Brussels cooperative PermaFungi is building a new production line to produce organic packaging from residual flows from its oyster mushroom cultivation. At a new production site in the municipality of Vorst, the network of fungal threads, a residual flow from mushroom cultivation, will be converted into biodegradable packaging and insulation material. PermaFungi, which is already known for selling…
The Netherlands is taking major steps towards a more sustainable energy system by aiming to produce no less than 2030 billion cubic metres of green gas by 2. An important contribution to this ambition comes from animal manure, which can be converted into sustainable gas through fermentation. In the coming years, an increase in permit applications for mono-manure digesters on farms…
Starting this month, the West Brabant region will have a new facility aimed at accelerating innovations in the materials and energy transition. MNEXT, a collaborative initiative of Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with vocational training institute Curio, will open a brand new research lab on the Steenakker industrial estate in Breda. The festive opening will take place…
More than 95% of the world’s mussels are farmed on ropes that hang in the sea. These ropes, which are crucial for mussel farming, are wrapped with so-called mussel socks to ensure that the mussel seeds stick well. Traditionally, these socks are made of cotton, but their use has several environmental disadvantages and…
The agricultural sector is facing major challenges due to increasing sustainability requirements and restrictions on the use of water, fertilizers and crop protection products. At the same time, the demand for natural building materials with a low carbon footprint is growing from the construction sector. In this context, the cultivation of biobased building materials, such as the fast-growing Paulownia tree, is emerging as a promising new revenue model for…
Sustainable Tuesday is an annual initiative in the Netherlands that takes place on the first Tuesday of September, and this year it falls on September 3, 2024. On this day, sustainable ideas, projects and initiatives from society are presented to politicians. The aim is to put sustainability on the political agenda and to get citizens, companies…
Her Majesty Queen Máxima will open the 'FirstBio11Shipping' installation at waste processor Attero in Wilp on Wednesday afternoon, 2 September. This installation converts biogas, derived from the fermentation of vegetable, fruit and garden waste (gft), into liquid biogas, also known as bio-LNG. This sustainable alternative to conventional fuels is intended for use in the maritime transport sector and heavy…
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) launched a new version of the Raw Materials Scanner this summer, with updated data up to and including 2022. This tool offers entrepreneurs crucial information about the availability of raw materials, including metals, minerals and twenty different bio-based raw materials. The European manufacturing industry is highly dependent on raw materials from other countries. The Raw Materials Scanner provides…
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…
In 2025, the Drenthe company Stercore expects to have its new installation in Emmen ready, with which 350.000 tons of solid manure can be processed annually into biogas, liquid CO2 and biobased carbon, a fertilizer substitute and soil improver. This is reported by the agricultural site Nieuwe Oogst. However, the road to the construction of the installation was not without obstacles.…
According to a recent article in Future Rethinker Magazine, the Interreg “ReJuice” project takes an innovative step towards full utilization of green residual flows from agriculture and horticulture. The project, in which MNEXT's Biobased Resources & Energy professorship is closely involved, focuses on valuing the juice fraction released during the processing of...
The construction sector faces an enormous challenge: by 2030, CO2 emissions must be halved compared to 1990. An important step in this transition is switching from fossil raw materials to sustainable alternatives, or bio-based construction. The Better Biobased Building Blocks project will work over the next 3 years to develop green building materials based on...
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…
This spring, Inagro conducted an experiment in which residues from chicory cultivation were fermented in a pocket digester. The project is part of the ChicoryRePowered Operational Group, which investigates the possibilities of small-scale fermentation within the chicory sector. This initiative focuses on reducing energy consumption and making cultivation more sustainable through vegetable…
Climate change has more than doubled the risk of extreme wildfire conditions in Canada. In recent years, the area burned annually by wildfires in Canada has grown steadily, with an average increase of 330.000 hectares per decade. These more intense fire seasons require urgent measures to increase resilience to forest fires and at the same time create a sustainable and...
Chemical group BASF is taking a clear step towards biotransformation of their (meth)acrylate portfolio by switching to the production of bio-based ethyl acrylate (EA) from the fourth quarter of 2024. Thanks to a traceable C14 biocontent of 40 percent (DIN EN 16640), this reduces the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) by 30 percent compared to EA based…
A new scientific article, published in Energy, Sustainability and Society, emphasizes the importance of the circular bioeconomy for better cooperation between different systems, such as energy, agriculture and industry. The article is based on research from IEA Bioenergy Task 40 and Task 44 and focuses on how we can improve our economy and technologies…
Food waste such as banana peels, vegetable trimmings and pizza crusts still end up in the waste bin too often. However, this organic waste offers an untapped opportunity to generate sustainable energy. PreZero Netherlands will use BioTransformers from Circ, with which companies can generate clean energy from their own food waste. This helps them reduce their carbon footprint and their energy bills…
The Moerdijk Port Authority and biocommodities producer Perpetual Next today signed a letter of intent for an intensive collaboration. As part of this collaboration, Perpetual Next will establish itself at the Moerdijk Industrial Park in mid-2025, where it will build a biomethanol plant with a capacity of 220.000 tons. The port authority will support the factory where possible by…
The first prototype of the diesel engine, designed by Rudolf Diesel, was started on August 10, 1894 in Augsburg, Germany. He developed this diesel engine that could run on both vegetable and petroleum oils, making organic oils renewable and sustainable fuel sources in the near future. As Mr. Diesel predicted, this day aims to...
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…
Research carried out by Liverpool John Moores University's School of Biological and Environmental Sciences has led to a breakthrough in the commercial production of Miscanthus grass, a key material for the growing biomass energy sector. The research focuses on increasing Miscanthus seed production, which is essential for large-scale planting and sustainable energy production.…
The use of fossil fuels in greenhouse horticulture will continue to decrease until the sector is ultimately fossil-free. But greenhouses still need to be heated. This means that growers must use energy-saving measures and alternative fuels. The Greenhouse Horticulture Business Unit of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has developed the Greenhouse…
In an important step to make its data freely accessible, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has upgraded the Countries and Regions section of its website. This innovation includes a comprehensive collection of statistics and information at global, regional and national levels. The updated country pages are the latest example of how the IEA is meeting recent mandates…
In her blog 'Climate Council Report sheds new light on biogenic CO₂' of June 17, Marieke van der Werf gave her view on the need for a new industry that removes CO₂ from the atmosphere in order to achieve climate goals. To achieve its ambitious climate goals, the Netherlands urgently needs technologies that effectively reduce CO₂…
A high-profile development in the construction sector has been introduced: the latest version of the modular, wooden building system WikiHouse. “An innovation that offers plenty of opportunities for the entire construction industry in the Netherlands,” says Nick Gevers of Hendriks Bouw en Ontwikkeling. Hendriks is now extensively investigating the possibilities of this open source building system, together with Avans University of Applied Sciences (Den Bosch/Tilburg) and…
This year the Open Energy Day is being organized for the fourth time. On September 21, 2024, interested parties can visit various sustainable energy projects throughout the Netherlands. Visitors have the unique opportunity to take a look at wind turbines, solar parks, heating installations, high-voltage stations and other sustainable energy projects. More than sixty locations are expected to open their doors for…
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…
In a sustainability project, Omrin will build and operate a fermentation plant on the Milieuboulevard in Groningen, on behalf of the three ARCG municipalities (Groningen, Het Hogeland and Westerkwartier). This initiative will significantly improve the processing of vegetable, fruit and garden waste (VGF), with an estimated capacity of 130.000 tonnes of waste per year, resulting in the production of…
The Netherlands has the scoop: building with waste wood. On June 27, The Urban Woods turned the first screw in a solid building plate for their modular homes. This 'breakthrough for CO₂ issues' is the result of chain-wide collaboration. From waste mountain to residential tower The Urban Woods Delft is a high-tech apartment complex with 10 floors for the middle segment.…
The Schoof cabinet was sworn in this week. The new cabinet has appointed Sophie Hermans (VVD) as Prime Minister of Climate and Green Growth and also as Deputy Prime Minister. Hermans succeeds Rob Jetten, who fulfilled the role of Minister of Climate and Energy in the previous cabinet. In her new position, Hermans emphasizes her commitment to...
In a joint statement, IRENA and international partners emphasize the crucial role of bioenergy in the fight against climate change. By decarbonizing difficult sectors, supporting renewable energy and improving energy resilience, bioenergy is essential to limit global warming. In addition to its role in achieving climate goals, bioenergy also supports…
Mondi and the German company traceless collaborated on the development of biobased coatings based on by-products from the agricultural industry. This innovative bio-circular coating is the first of its kind and can replace traditional plastic coating. The demand for alternatives to plastic in packaging solutions is increasing and this new coating responds directly to…
On June 20, Bioenergy Europe released its Statistical Report on Pellets and its Policy Letter. The report analyzes the development of the global pellet market over the past year, with an in-depth look at the European market. “While we have made significant progress, the growth of our industry is hampered by continued dependence on the EU…
Today, startup FC-i (First Circular Insulation) announced an important breakthrough in the field of 100% natural insulation materials. By using residual flows from forest and nature management of Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, large insulation panels are made using fungi (mycelium). These fungi are continuously cultivated in a reactor vessel at the innovative production line in Veenoord.…
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...
In energy systems with an increasing share of variable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, bioenergy plays an increasingly important role, especially in regions where alternative renewable energy sources are difficult or expensive to supply. Climate-efficient and cost-effective flexibility of bioenergy is crucial. This flexibility not only plays a role in the supply of electricity, but also…
Are you involved in innovation or research in the field of biorefinery, bioenergy, biofuels or bioraw materials for the chemical industry? Would you like to gain insight into developments in India and expand your network with Indian experts? Then the innovation mission 'Biorefinery, bioenergy, biochemistry' to India, organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), is something for…
In a world where sustainability is increasingly central, the story of PeelPioneers is an example of how a seemingly mundane problem can lead to innovative solutions. It all started about ten years ago, when the popularity of orange juice machines in supermarkets peaked. Consumers enjoyed the convenience and freshness of freshly squeezed juice, but at the same time a new problem arose: what to do with the mountains of orange peels that were left behind as a byproduct?
In 2023, Dutch companies will also have met the annual obligation to supply 18,9% renewable energy to the Dutch transport sector. Almost all fuel suppliers achieved their individual annual obligations. The share of renewable energy in 2023 was 17,5% of the total gasoline and diesel supplied to transport in the Netherlands. By using saved renewable fuel units…
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...
Can bank protection be made of both natural material and circular? An innovative pilot is investigating this question in the context of the SBIR call for Biobased and Circular Bank Protection. Two promising materials, willow wicker and biocomposite, are being tested for their durability and effectiveness. The test location in Hellouw, Gelderland, was officially opened in May. At a ditch along the wharf…
Biomass Facts is made possible by the generous support of companies and organizations to government agencies. Thanks to the involvement of these parties, we can continue our work and take an objective, informative look at the versatile world of biomass. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working together to raise awareness and knowledge about biomass...
The House of Representatives has decided that the burning of woody biomass should no longer be regarded as a 'sustainable energy source'. It is striking that Frans Timmermans, now PvdA/GL leader, also supports this change of course. While in his role as European Commissioner he was still a strong supporter of biomass as an alternative to fossil fuels. The Animal Party came up with a motion…
At the end of May we had our annual audit for BetterBiomass (NTA8080). Although our organization is certified for various systems and has relevant processes structurally on our agenda, this is still a time to ensure that there are some points missing. The audit took place at a larger central location where…
Wood is widely used for the production of everyday goods such as building materials, furniture, packaging materials and even textiles. Bark, which makes up 10-15% of a tree trunk, is a byproduct of wood processing and has only current value in energy production. What if softwood bark could be turned into a valuable source of…
On Friday, June 7, Platform Bio-Economie presented the 12th edition of the annual report on the use of woody biomass in the Netherlands. It is very important that transparent and well-founded figures can be made available to government, the business community and ultimately to Dutch citizens in order to monitor developments in this domain...
Are you interested in the latest developments in the world of biomass? Would you like to stay informed of the latest news, thought-provoking blogs and inspiring interviews? Then our monthly newsletter is exactly what you are looking for! At Biomass Facts we believe in the power and possibilities of biomass. Every month we bring you an overview…
This week, voters in the EU will be heading to the polls and electing a new European Parliament. As the campaigning gears up, the outgoing Commission's biggest legacy – the Green Deal – is drawing some criticism. Euractiv went as far as calling it “The number one election punching bag…”. Rhetoric about dismantling the Green…
BioBTX, Dutch technology developer in circular chemistry, has raised more than €80 million to build its first commercial factory. This investment makes it possible to scale up BioBTX's innovative ICCP technology in the PETRA Circular Chemicals Plant in Delfzijl. In this factory, plastic residual flows are converted into aromatics, building blocks for chemical...
In recent weeks, all political parties have shared their (draft) election manifestos for the European Parliament elections on June 6. The NVDE has listed the relevant passages that touch on the climate and energy transition. You can find the entire overview on their site. The table lists the parties in order of the number of seats…
In Drachten we find Fiberplast Group, a supplier of sustainable floor and facade solutions. Their mission is clear: delivering total solutions with a strong emphasis on biobased and circular construction. We spoke with CEO Walter Wieten and Commercial Director Gert Vos about their view on the future of the construction industry.
About 2030 homes must be built in our country by 900.000. The demand for building materials is increasing significantly. Together we work towards one goal: accelerating the transition to a circular and biobased (construction) economy. Biobased building: NEXT level. Circular construction The demand for building materials is increasing significantly due to the enormous demand for homes. Where…
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has presented the 'Scenario study of green gas production around 2030' to the House of Representatives. This study, conducted by CE Delft and New Energy Coalition, explores the development of green gas installations, their locations and production volumes in the Netherlands towards 2030. The results provide insight into provincial production capacities based on local…
Over the next 3 years, 11 partners in West North Brabant will work under the leadership of TNO to create green building blocks with local vegetable residual flows. From grass to glue, from sugar beet pulp to paint or from wood chips to insulating foam are examples of what the B4 project – Better Biobased Building Blocks – has in mind. These building blocks…
Bioenergy is one of the largest renewable energy sources worldwide and also one of the most important energy pillars in the future energy mix. Raw materials from biomass can be converted into different forms of energy via various chemical, biochemical, mechanical or thermochemical processes, such as cooling, heating, electricity production or the production of biofuels. Introduction Bioenergy is one of the largest renewable energy sources…
The outgoing cabinet does not intend to discourage the import of foreign woody biomass. A majority of the House of Representatives had requested this, but according to Minister Jetten, this goes against European and international trade rules. In the two-minute Climate and Energy debate of April 14, members Teunissen and Postma submitted a motion…
Microsoft and Swedish energy company Stockholm Exergi have announced a 10-year offtake agreement, which will provide Microsoft with more than 3,3 million tonnes of carbon removal certificates from the planned Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) facility in Värtan, Stockholm. The agreement marks the world's largest ever carbon removal deal, according to the companies. Anders Egelrud, CEO of Stockholm Exergi: “The agreement…
The Turin Joint Declaration on Sustainable Biofuels highlights the role of sustainable biofuels in decarbonizing all transport sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, innovation and creating value for communities. The statement, signed by more than 75 industry leaders, trade associations and R&D organizations, draws attention to actions the G7 countries can…
Leading Japanese Companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (“TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING”) and British renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop both the world's first biomass-powered ship (bioship) and the technology that powers it could be…
On the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, innovative tests are underway with what are known as 'liquid trees' – photobioreactors that use microalgae to draw CO2 from the atmosphere. This project, led by Argentinian scientists, offers a promising solution in the fight against climate change. Instead of using traditional trees,…
The European Bio-Based Digital Twins (BBTWINS) project is organizing a webinar on May 15 from 10.00:11.00 AM to 2:XNUMX AM CET (GMT+XNUMX) examining the potential of digital twins within the biobased agri-food sector. BBTWINS is developing a digital platform for the optimization of agrifood value chain processes and the supply of high-quality biomass for bioprocessing. The platform is based on…
In the world of biobased construction, wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But an innovative perspective highlights straw as a promising alternative. Rob van Nistelrooij, owner of Bouwbedrijf Gebroeders van Herpen, enthusiastically supports this idea of straw as the 'building material of the future'. “Bio-based construction…
There is a strong link between bioenergy and sustainable forest management. But how does this work? In the week of the International Day of Forests, Bioenergy Europe presented a new article about the symbiotic relationship between bioenergy and forest management in Europe. The article aims to clarify common misconceptions on this subject, by…
Last week, CBE JU published its call for project proposals for 2024. A total of 213 million euros will be spent on promoting competitive circular biobased industries in Europe, spread over 18 topics. All stakeholders in the circular biobased sector can submit an application before the deadline of September 18, 2024, 17.00:XNUMX PM Brussels time.…
Bringing products and users together in the biobased economy is important. That is why Biobased Innovations Garden cordially invites suppliers of biobased products to promote their products at the exhibitor market during the Biobased Acceleration Day 2024. This day is intended to show which biobased products are already being produced. Textiles, packaging, cosmetics…
Writing a blog is a bit like a battle against a steadily ticking clock. As the deadline approaches, a calm state of being is disrupted by missing inspiration. I usually start with a piece of text that ultimately doesn't make it and disappears into the refrigerator for possible later use. Which by the way never happens. Because usually…
The Netherlands can be climate neutral by 2050 without adjusting its economic structure. This is evident from new research by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). The condition is that the production of bio raw materials and green hydrogen is significantly scaled up. The PBL calculated more than thirty techno-economic processes and concludes that postponing or excluding in advance…
The European Commission has approved a €900 million French plan to support companies investing in the use of biomass and renewable hydrogen in energy and fuel production, to promote the transition to a net-zero economy in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved in…
The tax on natural gas is going up. The outgoing government is imposing a heavy energy tax on large-scale consumers in particular. In the Spring Memorandum, an increase of 22,4 percent was announced for the third, fourth and fifth brackets. An additional increase of 2030 percent will follow in 2,7. These are measures that should encourage major consumers to look for sustainable alternatives to natural gas. Hydrogen, for example, for which a separate reduced rate applies.
On April 12, the Council of the European Union revised the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). accepted. This new version of the legislation will promote renovation and encourage the replacement of old, inefficient fossil fuel boilers with on-site renewable energy sources, including biomass. Bioenergy Europe considers the new EPBD as…
The demand for sustainable and circular alternatives to fossil raw materials offers opportunities for the European biobased industry. This also applies to Central and Eastern European countries, where the development of biobased activities has lagged behind that in Western Europe. Recently updated country reports on the biobased industry in Romania and Poland underline the enormous potential in these countries,…
A group of Brabant farmers who grow raw materials for biobased building materials are uniting in the new Growers Cooperative. According to the initiators, the establishment of this cooperative focused on biobased crops is a first in the Netherlands. "This sustainable way of growing can become an alternative revenue model for many agricultural entrepreneurs," says board member and farmer John Verberne of…
Staatsbosbeheer manages approximately 275.000 hectares of land for the Dutch company, of which approximately 100.000 hectares is FSC certified forest. We were founded exactly 125 years ago to bring poor 'waste' land to sustainable use. In other words, forest planting and its management. But we no longer produce wood alone. We also provide a living environment for people, plants and animals. Briefly summarized in three pillars: Protect, Experience and Utilize.
Last month, the US Department of Energy (DOE) updated its cornerstone study on the availability of sustainable biomass concluding “More than 1 billion tons of biomass production capacity is identified nationally, while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, and exports. ” The report covers a range of possible feedstocks, not just woody biomass. At the…
If you are looking for bioaromatic samples (derived from sugar or lignin) to test in your products and/or if you could use application development support ranging from feasibility studies to prototype/pilot scale, BIO-CAPPP offers project SME innovation vouchers to support your innovations. BIO-CAPPP project partners VITO, Centexbel and TNO can…
The government will stimulate the cultivation of bio-based building materials as much as possible. Outgoing Minister Hugo de Jonge of Housing and Spatial Planning reminded the House of Representatives of this during a debate on circular construction. Member of Parliament Cor Pierik (BBB) demands more effort from the cabinet. 'Or growing raw materials for the construction of a new…
Last year we posted a series of interviews with people who work at companies that focus on bio-based raw materials. This year we are making a new series of interviews. In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. In this miniseries we highlight…
How many demands do you want to make on the lifeboat when the ship starts to sink? The recent political debate about bioenergy with CO2 storage (BECCS) reminded me of this cartoon. The Party for the Animals proposed banning sustainable biomass + CO2 storage for electricity production. Fortunately, the House of Representatives decided not to get rid of any tools...
Intercos SpA, global leader in research and development, production and marketing of cosmetics and skin care and hair and body care. Amarey, founded by the Illy family, an innovative start-up specialized in functional coffee-based products, announces a strategic partnership for research, innovation and development of cosmetic raw materials obtained with respect for…
The 2023 annual report provides a good picture of all activities and developments that the Green Gas Platform was involved with last year. Both in general terms and per expert group. It was an eventful year with a number of striking topics: a calculation error in the SDE++ subsidy for the category of small-scale mono-manure fermentation, uncertainty about...
The 2nd edition of the four-day Biobased Battle took place in March. 142 students from 7 different colleges in the Netherlands and Finland worked in multidisciplinary teams on corporate sustainability issues. The target? Presenting the best practical biobased solutions! The Biobased Battle 2024 is organized by Avans/MNEXT, HAN, HZ, Karelia, LAB, OAMK and…
After the Easter weekend it is very appropriate to tell a story about an egg and I thought of Columbus' egg, a symbol for finding a simple solution to a challenging problem. For decades we have been trying to replace fossil raw materials with biogenic alternatives, but the road to sustainability appears to be bumpier than expected.…
The down-to-earth English already figured it out: 'You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs'. It is no different with wood and trees: a healthy, thick tree is cut down to make a wooden table. And that change is sometimes, and for some people, a painful experience. Not surprising of course, especially when it comes to thick trees...
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At the end of last year I took part in a working visit to a few interesting bio boilers in Amersfoort. Then the question arose how much sustainable biomass there is actually locally: How do you show that there is enough biomass in a radius of 150 km around Amersfoort? It turned out that an answer was not easy to give. Because I…
Low trophic marine biomass will play an important role in the development of circular and climate-neutral human, animal and non-food applications. Low trophic marine species, like mussels, are low in the food chain. They do not need land or fresh water and obtain their nutrition directly from their habitat. In addition, mussel cultivation in a…
The volume of green gas produced in 2023 is 280.200.000 m³. This is equivalent to 0,28 BCM and means a growth of 22% compared to 2022. The Dutch grid operators have announced this. The growth is partly due to several new green gas feeders that have entered the Dutch market. The Green Gas Platform…
On March 12, during the Week of the Circular Economy, the knowledge session The Raw Materials Transition within SMEs took place at the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom. Jacco Vonhof, chairman of MKB Nederland and Chantal Dietvorst – ten tije, Managing Director Ecosystems Development at the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) talked to Thijs Rodenburg…
On Tuesday, March 5, the amendment by member Teunissen (2-36197: ban on biomass from forests for energy generation) was put to the vote in the 22nd chamber and rejected. I would like to reflect on a few statements and assumptions that were added to the motion for reasons of motivation. One of the statements is that production…
18 European organizations have issued a call to action urging the European Commission and Member States to prioritize the decarbonization of heating and cooling in the upcoming legislative mandate. “To achieve the 2040 target, we must stimulate renewable energy sources and defossilize our energy system. The EU…
To be able to build more with wood and other bio raw materials, a reliable chain is needed. “There is still room for improvement in the Netherlands,” says Henk Wanningen, raw materials expert at Staatsbosbeheer. “We have taken the initiative to ensure that all parties in that chain, from forest owners to wood processors, work together better.” He also believes it is important…
Covestro is moving forward for the first time with the implementation of a unique process for the production of the important chemical aniline, based entirely on vegetable biomass instead of petroleum. The plastics manufacturer has now started using a special pilot plant at its location in Leverkusen. Initially, large quantities of biobased aniline…
Four Testing Gardens were recently realized in the Hoftoren in The Hague within the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). An important goal of this adjustment was to give the spaces a more attractive appearance, so that people enjoy coming to the office. Application of innovative and biobased materials increases the quality of experience. It…
In the heart of Seville, where spring infuses the streets with an intoxicating scent of orange blossom, a remarkable journey from sour fruits to clean energy begins. With almost 50.000 orange trees adorning the city, it seems like Seville is wrapped in a cloak of citrus, but behind this beautiful facade lies a challenge for…
Sun, wind and biomass: almost half of the production of electrical energy in the Netherlands in 2023 came from renewable sources. Statistics Netherlands reports this based on provisional figures. According to Statistics Netherlands, the production of electricity from renewable sources increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year. The share of renewable sources…
Worldwide there is an increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and an ever-increasing range of organic products. This creates an increasing demand for biomass. As these markets grow, major biomass producers will shift from primarily seeking economically viable market options to seeking to access the highest value market…
The climate policy of the European Union (EU) is among some of the most well-developed in the world. However, with that depth comes complexity which inevitably leads to misunderstanding. One of the most misunderstood points is the “zero-emissions” factor that sustainable wood-based biomass receives in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). This means that the…
Martin van Rijn, chairman of Aedes, received the new Handbook 'Housing in timber' from Karo van Dongen, on behalf of the Brabantse Houtbouw Lente corporations, on February 26, 2024. Timber construction offers opportunities for social housing because it is sustainable, biobased and healthy. The environmental benefit lies in reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional construction methods.…
