(especially in the field of bio-based raw materials) There are a lot of conferences happening in the Netherlands these days. Open LinkedIn and you'll see one lineup after another. Because I'm in that bubble, meetings about energy and chemistry dominate my timeline. I attend some of them, like this week's annual Energy Day of the online magazine Energeia.
The upcoming elections promise to be exciting, not only politically, but especially for climate policy in the Netherlands. While the formation will undoubtedly revolve around purchasing power, migration, and security, an equally important issue lies beneath the surface: how do we proceed with our energy transition, and with biomass as a component of it?
In early September, the annual Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation was held in Busan[1], South Korea. I was fortunate enough to attend as part of the Dutch delegation and a representative of the Integrated Biorefineries Mission. Given the societal uncertainty, I was curious to see how things are currently being handled globally…
Every year, the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service publishes Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) reports offering fact-based, data-rich updates on agricultural commodity markets, including for wood pellets. Although produced by a US government agency, they provide a broad overview of global market trends, making them essential reading for anyone involved in the wood pellet trade. Their…
And that's bad news for bioresources. Bioresources are a key component of the circular economy. The biological cycle is based on the principle that organic materials are reabsorbed into nature after use, so they can once again find their way as raw materials into building materials, plastics, fuel, and countless other products. It's no coincidence that...
While tensions are increasing worldwide and new priorities are being set, the sustainability of our energy and material supply remains more than necessary. For the reader of Biomass Facts this is a known fact, but how can we achieve this together. From the international cooperation within the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and Mission Innovation I see from…
This morning, with a cup of coffee in one hand and my phone in the other, I was reading an article about a possible US-Ukraine raw materials deal. According to the reports, the Americans would gain strategic access to Ukrainian raw materials such as lithium and cobalt – materials that are essential for batteries, electric cars and the energy transition. My first thought? What does this mean for Europe? And what does this mean for the Netherlands?
As EU Member States press ahead with implementing the Renewable Energy Directive III (REDIII), they are required to apply the “cascading principle” when awarding subsidies for woody biomass for energy. The idea sounds straightforward — prioritize higher-value uses of wood before lower-value ones — but in practice, it is anything but. As I've written previously,…
The last year the European petrochemical industry has entered into a downward spiral with almost weekly announcements of closures of production facilities. For me as a chemist working in the industry for more than 25 years, it is really fascinating to observe an industrial transformation in real time! The war in Ukraine and more recently…
Since the start of Biomassafeiten.nl in 2020, I have been involved with the platform, first in the development of the website, later also in creating and sharing content. During that period, I have increasingly delved into the world of biomass and bio-based raw materials. What I quickly noticed: in the regular media…
Burning biomass for energy – it is the classic ‘low-value’ application. Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the world of bio-resources knows the mantra: use biomass as high-value as possible, for example as a raw material for chemicals, materials or biobased products. Energy production is considered a closing item; an inefficient way to utilise a versatile, often difficult to obtain raw material.…
Until recently, data centers were largely background infrastructure—quietly plugging away enabling us to send emails, work online and stream our favorite shows. That all changed in November 2022, when OpenAI released the first iteration of ChatGPT. Since then, so-called 'hyperscalers', those investing in large-scale data centers such as Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet, have been…
This morning, with a cup of coffee in one hand and my phone in the other, I was reading an article about a possible US-Ukraine raw materials deal. According to the reports, the Americans would gain strategic access to Ukrainian raw materials such as lithium and cobalt – materials that are essential for batteries, electric cars and the energy transition. My first thought? What does this mean for Europe? And what does this mean for the Netherlands?
The aviation sector may account for a relatively small proportion of global carbon emissions (2.5%), but it remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. A large part of the solution lies with the scale-up of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the International Air Transport Association expecting SAF to contribute 65% to achieving net-zero…
When carrying out work in nature reserves, these must be carried out within the framework of the Nature Conservation Act. To make this practically possible, a code of conduct has been drawn up. When working within the guidelines of this code of conduct, one remains within the framework. In December 2024, the administrative court ruled on a…
We hear and read daily that the Cabinet is not always on the same page. It is becoming increasingly clear that this division also hinders policy choices. Stimulation of green gas, produced from biogenic residual flows, is one of the first dossiers to fail as a result. Blending obligation For years, work has been done on a legally required percentage in…
In this first full week of the new year, I would like to wish everyone all the best for 2025! I hope you had a nice, warm holiday season, ended 2024 in a beautiful way, and started this new year full of fresh energy.
“Will anything come of it?” is the first reaction that makes you sigh when you see how much is being discussed in various international bodies about sustainability, but not being acted upon. We have just finished COP29 where we did not get much further than statements such as: “In connection with the climate threat, immediate…
Staatsbosbeheer is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. In this context, Staatsbosbeheer’s forests will be in the spotlight during a number of autumn debates this year. The debate of 17 October was entitled “A new Veluwe needed for the raw materials transition?” During the debate, the following people gave a short in-depth reflection: Gert-Jan Gruter (Avantium, special professor…
The recent re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States has caused a lot of controversy, especially in the areas of climate policy and renewable energy. Trump is known for his pro-fossil fuel industry and his skeptical attitude towards climate change. This attitude could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the domestic policy of…
Let the children come to me, all, all the children… Almost everyone who has ever been to church in their youth will have sung this classic. It has certainly stuck with me, probably because the text is so welcoming (or in a modern term: inclusive). And without the…
Recently, Minister Hermans (KGG) responded to questions from the PvdD that negative emissions 'form an important part of the policy mix to be climate neutral in 2050'. The principles of the 'Roadmap Carbon Removal' that is being developed for this purpose, will be presented in the Climate Plan on 24 October. It seems that this Cabinet is working on the advice of the Scientific Climate Council to implement an active policy for the removal of carbon dioxide.
Bioenergy plays a pivotal role in the Dutch energy system, accounting for half of all renewable energy generation and nearly 10% of the country's total energy supply. Among the various feedstocks used, sustainable wood pellets are a crucial component, with a significant portion sourced from the US Southeast. Looking ahead, it's clear that this figure…
Yesterday, on Budget Day, the new government program was presented, and I cannot help but be enthusiastic about the direction that has been chosen. The cabinet shows that they are serious about the energy transition and the green growth that goes with it. For me, as director of the Platform Bio-Economy, this is a confirmation that we…
The third iteration of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) found its way onto the statute book last year, but the story doesn't end there; it's just the start of a new chapter. Member states now have until 21 May 2025 to implement the rules into national law. Some changes – such as the sustainability criteria in…
How wonderful it is to feel like a student again at the age of fifty. I had that experience this spring at a 'Forest lesson' by Simon Klingen in the Amerongse Bos. Klingen, retired forest manager for the Utrecht Landscape, and a kind of Big Friendly Giant, regularly takes a small group of people into the forest to better…
Summer has finally arrived, which means the well-deserved holiday period and therefore a slightly different blog from me. We have often looked forward to our holiday for months. We plan our trip and dream of relaxation. Yet the moment of departure always seems far away. And then, suddenly, the holidays are over. This…
On July 10, the Scientific Climate Council (WKR) published its advice 'Clearing the air?'. The core of the report is that the Netherlands and Europe should not only focus on CO₂ reduction, but also on carbon removal. Biogenic CO₂ is mentioned as one of the techniques to achieve this. Deputy WKR director Heleen de Coninck said about it on BNN VARA: "That can be done, for example, by using biomass, and the CO₂ emissions from that consumption are then captured and stored deep underground". Several media picked up that message. On EénVandaag, viewers were explained how storage of short-cycle biogenic CO₂ contributes to combating climate change. With pictures!
The European elections have now concluded and with the mood of Europe's voters now gauged attention turns to the new Commission. Last week leaders of the 27 member states nominated President von der Leyen for a second term. She will face a confirmation vote in the Parliament later this month, followed swiftly by the appointment…
As a small country, the Netherlands is dependent on the import of scarce (bio) raw materials, but is also looking for systems that allow us to use bio raw materials as efficiently as possible. In national policy, this means that we want to use bio raw materials as high-quality as possible. Namely in the industry for the replacement of fossil raw materials, in materials...
Those damn PBL people. The most recent exploration into a climate-neutral society in 2050, by our very own Environmental Assessment Agency, is another excellent piece of research work. A solid and consistent calculation model, fed with technical and economic figures from more than 150 clean techniques, the results of which are interpreted with nuance and knowledge: fortunately...
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…
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…
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 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.
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…
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...
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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?
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.
At the beginning of December I had the opportunity to spend two days at the European Biocarbon Summit in Amsterdam with the theme “Helping heavy industry and aviation to decarbonise with biomass”. An event where the entire chain finally came together, from biomass suppliers and technology companies to end users.
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.
Last week, ministers from the 27 EU member states approved the updated Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII). Four weeks before, the European Parliament approved the final deal with a significant majority of 310.
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.
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.
Last week, ministers from the 27 EU member states approved the updated Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII). Four weeks before, the European Parliament approved the final deal with a significant majority of 310.
The Netherlands faces an important challenge: the transition to sustainable applications and energy sources to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials. Biomass has become part of the discussion about sustainable policy in the Netherlands. For or against, it is certain that we all want the best for our environment. The Promise of Biomass…
On Saturday, March 4, investigative journalists Karlijn Kuijpers and Hanneke Chin-A-Fo published an article in NRC in the investigative series of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Based on German investigative journalists, they come to the conclusion that a lot goes wrong in world forest management and in forest management inspection organizations. As an example, the biomass producer Enviva…
Home-grown sustainable energy appears to be not only cleaner, but also more reliable and affordable than foreign sources, says Marc Londo. “To take advantage of these opportunities, we need a new 'Energy Building' and a transparent sector.” Every crisis is an opportunity, including the current energy crisis. If one thing has become clear lately...
Author: Sible Schöne The focus on a sustainable energy supply hinders the effective approach to the climate problem, believes Sible Schöne. “We are preparing the Netherlands for the future – climate neutral, fossil-free and circular – with a clean energy supply and green industrial policy.” This is the opening sentence of the climate paragraph of the coalition agreement. The sentence illustrates that there are broad…
Bending scientific insights or selectively shopping in scientific findings is harmful to society. That is the response of five scientists in response to recent statements and an opinion piece in the Volkskrant, Fenna Swart, Johan Vollenbroek and Maarten Visschers recently called on Minister Stef Blok to issue a directive for the combustion of biomass in Brussels...
There are signals that a social tipping point for climate policy is approaching, according to Reint Jan Renes, lecturer in psychology. Sustainable living has become a value for many. 'If citizens, companies, government and Europe start moving at the same time, they can hit each other like dominoes. Then it can happen very quickly in one go.' The behavioral scientist emphasizes that…
Climate goals must be imposed on all companies and consumers, not in isolation, writes Jan Paul van Soest. The climate lawsuit against Shell set tongues wagging. The court ruled that Shell must accelerate its global emissions reduction by 2030. Images of the cheering claimants went around the world. There are many similar cases going on worldwide, and they…
by Gert-Jan Nabuurs, Bas Lerink and Mart-Jan Schelhaas “Lockdown also calls for cooldown” Since the mid-2020, timber prices have risen sharply, and many wonder why. Is there a worldwide shortage of wood? Is the forest running low? Certainly not the latter. The current price increases are driven by a combination of reasons, as discussed below.…
“Alone you can sometimes go faster, but together you can go much further. That's an old saying from Africa that I believe in very strongly. Joining forces is certainly something we do with the Chaplin programme. We replace the fossil bitumen in asphalt with the bio-raw material lignin. Contractors, clients, lignin producers and knowledge parties work together to…
“In primary school I once walked with my neighbor, who worked for Staatsbosbeheer. I am now allowed to manage one of the largest deciduous forests in Western Europe. If it is useful for the soil, I think it is important to leave the branch wood. But in Flevoland the soil is already so rich that…
“Why would you grow hemp? Because a crust made from hemp chips helps against weeds! Why should you grow nettles? Because the juice of nettles protects your crops against lice and other insects! This way you can stop using chemical pesticides. That's what it's all about for me, because now we are slowly helping our world to...
“We all know we have to change. But that starts with yourself, otherwise nothing will happen. In my previous job I saw that huge amounts of agricultural waste were being burned in India and South America. That emits CO2, the farmer earns nothing from it and the soil is getting worse and worse. And in the meantime, trees are being cut down...
“I'm curious, I want to know how things work. Very complicated projects with many factors, ecology and economy, that give me energy. For example, we are now working on a pilot to use sugar beets as a raw material for chemicals. Fossil energy has brought us a lot of prosperity, but we can…
“The sugar beet is really a super crop. We don't just extract sugar, we use absolutely everything. We can now also extract high-quality proteins from the foliage. Good for the transition to a more plant-based diet. We use sugar beet pulp as animal feed, but in collaboration with Crown Van Gelder, sustainable paper and packaging material is also made from…
By 'biomass' we mean all residual flows of biological origin – largely from agriculture, forestry, and maintenance of parks and public gardens. Plants and trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere for their growth. Biomass can be used in the energy transition for the production of energy, materials and chemicals and thus replaces the use of...
Within three decades, the aim is for almost the entire energy supply in the Netherlands to be sustainable. No fossil fuels. No (Groningen) natural gas. Gasless. Gasless? Gas does appear to be necessary for an efficient and feasible energy transition. Sustainable gas. The positive properties of this energy source at a glance. Energy source – Biogas is an energy source that does not require conversion for…
You read about it almost every day in the various media. The Netherlands and Europe are committed to a climate-neutral, circular society by 2050. An important part of this is reusing residual flows from agriculture, industry and consumers as much as possible. Most residual flows can be used in whole or in part as…
“If you let green waste rot, methane gas and CO2 are released. You want to prevent that, so you find a useful use for it. But you can no longer make planks or paper from branches with leaves, needles or bark. That's why we turn that into our central energy. For us there will be no…
“My brother has green fingers, I do the office side of our company. The nice thing about that is that I can deal with new things. Sustainability is part of a modern company. That requires some thinking. If we grow our peppers slightly differently, our organic waste could become a very interesting product for other entrepreneurs...
“Manure is a problem, but it also offers opportunities. That is my motivation. Nowadays I help find new destinations for mushroom fertilizer. Champost is too wet and too salty for many purposes. But it is available in large quantities all year round. Then I want to know: what's in it for…
“How are we going to reuse 500.000 tons of green residual flows from landscape management in a sustainable way? That is a question I would like to ask myself, but also others in the market. I look at sustainability with a sober, realistic view. It must be economically sustainable with a revenue model behind it. At the same time, our nature must be in the right place...
What will the energy supply in the Netherlands look like in 2050? Is there still room for biomass, especially as a heat source, or are alternatives available? A lot can happen (or not) in three decades, so it's still a waste of money. In the short term, however, our country will desperately need biomass to achieve its CO2 reduction targets.…
Making plastic from sugars, through anaerobic fermentation and cheap carbohydrates. This will be the focus of a new three-year multidisciplinary project in which the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Sanovations, Senbis Polymer Innovations and Bioclear earth will work together. Cosun and Teijin Aramid also support the project financially. The project, in full 'Anaerobic fermentation for cost-effective…
It took us 100 years to build the current chemical industry. We only have 30 years for the next transition, because the climate goals assume an industry based on renewable raw materials in 2050.
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.
Innovation is also communication. We want to inspire entrepreneurs and share successes from the top sectors.
The lockdown and the associated decline in production have caused a significant reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. There is a fear that once the crisis is over, most people and organizations will return to business as usual, with all the consequences this entails for the natural environment.
You can only create a circular agro-food system through collaboration. A common language and methodology is a prerequisite for this.
To organize my own thinking around hydrogen, I published the Hydrogen Ladder at the beginning of 2019. While the sentiment around hydrogen is too positive for my taste, public opinion on biomass is unqualifiedly negative.
As the Horizon 2020 program comes to an end, we look ahead to Circular Biobased Europe: a new, more ambitious and comprehensive partnership for bio-based industries with the European Commission.
It cannot be denied that our prosperity is largely due to fossil raw materials. Because without coal the industrial revolution would never have come to fruition.
Imagine a future in which colonies of bacteria produce chemicals in a sustainable manner and in which residual products from chemical processes can be reused in new production processes.
Did you know that Henry Ford, the great inventor, was fascinated by the soybean? During the Great Depression he spent many hours in his laboratory. He tried to make a cheap plastic from this simple bean, so that more people could afford a T-Ford.
More than 10 years after Diolen's yarn spinning machines were stopped, new polyester yarns are rolling out of the 'spinning street' in Emmen.
Wood, manure, whale oil and other biomass were once the primary energy sources for heat, light and food preparation. If we want to manage climate change effectively, should we go back to then?
