Seasonal Greetings from BalticBiomass4Value

The BalticBiomass4Value team wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!


Project Outcomes: Work Package 4

WP4: Improving circular bioeconomy innovation support services and initiating pilot business projects

A4.1: Improving competences of existing knowledge and technology transfer service providers and organising outreach activities to promote circular bioeconomy innovations in the Baltic Sea Region

The activities of 4.1 are summarised below.

Activity leader:

Lena Huck

Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR)

l.huck@fnr.de

Within A4.1, the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) was responsible for coordinating the development of the Interactive Online Portal (e-tool). Additionally, trainings for knowledge and technology transfer service providers within the project partnership were organised. FNR hosted a combined training on 20 October 2021, coupled with individual training sessions by the project partners. The Interactive Online Portal was presented during the trainings.

Outcomes of A4.1

  • The interactive online portal (e-tool) was developed and published on the BalticBiomass4Value website. 
  • The internal training for knowledge and technology service providers was held on 20th October 2021.

A4.2: Organisation of consultations for potential pilot business projects in the Baltic Sea Region

Activity leader:

Sascha Hermus

3N Kompetenzzentrum e.V. (3N)

Hermus@3-n.info

In A4.2 consultations and match-making events were organised.

Potential partners for consultations and match-making events were identified using a questionnaire that included all relevant questions for companies working in the field of bioeconomy. The questionnaire was evaluated and the companies were categorised according to their strengths, weaknesses, expertise and needs. Following, match-making events were conducted (partly online, partly in presence) to bring the companies together. The areas of interest ranged from renewable energy (biogas and photovoltaic) to sustainable product production.

In Germany and Estonia the focus was on biogas and biomethane production. During the match-making topics such as the close collaboration of farmers and the utilisation of by-products as input substrates for the biogas plant were discussed. In Poland the discussions focused more on alternative packing material and biopolymers, as well as fertilisers derived from organic matter. The Lithuanian events focused on aquaculture and fish production.

The events are completed in Germany, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland and the events are still ongoing in Latvia, Sweden and Norway.


Project Outcomes: Work Package 3

WP3: Preparing guidelines for circular bioeconomy development support at local level and promoting them among public authorities

A3.1: Analysis of regional/local support systems for circular bioeconomy development and preparation of good practice implementation guidelines for public authorities.

As part of the 3.1 activities, Latvian University of Life Sciences (LLU) developed a training program for regional/local public authorities on circular bioeconomy development and its support systems. Additionally, guidelines for circular bioeconomy development were developed.

Activity leader:

Arnis Lenerts

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LLU)

arnis.lenerts@llu.lv

The the report is available here.

A3.2: Cross-border learning and promotion of good practice implementation guidelines for circular bioeconomy development at local level among public authorities.

As part of the 3.2 activities, Vidzeme Planning Region coordinated the organisation of the transnational events and local trainings.

Activity leader:

Irīna Kulitāne

Vidzeme Planning Region

irina.kulitane@konso.lv

Transnational Events:

The combined event organised by Halmstad University, 3N Kompetenzzentrum and Vidzeme Planning Region took place on 9-10 November 2021 (event summary). A joint event with the “BIS - Baltic Industrial Symbiosis” project took place on 26 May 2021 (event summary).

The Russian event took place on 8-9 July 2021(event summary).

Local Trainings:

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LLU), Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU), 3N Kompetenzzentrum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM), Halmstad University, and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) organised 1-day trainings on circular bioeconomy development and its support systems to regional / local public authorities in their countries. (Link to event page)


Project Outcomes: Work Package 2

WP2: Identifying and assessing market opportunities, biomass potential, technologies and business models for circular bioeconomy development

Three reports were published in work package 2 (WP2). The reports are summarised below.

A2.1: Analysis of market outlook and future viability of different bioenergy products and value chains in the Baltic Sea Region energy system

As part of the 2.1 activity, a report (link) on market outlook and future viability of different bioenergy products was produced by Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).

Activity Leader:

Birger Vennesland

Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)

birger.vennesland@nibio.no

The report describes the development of bioenergy in the Baltic Sea Region, barriers and drivers for increased bioenergy use and analyses future biomass use. The analysis of biomass use in heat and power plants is based on the energy system model Balmorel that covers the North European power and heat market. To assess the use of biomass in heating and the main opportunities to increase the use of biomass for heating in the Baltic region, a survey among the project partners was carried out. Initiatives for production of advanced biofuels were also mapped in the study.

The share of renewables in the gross final energy consumption has increased steadily in the Baltic region over the last decade. The use of biomass has increased by close to 40%. Solid biofuels constitute 2/3 of the biomass use, but the production of biogas has increased more than 200% and is currently about 15% of the bioenergy consumption in the region.

The use of biomass in the energy sector is expected to increase due to the reduced use of fossil fuels. Increased use of biomass in district heating and biofuels for transport represents important opportunities for growing use of bioenergy in the Baltic Sea Region. The utilisation of biomass and wood chips is increasing with growing carbon prices. Most of the biomass is used if the carbon price is high in 2030, while the lowest amount of biomass is used if the carbon price is low in 2040.

The most dominant biomass used for production of heat and electricity in the Baltic Sea Region is wood chips used for district heating. The level of consumed wood chips is heavily dependent on the carbon price. The usage of biogas increases both with year and carbon price. Pyrolysis oil is only used as a peak load for heat production in 2020. Biogas is increasingly used when the carbon price increases. Initiatives to produce second generation biofuels for transport from lingo-cellulotic feedstock is likely to increase the use of biomass in the transport sector.

Consumption of biomass in the industry sector represents the largest uncertainty in future biomass demand. In the metallurgical industry carbon also represent important opportunities for increased biomass use. Targeted incentives are required to ensure economic sustainability for increased use of biomass in the energy sector in the Baltic Sea Region. Increased costs for emission of carbon from fossil fuels imply increased use of biomass, especially in district heating and represent thus a low hanging fruit for reduced greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. Carbon costs, regulations, incentives and knowledge are needed for increased biomass use in the region. Biofuels for transport will continue to be based on agricultural products the next decade, but establishment of second generation biofuel plants is likely to gradually influence the biofuel market.

A2.2: Mapping of biomass value chains for improved sustainable energy use in the Baltic Sea Region

As part of the 2.2 activity, a report (link) on biomass value chains for sustainable energy use was produced by University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM).

Activity leader:

Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM)

mariusz.stolarski@uwm.edu.pl

In the 2.2 report, biomass potential and bioenergy technologies in the Baltic Sea Region countries were defined. It was found that Baltic Sea Region (BSR) countries were characterised by a high share of woodlands and agricultural land. They produced large amount of wood and agricultural biomass, particularly Germany and Poland. BSR countries had a high share of pellets production in the EU. Denmark by far used the largest amounts of pellets for energy production. Germany is the leader among the BSR countries in terms of the amount of bioenergy produced in each sector and it has the largest number of biogas plants and experience in this sector. Estonia has the largest share of biomass in the total of residential heat production. Latvia and Finland have the highest share of biomass in the gross inland energy consumption. Sweden and Lithuania have the highest rates of total biomass in the total derived heat production. Poland ranks second in terms of the number of biogas plants, biofuel installed capacity and primary production and the number of pellet plants. Norway has the largest share of renewable waste in gross electricity generation from biomass.

Additional to the report, two articles were published in international journals with an impact factor:

1.Stolarski M.J., Warmiński K., Krzyżaniak M., Olba–Zięty E., Akincza M. 2020. Bioenergy technologies and biomass potential vary in northern European countries. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 133, 110238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.110238 (IF: 12.110).

2.Stolarski M.J., Dudziec P., Krzyżaniak M., Olba-Zięty E. 2021. Solid biomass energy potential as a development opportunity for rural communities. Energies, 14, 3398. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123398. (IF: 3.004).

A2.3: Preparation of good practice business models and example small and medium scale pilot business projects for sustainable bioenergy and side bio-products production in the Baltic Sea Region

As part of the 2.3 activity, a report (link) on good practice business models was produced by Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU).

Activity leader:

Ants-Hannes Viira

Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU)

Ants-Hannes.Viira@emu.ee

Collecting 59 cases of real-life enterprises enabled the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU) to develop 12 clusters of bioeconomy enterprises and describe their underlying business models. The 20 business case narratives help to understand the motivation of the entrepreneurs, as well as enabling factors and barriers in developing business in the bioeconomy. We learned that the businesses and business models in the bioeconomy are very diverse, require high entrepreneurial abilities and also collaboration with biomass producers, local communities and authorities, research and development organisations and other businesses in the international value chains. Each of the business models has the potential to open up new ideas and discussions among the entrepreneurs, regional organisations and at the governmental level. All these finding were presented in the 2.3 report.

In cooperation with the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs, and Estonian University of Life Sciences a seminar on biogas production in agriculture was organised in early 2020. The BalticBiomass4Value project helped to raise interest and awareness in this topic, which was follow-up in various discussions and seminars. The project allowed us to better understand the interests of Estonian agricultural and food producers – what are the main bio-based resources produced as a by-product, what bio-based resources are they interested in utilising and adding value, are these resources currently being utilised etc. This allowed a targeted approach on the business consultation-matchmaking meetings.

As a result, a number of farmers have become more deeply interested in biogas production and valorisation of the side streams. The BalticBiomass4Value project has also created a network of experts and colleagues who can reach out to each other and answer the questions of practitioners.


Project Outcomes: Work Package 1

WP1: Project management and administration

As the Lead Partner, Vytautas Magnus Veritas University (VMU) is responsible for the project coordination. The Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) is responsible for communication and dissemination.

Project Coordinator

Virginija Kargyte

Vytautas Magnus Veritas University (VMU)

virginija.kargyte@vdu.lt

and

Communication Manager

Lena Huck

Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR)

l.huck@fnr.de

Below you can find a few examples of all the outreach activities:

  • 6 newsletter have been published (including this issue)
  • Linkedin and Facebook was used to disseminate information about events, published reports and other project activities
  • A total of 40 articles were published on the BalticBiomass4Value website
  • Communication experts met monthly to discuss dissemination and to implement the Communication Strategy of the BalticBiomass4Value project (virtual meetings)
Example of a social media post

Project Outcomes of BalticBiomass4Value

The BalticBiomass4Value project will end on 31 December 2021. This article provides a summary of all the different activities that were completed during the project.

Main project outcomes:

  • Analysis of market outlook and future viability of different bioenergy products and value chains in the Baltic Sea Region energy system (full report available)
  • Mapping of biomass value chains for improved sustainable energy use in the Baltic Sea Region (full report available)
  • Preparation of good practice business models and example small and medium scale pilot business projects for sustainable bioenergy and side bio-products production in the Baltic Sea Region (full report available)
  • Analysis of regional/local support systems for circular bioeconomy development and preparation of good practice implementation guidelines for public authorities (full report available)
  • Interactive Online Portal (e-tool)
  • Outreach events organised in every project partner country
  • Information of the project activities were disseminated and communicated via the BalticBiomass4Value newsletter, Linkedin, Facebook and the project website.

A more detailed overview of all the project outcomes are available here:

Work Package 1: click here

Work Package 2: click here

Work Package 3. click here

Work Package 4: click here


# 6 Newsletter BalticBiomass4Value

Dear Readers,

FNR, as Communication Manager of BalticBiomass4Value, is proud to announce the publication of the 6th BalticBiomass4Value project newsletter.

As this is the final issue, all the project outcomes are summarised in this newsletter.

To download the newsletter click here: BB4V 6th Newsletter

We hope you enjoy reading it!

For questions regarding the newsletter contact: Lena Huck (l.huck@fnr.de)


Transnational Hybrid Conference_Event Summary

On 20-22 October 2021, the BalticBiomass4Value project held the Transnational Hybrid Conference “Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region”. The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) hosted the event.

The conference focused on three themes:

  • Identifying and assessing market opportunities, biomass potential, technologies and business models for circular bioeconomy development.
  • Preparing guidelines for circular bioeconomy development support at local level and promoting them among public authorities.
  • Improving circular bioeconomy innovation support services and initiating pilot business projects.

Session 1: Identifying and assessing market opportunities, biomass potential, technologies and business models for circular bioeconomy development

The conference was opened by Prof. Dr. hab. Jerzy Jaroszewski, Vice-Rector for Research and Scientific Policy of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Followed by a brief introduction of the BalticBiomass4Value project by its Project Coordinator, Virginija Kargyte (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania).

Next, Erik Trømborg, NMBU - Norwegian University of Life Sciences presented the market outlook and future viability of different bioenergy products and value chains in the Baltic Sea Region energy systems. Mariusz Stolarski, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn outlined the biomass value chains in the Baltic Sea Region, whilst Ants-Hannes Viira, Estonian University of Life Sciences discussed good practice business models developed during the BalticBiomass4Value project.

Session 2: Preparing guidelines for circular bioeconomy development support at local level and promoting them among public authorities

In the second session, Malgorzata Zimniewska from the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants in Poland, representing the BIOEAST Initiative and BIOEASTsUP project, discussed the development of sustainable bioeconomies in Central and Eastern Europe. Subsequently, Arnis Lenerts, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies presented good practice implementation guidelines for circular bioeconomy development and training programmes, developed as part of the BalticBiomass4Value project.

The poster session was the last session of the day, followed by two internal events: a training for knowledge and technology transfer service providers and the BalticBiomass4Value Consortium project meeting. In the evening, physically present participants were invited to enjoy the networking dinner.

Internal Training

As part of the conference, FNR organised an internal training aimed at knowledge and technology transfer service providers within the project partnership. During the training, the demo version of the BalticBiomass4Value interactive online portal was presented. Participants had the opportunity to gain insights into the interactive online portal and discuss the relevance of e-tools for knowledge and technology transfer. All the different functions of the interactive online portal were outlined and participants shared their experiences, as well as providing feedback on how the interactive online portal could be improved.

Session 3: Improving circular bioeconomy innovation support services and initiating pilot business projects.

The second day and third session was kicked-off by Henrik Barth’s (Halmstad University, Sweden) presentation on the relevance of the business model canvas for bio-based businesses. Then two features of the BalticBiomass4Value interactive online portal were presented. Ants-Hannes Viira, Estonian University of Life Sciences introduced the business planning tool, whilst Michał Krzyżaniak, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn presented specifics about the biological waste potential and bioenergy demand modelling calculators.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion in which experiences from the BalticBiomass4Value business consultations-matchmaking activities were exchanged. Inga Matijosyte (Lithuanian Biotechnology Association), Riina Maruštšak (Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce) and Sascha Hermus (3N Kompetenzzentrum e.V.) shared their insights.

Finally, Paweł Stachowicz provided a presentation about Quercus sp. z o.o., the largest producer of biomass in Poland. The company was featured as a business case in the BalticBiomass4Value report on good practice business models. Physically present participants had the opportunity to visit the company in the afternoon.

 


Event Summary of Experience Exchange and Networking Event held on 9-10 November 2021

On 9-10 November 2021, the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project BalticBiomass4Value held the Experience Exchange and Networking Event “Perspectives and Challenges of Local Authorities and Municipal Waste Management Enterprises for Bio-Waste Management. The event was hosted by Vidzeme Planning Region, Halmstad University and 3N Kompetenzzentrum e.V.. Mr. Frans Debets, an expert in urban environment and climate issues moderated the event.

The first day of the event aimed at municipal and state-owned companies relevant to the value chain of bio-waste management. Experts of different fields gave presentations, covering various aspects of bio-waste management.  Prof. Dr. Daniel Pleissner, Leuphana University of Lüneburg-Institute of Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry (Germany), discussed future perspectives and challenges of bio-waste management, followed by his presentation on innovative bio-waste management and utilisation technologies. Dr. Miguel Angel Suarez Valdes, Project manager at HOOP Project, CETENMA (Spain), gave an overview of the HOOP Project, which supports cities and regions in developing large-scale urban circular bioeconomy initiatives, with a focus on urban bio-waste effective management. Mr. Hans-Peter Erhar, Sales manager at BEKON GmbH (Germany), presented technologies and practices used for biogas production and composting of bio-waste from households.

The event`s second day aimed at local, regional, and national authorities and administrations interested in bio-waste management. Prof. Marie Mattson, Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences, Halmstad University (Sweden), illustrated the relevance of biogas, arguing that it is a good environmental option for treating bio-waste. Dr. Rūta Bendere, Member of the Latvian Waste Management Association board (Latvia), discussed life cycle thinking and assessments for waste management at the municipal and institutional level. Ms. Elvira Laneborg, who is an Ecological sustainability development officer for the City Hall of the municipality of Kalmar (Sweden), provided valuable insights into local strategies and action plans for effective bio-waste management and utilisation.

At the end of each day, participants were introduced to the good practice implementation guidelines for circular bioeconomy development at the municipal and company level developed during the BalticBiomass4Value project. Dr. Aleksejs Nipers, Lead researcher, and Dr. Arnis Lenerts, docent and researcher at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies presented the good practice implementation guidelines. Additionally, Ms. Virginija Kargyte, Project Manager of BalticBiomass4Value, showed the results of the project.

In total 71 participants from eight countries took part in the event, representing municipal enterprises, national, regional and local authorities, universities, and research institutes.

The event was the final large-scale activity organised within the BalticBiomass4Value project, which will end in December 2021.

Recordings:

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPv4R8G-WdI

Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjMt_NedrL4


Presenting the BalticBiomass4Value Interactive Online Portal

The BalticBiomass4Value is proud to announce the release of a new Interactive Online Portal (e-tool).

In essence, the Interactive Online Portal is a database providing collected and processed bioeconomy data relevant for public authorities and business enterprises in the Baltic Sea Region. Information that was collected during the project (good practice examples, statistical indicators and special calculators) is made available in an accessible way.

The aim of the portal is to improve knowledge and technology transfer services in eight countries (Germany, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Russia and Norway) and disseminate the project outputs.

Features of the Interactive Online Portal:

  • Catalogue of good practice bioeconomy business models
  • Database of statistical indicators, including several calculators for biological waste potential and bioenergy demand modelling
  • Business planning tool
  • Catalogue of measures to promote the circular bioeconomy at the local and regional level

The Interactive Online Portal can be found on the BalticBiomass4Value website ( https://balticbiomass4value.eu/e-tools/ ) and is available in English, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian and Russian.

We have prepared a presentation explaining all the relevant features of the Interactive Online Portal. You can access the presentation here :BB4V Interactive Online Portal Presentation