, the knowledge session The Raw Materials Transition within SMEs took place at the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom. Jacco Vonhof, chairman of MKB Nederland and Chantal Dietvorst – ten tije, Managing Director Ecosystems Development at the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) talked to Thijs Rodenburg…
On Tuesday, March 5, the amendment by member Teunissen (2-36197: ban on biomass from forests for energy generation) was put to the vote in the 22nd chamber and rejected. I would like to reflect on a few statements and assumptions that were added to the motion for reasons of motivation. One of the statements is that production…
18 European organizations released a call to action following the European Commission and Member States to prioritize heating and cooling decarbonisation in the upcoming legislative mandate. “To deliver on the 2040 target we need to boost renewables and de-fossilize our energy system. The EU should have a strong strategy to phase out fossil fuels. De-fossilizing…
18 European organizations have issued a call to action urging the European Commission and Member States to prioritize the decarbonization of heating and cooling in the upcoming legislative mandate. “To achieve the 2040 target, we must stimulate renewable energy sources and defossilize our energy system. The EU…
To be able to build more with wood and other bio raw materials, a reliable chain is needed. “There is still room for improvement in the Netherlands,” says Henk Wanningen, raw materials expert at Staatsbosbeheer. “We have taken the initiative to ensure that all parties in that chain, from forest owners to wood processors, work together better.” He also believes it is important…
Covestro is moving forward with the implementation of a unique process for producing the important chemical aniline entirely based on plant biomass instead of petroleum for the first time. At its Leverkusen site, the plastics manufacturer has now put a special pilot plant into operation for this purpose. Initially, large quantities of bio-based aniline will…
Covestro is moving forward for the first time with the implementation of a unique process for the production of the important chemical aniline, based entirely on vegetable biomass instead of petroleum. The plastics manufacturer has now started using a special pilot plant at its location in Leverkusen. Initially, large quantities of biobased aniline…
Four Testing Gardens were recently realized in the Hoftoren in The Hague within the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). An important goal of this adjustment was to give the spaces a more attractive appearance, so that people enjoy coming to the office. Application of innovative and biobased materials increases the quality of experience. It…
In the heart of Seville, where spring infuses the streets with an intoxicating scent of orange blossom, a remarkable journey from sour fruits to clean energy begins. With almost 50.000 orange trees adorning the city, it seems like Seville is wrapped in a cloak of citrus, but behind this beautiful facade lies a challenge for…
Sun, wind and biomass: almost half of the production of electrical energy in the Netherlands in 2023 came from renewable sources. Statistics Netherlands reports this based on provisional figures. According to Statistics Netherlands, the production of electricity from renewable sources increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year. The share of renewable sources…
Globally there is increased demand for sustainable energy solutions as well as an increasing range of bioproducts. This is driving an increased demand for biomass. As these markets grow, mature biomass producers will shift from primarily seeking out economically viable market options to seeking to access the highest value market their biomass resource is suitable…
Worldwide there is an increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and an ever-increasing range of organic products. This creates an increasing demand for biomass. As these markets grow, major biomass producers will shift from primarily seeking economically viable market options to seeking to access the highest value market…
The climate policy of the European Union (EU) is among some of the most well-developed in the world. However, with that depth comes complexity which inevitably leads to misunderstanding. One of the most misunderstood points is the “zero-emissions” factor that sustainable wood-based biomass receives in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). This means that the…
Martin van Rijn, chairman of Aedes, received the new Handbook 'Housing in timber' from Karo van Dongen, on behalf of the Brabantse Houtbouw Lente corporations, on February 26, 2024. Timber construction offers opportunities for social housing because it is sustainable, biobased and healthy. The environmental benefit lies in reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional construction methods.…
This year, entrepreneurs can again apply for the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy. In the 2024 application round, €11,5 billion is available for energy generation and CO2 reduction by companies. That is €3,5 billion more than last year. There are also some techniques to do this. Projects with solar panels and wind turbines on…
In a joint effort to promote sustainability and reduce the impact on the environment, five leading housing associations in West Brabant – Thuisvester, Alwel, Laurentius, Woonkwartier and Stadlander – took an important step on February 20. They have signed a commitment statement to use bio-based insulation materials more often in new construction and renovation projects. This initiative…
Energy is everywhere. Under your feet, deep in the ground, for example. But also in manure, straw, wood waste and mown roadside grass. Platform This is how energy works in the Netherlands launched an Information Card on Bioenergy this week. The map has been created in such a way that the reader quickly gains insight into the most important characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of bioenergy. Bioenergy…
On March 8 this year, we will have used up all the renewable energy that the Netherlands produces by 2024. This day, known as Green Energy Day, symbolizes the moment when we have exhausted our supply of renewable energy for the year, if we were to rely on it current consumption level. The Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) has…
Coffee Based and Sodexo announced the launch of the Cafea Cup on February 15, a circular innovation in the world of reusable cups. Made with silver membranes that are released when roasting coffee beans and made entirely from plant-based materials, that makes this cup unique. The Cafea Cup is the latest product from Coffee Based,…
More and more farms are generating electricity with their own wind turbine. Not the large gray aluminum colossi, but a small variant that looks a lot friendlier with its green mast and wooden blades. And the larch wood from which they are made comes from Staatsbosbeheer. “A good use of our wood,” says Kasper Broek, wood product specialist at…
In June, EU citizens will head to the polls in elections for the European Parliament. These elections mark the end of the current Commission's term in office with the “Green Deal” as its undisputed legacy. But what can we expect from the next Commission? The process for deciding what a new Commission should focus on…
The new Master's program in Materials & Energy Transition (MET) from Avans University of Applied Sciences seems likely to start in September 2024. The Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization has taken a positive decision. This means that students can officially register via Studielink in mid-April. Teacher-researchers Ad Breukel, Michiel Michels and Mertijn Weeda are in the team…
On Friday, February 16, deputy Gert Harm ten Bolscher of the province of Overijssel awarded the first subsidy for the cultivation of new crops to Gerard Stroek in Heeten. He is one of the entrepreneurs who uses the hectare payment to create new revenue models in agriculture. Entrepreneurs involved in…
At a time when sustainability and environmental awareness are becoming increasingly important, the municipality of Bergen op Zoom took a special initiative in 2017: the establishment of the BioBest Trophy. This prize was awarded to the most sustainable and environmentally friendly car that took part in the big parade in the 'Krabbegat'. Over the years, the…
New paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, based on a study carried out in the frame of IEA Bioenergy Task 43 (Biomass Supply). The sustainability of biomass supply chains is a controversially debated topic, especially given their important role in the growing bioeconomy. The use of biomass, in its different forms, has impacts…
New article published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, based on a study conducted in the context of IEA Bioenergy Task 43 (Biomass Supply). The sustainability of biomass supply chains is a controversial topic, especially given their important role in the growing bioeconomy. The use of biomass, in its various forms, has consequences for…
Following Henk Wanningen's recent blog post on www.biomassafeiten.nl, in which he discusses the subject of forest management and woody biomass in detail, the podcast of Studio Energie by Remco de Boer was created. Henk gives a clear and informative explanation, and it is definitely worth listening to. We see that the Biomass Facts campaign…
Bioenergy Europe warmly welcomes the European Commission's Communication on the 2040 climate targets. A 90% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is the right response to the ever-growing threat of climate change and the bioenergy sector is ready to step up and contribute to its achievement. Achieving the objectives set by the Commission will require a herculean…
Bioenergy Europe warmly welcomes the European Commission's communication on the 2040 climate targets. A 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is the right response to the ever-increasing threat of climate change and the bioenergy sector is ready to take a to go one step further and contribute to the realization...
The Commission is charting the path to reach the goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. It recommends a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, which is in line with recent scientific advice and the EU's commitments under the Paris Agreement. The following actions will be needed to achieve…
The European Commission is mapping out the route to achieve the goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. It recommends a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, which is in line with recent scientific advice and the EU's obligations under the Agreement…
Europe, with the Netherlands as an example, has been a leader for 50 years when it comes to giving raw materials a new or better application.
The CDR sector is calling for the Green Claims Directive to recognize the role of climate claims in driving investment in permanent and high-integrity carbon removal, as long as this does not hinder or reduce a company's absolute emissions reduction target. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains the most direct and effective way to slow climate change and...
The CDR sector asks that the Green Claims Directive recognizes the role of climate claims to incentivize investment in permanent & high-integrity carbon removals, as long as this neither impedes nor reduces a company's absolute emissions reduction target. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains the most immediate and effective way of slowing climate change and…
Renewables 2023 is the IEA's primary analysis on the sector, based on current policies and market developments. It forecasts the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat to 2028 while also exploring key challenges to the industry and identifying barriers to faster growth. At the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai, more…
Renewables 2023 is the IEA's main analysis on the sector, based on current policy and market developments. It forecasts the deployment of renewable energy technologies in electricity, transport and heat until 2028, while also examining key challenges facing the industry and identifying barriers to faster growth. At the COP28 conference…
On 18 January at the Press Club in Brussels, Bioenergy Europe hosted an event to delve into the heart of Europe's energy landscape and the role of Bioenergy in the EU energy transition. During the event Jérémie Geelen, Bioenergy Europe's Market Intelligence Director, presented a statistical report, 'Bioenergy Landscape' shedding light on bioenergy's significance in the European Union's decarbonization journey.…
On January 18, Bioenergy Europe organized an event at the Press Club in Brussels to delve deeper into Europe's energy landscape and the role of bioenergy in the EU's energy transition. During the event, Jérémie Geelen, the Market Intelligence Director of Bioenergy Europe, presented a statistical report, 'Bioenergy Landscape', which…
Not every politician embraces the bioenergy phenomenon. He or she avoids the subject or is outright against it. Some people fear a manure lock-in due to the fermentation of cow manure, others fear the disappearance of forests due to the gasification of wood chips. There are concerns about food displacement and the consumption of high-quality bio-raw materials, here and elsewhere in the world. How sustainable can bioenergy be?
Fishing nets lost at sea are a major source of plastic pollution in the ocean. These so-called 'ghost nets' drift around the world, ensnaring and killing fish, dolphins, seals, birds and sea turtles. Now a South African/Swedish joint venture wants to put an end to the problem with compostable fishing nets. Fishing nets lost at sea are a…
Enlargement of a biochar particle that has preserved the pore structure of the wood. Photo: TNO TNO has recently developed an innovative method called “EnerChar” to produce clean carbon on a large scale. This method makes it possible to produce biocarbon with various properties, while simultaneously generating heat and capturing CO2. The…
In the ongoing fight against climate change, the European Union recently introduced the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will come into effect on December 30, 2024, which aims to limit deforestation in the production of bio-commodities. Although this is a crucial step, the implementation of these regulations poses sufficient challenges.
The global market for the generation of electricity from solid biomass continues to grow. Japan is developing into the strongest market in Asia. In Europe, growth is driven by the demand for heating. By 2032, ecoprog expects to commission more than 1.200 installations worldwide with a total capacity of more than 19,1 GWel. ecoprog…
The global market for the generation of electricity from solid biomass continues to grow. Japan is developing into the strongest market in Asia. In Europe, growth is being driven by demand for heating. Until 2032, ecoprog expects more than 1,200 plants with a total capacity of more than 19.1 GWel to go into operation worldwide.…
More than 1.000 visitors attended the second Circular Valley Forum in the Historical Stadthalle of Wuppertal (Germany) in November last year. The high-level event for the circular economy, organized by Circular Valley, Tech Tour and the Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC), brought together industry, policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists and civil society organizations. The first day of…
Staatsbosbeheer and Heijmans are joining forces to process OSB sheet material made from wood from Dutch forests in Dutch timber-frame homes. Staatsbosbeheer annually supplies logs to the West Fraser factory in Genk (Belgium), with which West Fraser produces 40.000 m3 of OSB sheet material under the Dutch wood label. The raw material comes from the forests…
The Dutch armed forces are world leaders in the use of biofuels, replacing the fossil equivalent. And the aim is to go one step further this new year. More diesel and kerosene will be mixed in aircraft, shipping and vehicles, with organic variants made from used frying fat. Every year, Defense consumes many dozens...
With the start of 2024, new opportunities will arise in the field of bio-based building materials, including wood, flax and hemp fiber. In an effort to promote sustainability, the Dutch government has significantly increased the subsidy amounts for insulation measures with biobased materials for both home owners and business parties. Home owners who decide to clean their roof, floor or…
