The European bioenergy sector wants Brussels to anchor biomass, biogas, biomethane, and biofuels more firmly in new energy policy. Trade association Bioenergy Europe believes that these forms of renewable energy are too often viewed as standalone climate measures. Whereas, according to the sector, they can actually help to make better use of European raw materials and make the energy supply less vulnerable. That…
Camelina, an oilseed crop from the cruciferous family, is set to play a larger role as a feedstock for biofuels. The crop has long been under investigation for the production of biodiesel, renewable diesel (a diesel substitute based on vegetable oils and fats), and sustainable aviation fuel, internationally referred to as SAF. Why camelina is interesting for biofuels Camelina has a relatively low…
For the first time, there are official European rules for certifying techniques that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and permanently sequester it. The associated certification system entered into force this month, including for biochar. Participation is voluntary, but those who participate will face clear quality requirements. This is important news for the biomass sector: biochar…
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has published a new call for grants for projects in the biobased industry. Applications can be submitted until 22 September 2026, 17:00. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is organizing an online information session on Wednesday 27 May 2026 regarding this call and related topics within the CIRCBIO destination…
Green gas must become a strategic pillar of a robust and affordable energy system. This is stated by Platform Groen Gas in a publication dated April 30. According to the trade association, the Dutch energy supply is under pressure due to geopolitical tensions, grid congestion, and the phasing out of Groningen gas extraction. In this context, green gas can contribute to more stable prices and…
Hygiene and health group Essity is participating in the European research project PROTEUS, which is working on bio-based superabsorbent materials derived from sustainably harvested brown algae. The company is investigating whether raw materials from the brown algae Laminaria hyperborea can be used in products such as baby diapers, menstrual products, and incontinence materials, as an alternative to current fossil-based plastics. From fossil superabsorbents to seaweed…
On April 22, 2026, consultancy firm Guidehouse presented a new report on biogases in Europe to the European Parliament. The meeting was organized by the European Biogas Association (EBA), the European trade association for the biogas sector. The central question: how much renewable gas can Europe produce itself from residual streams and waste in the coming decades? Biogas is produced through the fermentation…
An extensive scientific review study, published in the journal Biochar, concludes that biochar is one of the most versatile and promising materials in the fight against climate change. The material, made from biomass, can simultaneously sequester carbon, improve soil quality, increase agricultural productivity, and purify water. The study, compiled by an international team of researchers, synthesizes a…
The Rotterdam chemical industry could require up to half as many fossil raw materials by 2050, but only if large-scale, coordinated development is chosen. That is the central conclusion of a new study commissioned by the Province of South Holland into syngas chains in the Rotterdam Port-Industrial Complex (HIC). The study, conducted by Tekenkamer van de…
Researchers have developed a new catalyst made from biomass that offers a promising alternative to the scarce and expensive platinum currently used in fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The breakthrough, published in the scientific journal Biochar, shows how renewable raw materials can be converted into high-value materials for clean energy technologies. From wood biomass to…
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Netherlands is organizing the NL Company Day during EUBCE 2026 in The Hague. Part of this day is a structured matchmaking program aimed at establishing new international contacts within the bioeconomy. The event takes place at the World Forum and is part of the broader congress program, to which…
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has published its work programme for 2026. In total, over €170 million is available for projects within the European bioeconomy, distributed across thirteen thematic calls. Focus on large-scale biorefineries An important part of the programme is the focus on so-called flagship projects. These involve large-scale demonstration plants that…
A group of sixty experts presented concrete measures at the second Grid Ready Forum in Brussels to accelerate the injection of biomethane into European gas grids. The infrastructure is already in place, but regulatory fragmentation and technical barriers are slowing down the rollout. Delays in the implementation of EU gas rules threaten to hinder the rollout, precisely at a moment…
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), together with more than twenty European trade associations, has signed a joint letter to the European Parliament. The coalition calls on MEPs to explicitly retain agriculture and the bioeconomy in the next major European research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe 2028-2034. The reason for this is a draft report that on 13 March 2026…
The European Commission, through CORDIS, has released the results of BioUPGRADE, a now-completed research project into new applications of natural polymers from biomass. The project focused on the use of cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitin in, among other things, packaging materials, conductive inks, and hydrogels. BioUPGRADE ran from 2021 to the end of 2025 and was led by…
The European Investment Bank and the Italian energy group Eni have secured a loan of 500 million euros for a new biorefinery in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, in Lombardy. With the funds, Eni intends to convert part of the existing refinery for the production of biofuels. The plant is scheduled to produce HVO diesel and sustainable aviation fuel starting in 2028. The…
Agricultural waste streams usually end up in compost, animal feed, or energy production. Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have now described a different application. They produced anode material for sodium-ion batteries from sunflower husks, a waste stream that normally has little economic value. In trials with small button cell batteries, these cells continued to function for up to 1.000 charge and discharge cycles. The study fits into…
New research from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology shows that, under a favorable scenario, Europe has enough biomass residue streams to completely replace fossil fuels in road transport. The potential is also significant in the shorter term. As early as 2030, more than half of fuel demand could be met by renewable liquid fuels. The…
Researchers from Wageningen University & Research and Utrecht University have developed a method to produce a versatile chemical building block from plant residues using electricity. The approach avoids toxic liquid bromine and uses a simpler reactor. The results have been published in ChemSusChem. The chemical industry relies heavily on fossil fuels and dangerous process steps…
Biomass is emerging in a debate where the sector seemed to be fading into the background in recent years. Not through a call for new subsidies or additional co-firing, but in the discussion regarding security of supply and the question of how the Netherlands keeps its electricity system robust as pressure mounts. The reason for this is the renewed attention to existing…
Since March 17, companies and knowledge institutions have been able to submit a pre-registration for a new call for proposals within the MOOI scheme for carbon removal. Notably, the RVO explicitly mentions scope for long-term storage of CO2 in products, including storage of CO2 from air, water, or biogenic point sources, and storage of CO2 in materials consisting of biomass. …
A broad group of European industrial organizations wants biomethane to be given a stronger place in European Union policy. In a joint statement dated March 24, the signatories call on Brussels to involve biomethane more explicitly in energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate policy. According to the organizations, biomethane can help to reduce the use of fossil natural gas…
Europe potentially has sufficient capacity to meet a large part of its own demand for renewable energy and bio-based raw materials. This is evident from a recent analysis reported by Hernieuwbarebrandstoffen.nl. The outcome provides more direction regarding the role of biomass within the energy transition. The discussion on biomass often focuses on availability. The analysis shows…
A European consortium is launching a large-scale project to demonstrate that organic food waste can serve as a raw material for high-quality plastics. Within the CIRCLE project, seventeen partners are working on an industrial biorefinery that converts food waste streams into lactic acid and polylactic acid PLA. The project has a budget of approximately 27 million euros and is supported…
The General Court of the European Union has rejected the objections of environmental organisations against the European rules on biomass. As a result, biomass will provisionally continue to count within the EU rules that determine which investments qualify as sustainable. This is an important signal for the bioeconomy, as the European Commission is allowed to continue its current course. The case was…
On 17 March, the Council of the EU adopted conclusions on the new European bioeconomy strategy. In doing so, the Member States express support for an approach in which competitiveness, sustainability, innovation, and investment are central. According to the Council, the bioeconomy must develop into a competitive and sustainable pillar of the European economy by 2040.
For a long time, lignin was primarily considered a troublesome component of wood. The substance has a complex structure and is therefore not easy to utilize for high-value applications. In materials research, that perception is shifting. Researchers are increasingly looking at lignin as a building block for bio-based materials with specific functions, for example in nanoparticles, fibers, and additives for plastics. That development stands…
Biomass is primarily known as a source of heat, fuels, and chemical building blocks. New research in Nature Communications reveals a different application. Researchers describe how diverse biomass streams can be converted into hard carbon, a material that can be used in the negative electrode of batteries. The study focuses on so-called hard carbon. That material applies…
The Netherlands produced a record 132 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in 2025. New figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) show that renewable sources now account for 49 percent of total electricity production. Biomass remains a stable factor in this, contributing to security of supply and grid balance.
Bioscientist Vincent Eijsink of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences has received the 2026 Novonesis Biotechnology Prize. He is receiving this award for research that has clarified how tough biomass can be broken down much more efficiently. This insight is crucial for processing plant-based waste streams into biofuels, chemicals, and materials. A persistent mystery in…
The European bioeconomy continues to grow, but the transition from innovation to large-scale production remains challenging. This picture emerges from the 2025 Annual Report of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). The sector is expanding, attracting new members, and receiving increased attention in Brussels. At the same time, the question remains how new bio-based processes and…
The Netherlands is getting a national expertise center to help companies make new chemical substances and materials safer and more sustainable right from the start. TNO, the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), the VNCI (Association of Netherlands Industry and Employers), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management joined forces on March 2, 2026. The center will focus on the principle of Safe and Sustainable by Design…
On March 4, 2026, the European Commission presented the Industrial Accelerator Act. With this plan, Brussels aims to grow the manufacturing industry to 20 percent of European GDP within ten years. For the bioeconomy and chemical sectors, the proposal includes concrete instruments to facilitate the transition to sustainable raw materials. Faster construction...
The Better Biomass Board of Experts has decided to no longer accept Guarantees of Origin (GOs) as official transaction documents for biomethane. This measure applies to all biomethane with a production date from 1 January 2026 onwards. Traders and producers within the Better Biomass scheme must now use a specific transaction document from the certification scheme itself. The…
The European Commission will publish the first call for accreditation of certification bodies within the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) framework in April 2026. This step marks the start of the practical implementation of the European system for carbon removal certification, which was adopted last year. The schedule for the remainder of 2026 was shared on March 2,…
During the DeCarbon Copenhagen 2026 conference, held from February 24th to 26th, the role of biomass in European industrial sustainability was analyzed. The experts present concluded that biogenic carbon is essential for sectors where few technological alternatives are available. The conference brought together representatives from the biomass trade, heavy industry, and digital…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Brussels is fully committed to a fossil-free future for European industry. The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) announced in mid-January 2026 that €172 million will be allocated to 24 new innovation projects. This investment should pave the way for the large-scale production of sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels on European soil.
The biomass supplied from Malaysia to energy company RWE for co-firing in Dutch power plants meets current legal sustainability requirements. This is the conclusion of the Netherlands Emissions Authority (NEa) in a research report published Thursday. According to the regulator, this provides no legal basis for terminating subsidies or taking enforcement action. The research was…
In a recently published report, IEA Bioenergy concludes that the integration of biomass and hydrogen plays a crucial role in achieving climate goals. The analysis, titled "Biomass and Hydrogen: Allies for Net Zero," argues that these two energy carriers should not be viewed as competitors, but as complementary technologies that enhance the efficiency of renewable energy.
The chemical industry is exploring ways to replace fossil oil and gas with renewable sources. Last week, TNO presented new results from the Photons-to-Chemicals (P2C) project. This project uses sunlight directly to convert biogenic CO2 and green hydrogen into raw materials for the chemical industry. Biomass plays a key role in the transition to a…
The rules for supplying fuel to the Dutch transport sector have changed significantly. Effective January 1, 2026, the previous annual obligation has been replaced by the new "Fuel Transition Obligation." This is more than just a name change: for suppliers, it means a stricter focus on actual CO2 reduction and an extension of the rules to inland and maritime shipping. Companies…
As the days grow shorter and the festive lights come on, we look back on a year full of activity in the world of bioresources. We saw new initiatives blossom and established projects grow. It was heartening to see that knowledge sharing is effective. Increasingly, questions came from the sector and from policymakers who want…
The hunger for computing power for AI and cloud services is putting enormous pressure on the energy grid. While governments struggle to integrate new data centers, a recent study in the journal Energies points a new way: by combining biomass, residual heat, and nature-inclusive design, the data center can transform from an "energy guzzler" into a useful neighbor. Data centers are the…
HES Botlek Tank Terminal in Rotterdam will allocate sixty-five percent of its storage capacity to biofuels starting January 1, 2026. This is made possible by a new long-term contract with a major customer. With this step, the terminal is more than two years ahead of its own strategy, which aimed for sixty percent by 2028. The decision is well…
IEA Bioenergy published a new report on nitrogen flows from biomass combustion. The key point is that burning woody or agricultural waste streams handles nitrogen differently than fossil fuels. With biomass, a smaller portion of the nitrogen in the fuel is released as NOx. A significant portion remains in ash or is converted into harmless N2.
A new British-Ukrainian initiative is using miscanthus (elephant grass) to restore and sustain Ukraine's fragile energy supply. The project, called MERIT, focuses on utilizing abandoned and contaminated land. The goal is twofold: to create a reliable, decentralized energy source for reconstruction and to restore soil quality. Terravesta, a British company specializing…
BoerenNatuur and LTO Nederland are publishing a guideline that aims to bridge the gap between pilot projects and policy within the Common Agricultural Policy. The core principle is simple: ensure that pilot projects and policy work together systematically from the outset, organize process management, and ensure that promising outcomes are truly implemented in regulations and practice. Between 2021 and 2024, 22 pilot projects were conducted…
In the coming years, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will launch a new innovation program for technologies that extract carbon from air, water, or biogenic sources and store it long-term. This initiative aligns with the Dutch government's Carbon Removal Roadmap. RVO is developing the program along three lines. Financial support will be provided through existing innovation instruments. Work is underway to develop a...
The Federal Network Agency announced the results of the tenders on December 3, with the closing date set for October 1. The biomass tender was significantly oversubscribed. 807 bids were received for 813 megawatts of capacity, totaling 940 megawatts. 692 awards were made, of which 33 were for new installations with 63 megawatts and 659 for existing ones with 752 megawatts.
The European Commission has taken a decisive step towards a reliable European market for carbon removal. New implementing rules are now operationalizing the voluntary certification framework for carbon removal and carbon farming. Implementing Regulation 2025/2358, along with initiatives from the Bioeconomy Strategy, should ensure reliability and reduce administrative burdens. The Commission's goal…
On November 27, the European Commission presented a new strategic framework intended to give the European bioeconomy a significant boost. The plan focuses on the large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biological alternatives and the creation of a competitive and resilient European industry. The bioeconomy is already an economic engine; the sector…
Reducing biomass to a stable particle size is a key step towards biofuels and biobased products. In practice, this leads to blockages, variable particle distribution, and machine wear. The American bioenergy hub BETO has cited material handling as a barrier to large-scale production for years. New computational models from Idaho National Laboratory address this bottleneck. Researchers combine...
The Brabantse Delta Water Board is renovating the fermentation tank at the Dongemond water treatment plant. This tank ferments wastewater sludge into biogas. With new mixers and a fresh inner layer, the water board aims to produce more gas using less electricity. This will help lower energy bills and increase its own clean energy production. Every resident pays a sewage tax. The more efficient the…
The International Bioenergy Guide 2025 showcases Dutch knowledge and supply chains for international partners. Featuring profiles of dozens of companies and a focus on logistics via Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the publication highlights opportunities for collaboration and market access. The guide was presented in Rotterdam at the end of October during a meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl), and…
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a new study shows that fruit waste can be turned into usable cooking fuel. Briquettes made from avocado pits and banana peels, supplemented with bagasse from the sugar industry, perform remarkably well in lab tests. They ignite easily, provide stable heat, and produce little smoke. This suggests opportunities for urban kitchens if the transition to production is feasible…
The share of renewable energy in Dutch final energy consumption rose to 20,18 percent in 2024. This represents 361 terajoules of gross final consumption from renewable sources. In 2023, this was 313 terajoules, representing 17,59 percent. The figures for 2024 are provisional. Previous CBS publications mentioned 19,8 percent for 2024 and…
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published a new Science for Policy brief with up-to-date figures on the European bioeconomy. The publication shows the extent of its economic significance and the sources of growth. In 2023, biomass production and processing sectors together generated €863 billion in added value. That is…
The government will finalize its top sectors policy on January 1, 2026, and will opt for an industrial policy emphasizing six markets where the Netherlands can win globally. These include semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications including 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum technologies, digital services with an emphasis on AI, mechanical engineering, and innovative chemistry. For the remaining business sector,...
A PhD project in Sweden shows that animal manure and food waste can be transformed into raw materials for animal feed. Researcher Clarisse Uwineza at the University of Borås describes how organic waste streams are first converted into volatile fatty acids and then serve as food for an edible fungus that forms a protein-rich biomass. This creates a local substitute for…
The new House of Representatives is, at least on paper, ready to move forward with the energy transition. Analysis by the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) shows that at least two-thirds of the newly elected members want to maintain existing climate and energy goals. A significant portion even wants to go further and…
(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 Dutch biotech association HollandBIO is calling on the European Commission to explicitly embed biotechnology in European circular policy. In a November 11th press release, the organization explains that biotech can help close material and carbon flows more effectively, provided that regulations and market conditions allow for this. The timing is relevant, as Brussels is working on several…
Bioenergy Europe has launched an overview page with facts and supporting sources. The page compiles figures, context, and background on topics such as forest management, heating with pellets, and carbon removal with BECCS. It's a useful starting point for anyone looking for quick insight into discussions about availability, price, and climate impact. Forests are under pressure due to climate change. The organization…
When you think of water management, you often picture large machines, dams, and pipelines. But behind Dutch Water Tech, it's just as much about the people. People with a passion for water, for bio-based resources, and for innovative solutions that are not only functional but also sustainable. We spoke with Mark den Dubbelden of Dutch Water Tech about their work, their projects, and their vision for circular water technology.
Biobased materials are appearing in several submissions for this year's Wubbo Ockels Innovation Award. From a field of 63 ideas, the jury selected ten finalists who will present their plans in Amsterdam on November 7th. The themes range from circularity and food to water and energy transition, with a striking focus on natural resources and renewable fibers.
The Probos Foundation is submitting a draft report on the extent to which Dutch timber harvesting regulations align with European requirements for sustainable forest biomass. The report compares the criteria from the revised Renewable Energy Directive with Dutch legislation and oversight. Stakeholders can share their views in November, after which a final version will follow. Review on…
The call to halt nature loss is growing. Companies and policymakers want to know the impact of their choices on species and ecosystems. Life cycle assessment, known for its climate footprints, is now also promoting biodiversity. A new report from IEA Bioenergy Task 45 describes how this can be achieved and where the biggest obstacles lie. LCA is adding biodiversity. LCA is standardized...
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?
The overviews from the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) and BNNVARA show that biomass and biofuels are present in election manifestos in a new way. The focus is clearly shifting from low-grade bulk combustion for power and heat to higher-value applications such as green gas, sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of biofuels in industry and the chemical industry.
In early October 2025, the European Bioeconomy Alliance and the German nova Institute published a joint expert paper. Their message is clear: using arable crops like grains, sugar, and oilseeds for energy and materials offers Europe benefits in terms of food security, biodiversity, agriculture, and climate. The European Commission is working on a new strategy for…
A new study shows that paper mills in the United States can significantly reduce their emissions through three interrelated pathways: electrification of steam and process heat, more efficient dewatering before drying, and replacing natural gas with biogenic waste streams. According to the authors, net zero becomes a reality once the power mix becomes cleaner and mills…
Fortress Island Pampus has released a short film that shows in ten minutes how the island generates its own energy. The production was created by Strawberry Fields on behalf of GasTerra and is available online. The core is self-energy, living off what's available, with sun, wind, biomass, and hydrogen used in conjunction...
The European Commission published a review article with five key points on the role of biogas in the energy mix. The article aims to dispel misconceptions and demonstrates how biogas and biomethane can contribute to energy security and climate goals. According to the Commission, in 2023, biogas replaced six percent of natural gas consumption in the EU, representing approximately sixteen million...
Dimethyl ether, or DME for short, is increasingly appearing as a clean fuel for cooking, freight transport, and industry. It's a gas that liquefies at low pressure, making it similar in use to LPG. A new study in Chemical Engineering Science by Yang and colleagues examines the life cycle of water use and other environmental impacts of DME from…
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…
On October 7th, a webinar was held on strategy and communication regarding bioresources. The focus was on chemistry and materials, but the meeting covered much more than just technical innovations. The central question was: how do you convey a complex message about a sensitive topic convincingly, factually, and credibly? Facts as a foundation in a…
On October 6, 2025, the Yale School of the Environment published an analysis that puts hydrogen from biomass back on the map. The core is simple: biohydrogen can reduce emissions in industry and transport more quickly in the years before electrolysis is fully scaled up. This makes the route relevant as an accelerator, in addition to…
Breda is experimenting with a new building method, using biobased materials like elephant grass for student housing. The project, a collaboration between Urban Living Lab Breda, ROOTZ, and the municipality, aims to demonstrate how plant-based building materials perform in practice. Pilot project with biobased student housing. The construction of the student housing is part of...
It sounds almost like magic: turning agricultural and forestry waste streams into new raw materials that can both provide energy and fuel the chemical industry. Yet, that's exactly what a group of researchers recently worked on. In a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, they present an innovative technique, oxidative pyrolysis…
Fluxys Belgium presented its half-year results on September 24, which show that the system operator is increasingly positioning itself as a crucial hub for the transition to renewable energy and materials in Northwest Europe. Besides the growth in gas transport and the development of hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure, the rapid developments in biomethane and BioLNG are particularly noteworthy, which…
In early September, the European Commission once again explained why the bioeconomy is central to Europe's green and competitive future. In a short news item, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV) outlined the core in five points, emphasizing economic size, job potential, the innovation agenda, and its contribution to strategic autonomy. This news fits in…
The 2026 National Budget for Climate and Green Growth outlines how the government and funds intend to use bio-based raw materials and biomass. Biobased construction will be subject to standards and incentives, carbon removal will be included in an official certification framework, and a route for cleaner agricultural machinery with electrification or biogas will be established. All of this is linked to the broader deployment of…
Germany is allowed to support its bioenergy and biogas sector with €7,9 billion. The European Commission has approved the plans under state aid rules. This allows Berlin to implement measures to utilize bioenergy for electricity and heat, primarily through modified tenders and increased incentives for flexibility. The core of the package is scaling up support…
Biomass will remain the most important source of renewable energy in the Netherlands in 2024. According to the long-term statistics published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on September 8, biomass accounts for 34 percent of total renewable energy consumption. This is higher than wind and solar energy separately. These are preliminary figures included in the annual report Renewable...
The transition to a sustainable economy is well underway. We see this in the rise of biobased plastics, the growing demand for circular building materials, and the development of green chemicals that replace fossil fuels. But while technology is advancing rapidly, there's one crucial element that's often overlooked: communication…
A comprehensive report from IEA Bioenergy Task 37 paints a global picture of manure digestion. The publication, available online since September, concludes that manure can play an important role in the energy transition and the circular economy, but that its full utilization is hampered by financial and operational barriers. The report examines the approach in…
The Netherlands is taking the next step in its climate ambitions by fully committing to activated carbon removal. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) has launched a call for proposals for entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions to develop a new subsidy program. This program should support innovations that remove CO2 from the atmosphere, water, or biomass, with the aim of achieving long-term...
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery in the genetics of the poplar tree. These findings, resulting from research conducted by the University of Missouri in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Georgia, could fundamentally change the way we use biomass for fuels and sustainable materials. The study, published in the prestigious…
Biogas does more than just generate electricity and gas. A new report from IEA Bioenergy Task 37 shows that anaerobic digestion simultaneously contributes to climate change, nutrient cycling, clean water, and economic resilience. IEA Bioenergy identifies 53 sustainability impacts. The authors map fifty-three impacts. They organize them along five perspectives that together…
Imagine an aquarium with fine air bubbles constantly rising. In a photobioreactor, those bubbles do more than create an atmosphere; they introduce carbon dioxide into the water and remove oxygen. An Indonesian research team shows that smarter bubbling can significantly accelerate the growth of microalgae. The study was published on September 1, 2025, in…
In an interview with ICIS, three experts from the Danish gas and electricity grid operator Energinet confirmed that the country has been completely reliant on biomethane for several days this summer and last. These are demonstrable peaks, not a full year, but a system that can now do this. The combination of production, grid connections, and demand appears...
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…
