Unlocking the potential of bio-based value chains in the Baltic sea region

Abstract

Project received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Unlike wind and sun, biomass can be stored and used when needed, making it a reliable source of energy. The BalticBiomass4Value project wants to increase the efficient and sustainable use of biomass for energy production and valuable bio-products, such as food, feed, fertilisers, chemicals and cosmetics. It develops good practice business models and consultation schemes to support businesses in the Baltic Sea region. It also provides public authorities with guidelines on circular bioeconomy. Bioenergy remains a central element in the renewable energy mix policies in Europe. Nevertheless, the extensive use of biomass for energy raises a number of sustainability risks and economic viability questions. On January 1st , 2019 the project ‘Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region’ (with the abbreviation: BalticBiomass4Value) was launched. This project is supported by the INTERREG Baltic Sea programme and is coordinated by the Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania). 17 partners from the entire Baltic Sea Region (BSR) aim to enhance capacity of public and private actors within the BSR to produce bioenergy in more environmentally sustainable and economically viable way, by utilizing new biomass sources (chiefly, biological waste) for energy production, as well as possibilities to use bioenergy side streams for high value bio-products. The main step to achieve this goal is to map biomass from different sources (agriculture, food and feed industry, forestry, wood industry, municipal waste and sewage sludge, fishery, algae) and its logistics as well as various biomass conversion technologies and value chains. Furthermore, best practices of bioenergy generation and the potential of more efficient and sustainable deployment of biomass in the BSR will be identified. Consequently, the additional biomass utilization in energy value chains will be explored, especially opportunities to use side streams for high value bio-products, such as food, feed, fertilisers, chemicals, cosmetics, and other uses. Similar bio-resources, but diverse technologies and business models in the BSR countries will be developed as a solid background for cooperation. The main target groups are public authorities responsible for natural resources, energy security and promotion of industry within bioeconomy sectors, energy agencies, forestry and agricultural advisories, waste management agencies, as well as innovation and business development agencies, clusters and networks, business associations and enterprises. The project partners will prepare guidelines on circular bioeconomy development support, and will promote them through experience exchange and training activities across the region. The partnership will also seek to improve knowledge and technology transfer services concerning efficient and sustainable bioenergy production, and to widespread good practice business models in the BSR by developing business consultation scheme and tools. FNR‘s main responsibility is to tailor the communication of the project results towards the specific target groups through web-based tools. Additionally, the agency will be able to contribute to the overall success of the project through its extensive expertise in the fields of bioenergy and production of bio-based products.