Biomass remains the primary route to sustainable carbon in many discussions. But bio-based processes also generate a second carbon stream, biogenic CO2. This is released during biomass processing, fermentation, and organic waste treatment. The EU-funded research project UNICO2RN aims to demonstrate how such CO2 streams can be captured and utilized as a raw material for microbial protein…
Researchers at Delft University of Technology, in collaboration with the South China University of Technology, have discovered a unique property in a group of enzymes naturally occurring in fungi. This discovery sheds new light on biochemistry, the science that studies how chemical processes work in living beings. The research, led by…
During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, the European Member States discussed the implementation strategy for bio-based fertilizers. The dialogue focused on removing technical barriers to RENURE products, which play a role in the transition of European agriculture and biochemistry. The core of the discussions in Brussels was the practical implementation…
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) is expanding the Circular Biopolyester Testing (STCB) scheme in 2026. The available funding will increase from €1,5 million to €4 million. Furthermore, for the first time this year, large companies will also be eligible for this support, whereas the scheme was previously limited to small and medium-sized enterprises. The expansion…
While Ukraine's large-scale energy infrastructure faces persistent instability, the Dutch business community is working on practical, decentralized alternatives. By deploying Dutch biomass technology, towns and cities are becoming less dependent on the vulnerable central electricity grid. This approach, coordinated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves…
The energy company EemsGas has been awarded a €30 million investment subsidy for the construction of a biomass gasification plant in the Eemsmond region. The total investment for the project amounts to approximately €100 million. The subsidy will be used to build a plant that produces green gas from B-grade wood (demolition wood). The project is a…
In May 2026, The Hague will host the 34th edition of the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE). This event is considered one of the most influential platforms for the biomass sector worldwide, bringing together more than 1.500 delegates from the scientific, business, and policy sectors. The central theme of this edition is…
On February 13, 2026, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) presented its recommendations for the base amounts of the SDE++ scheme for 2026. In collaboration with TNO and DNV, the parameters for the upcoming subsidy round were established. For the bioenergy sector, the report provides important frameworks for scaling up green gas and the use of biomass…
The realization of Europe's first specialized plant for sustainable aviation fuel has come a step closer. Construction of the DSL-01 facility in Farmsum, near Delfzijl, can finally begin now that an agreement has been reached between fuel producer SkyNRG and environmental organization Mobilization for the Environment (MOB). Additional agreements on environmental standards have resulted in a long-term...
Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy in the European Union. Bioenergy Europe's recently published 2025 Landscape Report shows that the sector contributes to the stability of the energy supply through low dependence on external energy sources, particularly in heat supply. The report analyzes the current state of the EU energy system based on…
Millions of people touch thermal paper daily, whether it's receipts, shipping labels, or medical reports. This paper almost always contains bisphenols like BPA or BPS, substances that can disrupt hormone balance. Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed a sustainable alternative that uses lignin and sugars from wood as the basis for a safe…
The European Commission states in a new report that industrial capacity for advanced biofuels must increase by a factor of 30 by 2030 to meet climate goals. The publication emphasizes that the current focus on refinery capacity alone is insufficient; the entire economic chain surrounding the collection of bio-based feedstocks must be revised. Scaling up is essential for…
The Dutch government has sharpened its ambitions for the European bioeconomy. In a recent BNC factsheet, the government responds to the European Commission's new plans. The core message: The Netherlands is committed to a circular chain in which bio-based raw materials are optimally utilized, with strong synergy between high-quality materials and sustainable energy supply. With the publication of…
An agreement has been reached in the Rivierenland region for the cultivation of hemp fiber on 40 hectares of agricultural land. The collaboration between Collectief Rivierenland and Building Balance connects local arable farming directly with the construction sector for the production of biobased building materials. The agreements were officially presented in early February 2026. The initiative is part of the project…
With the growing scarcity of sustainable bioresources, the biggest challenge is not only finding sufficient volume but also managing the complex variability. The international consortium Project OPAL presented groundbreaking results in which AI models and robotics take control in the laboratory. This maximizes the use of scarce bioresources and enables large-scale...
The lack of clear definitions and measurement methods is currently one of the main barriers to the large-scale adoption of natural building materials. With the impending publication of the Dutch Technical Agreement (NTA) 8230 "Biobased Building," scheduled for the end of March 2026, the sector is now entering the final phase of a comprehensive standardization process. The new standard must…
