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…
The Netherlands must quickly get to work on a national strategy for bio-based raw materials. This call comes from the Lecturers' Platform Biobased Economy, the Lecturers' Platform Applied Science, and the Federation of Bio-Economy Netherlands. In the position paper *Getting to Work with Bio-based Raw Materials*, they advocate for a coherent approach in which biomass is viewed not only as an energy source, but also as…
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…
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…
The innovative chemical company Relement is scaling up the production of biobased aromatics to a commercial level. Fueled by a recent capital injection of €5,4 million, the focus is shifting to the market introduction of Bio MPA, a sustainable alternative to fossil building blocks in coatings. The technology has now been technically validated in industrial paints, enabling its integration into mainstream…
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 reliance on petroleum for aromatics production can be reduced by better utilizing lignin. Researcher Dian Santosa (University of Groningen) presented his research on the conversion of this complex wood polymer into chemical building blocks such as benzene, toluene, and xylene on January 13, 2026. Lignin gives strength to wood and plants, but its irregular…
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.
Starting February 17, 2026, researchers and companies can apply for a total budget of nearly €7,7 million for innovation projects in the chemical sector. ChemistryNL has opened the 2026 PPP-I call for public-private partnerships focused on the transition to renewable raw materials and circular production processes. With this funding, ChemistryNL is encouraging research into solutions for the…
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…
The Dutch government and Royal Cosun have signed a binding agreement on making various production sites more sustainable. The government is allocating up to €73 million to support the transition from natural gas to electricity and the production of certified green gas. The agreement is intended to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions in the food chain.
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.
The Dutch energy transition is receiving strong legal support with the recent publication of the "Green Gas Blending Obligation Act." This bill, now submitted to the Council of State, marks a crucial moment: starting in 2027, energy suppliers will no longer be permitted to supply fossil natural gas without obligation, but will be legally obligated to replace a growing portion with sustainable...
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...
Global bioplastics production capacity is poised for a significant scale-up. By 2030, capacity is expected to grow from the current 2,31 million tons to approximately 4,69 million tons. This is according to the Bioplastics Market Development Update 2025, presented last week at the twentieth European Bioplastics Conference (EBC25) in Berlin.…
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…
When you think of Eurobottle, you might initially picture a simple water bottle or sports bottle. But behind that seemingly ordinary product lies a story filled with passion, innovation, and a healthy dose of idealism. A story told not only through company philosophies and figures, but especially through the people who work there: people like Peter Westveer and Femke Broekhuijsen of Eurobottle.
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…
On October 31, the cabinet sent Parliament a long-term vision for the future of the Dutch chemical industry. The letter states that the sector is strategically important for the economy and resilience and that it remains indispensable in a circular economy. The vision is accompanied by two documents with policy guidelines and…
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.
IEA Bioenergy is asking researchers and practitioners to share recent insights on the role of bioenergy in pathways to net zero and net negative. The call focuses on two areas: how bioenergy systems connect with other energy systems and with land-based climate options such as reforestation, planting, and biochar. And how the supply of biomass from agriculture…
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...
ChemistryNL is making a total of €1,8 million available in the second round of three grant calls. These are for public-private projects in the areas of water quality and monitoring, bio-based feedstocks, and carbon capture and utilization. Applications can be submitted until 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. The program focuses on research that directly contributes…
The Climate Summit for the Built Environment will convene at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht on November 5th and 6th. The organizers are expecting a large group of participants from government, construction, and energy. The goal is to accelerate progress, with agreements that extend to the construction site. The summit was established in 2024 out of impatience with the slow implementation. The first edition generated dozens of...
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…
ChemistryNL presented its investment agenda to the cabinet on October 1st. With the agenda in place, the parties are exploring which projects are ready for scaling up to 2030. This way, the requested two billion will serve as a concrete test for policy and the market. The agenda was presented in The Hague to the Directors General of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and…
European Biomethane Week opened today in Brussels. The third edition runs from Monday, October 13th, to Friday, October 17th, and brings together policy, trade, and technology. The week's core event is the European Biogas Conference on Tuesday, October 14th, and Wednesday, October 15th, at Autoworld. There will also be a masterclass on Monday…
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...
The energy transition requires collaboration and tangible solutions. In March, various parties discussed the opportunities and challenges surrounding biomethanol and e-methanol. Topics covered then were timing, skills, logistics, energy, price and affordability, legislation and regulations, and production. A follow-up meeting will be held in November, with more focus and room for decision-making.
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…
The State, the province of North Holland, Tata Steel Nederland, and Tata Steel Limited have signed a joint declaration of intent for the transition in IJmuiden. The document is an interim step towards a binding, customized agreement and sets targets for emissions, health, and finances. According to the documents, the total investment is between four and six and…
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 chemical industry is facing a major transformation. The use of oil and gas as raw materials and energy sources accounts for a large portion of global CO2 emissions. In a new white paper, TNO presents how electrification and so-called Power-to-X technologies can play a key role in making this sector climate-neutral. From fossil to green raw materials In the…
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…
The urgency to increase housing construction while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint demands concrete action. In this context, Rabobank and area developer BPD are announcing a strategic partnership. By covering the additional costs of biobased and water-saving technologies in thousands of new-build homes, with an investment of over one hundred million euros over the next four years,…
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...
