ERA-NET+ BESTF and BESTF2

A consortium ofseven EU Member States and Associated Countries - UK, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland - is implementing a second phase ERA-NET Plus activity entitled Bioenergy Sustaining the Future 2 (BESTF2). This activity will provide funding and support to collaborative bioenergy projects that demonstrate one or more innovative steps resulting in demonstration at a pre-commercial stage.

The BESTF2 competition launched in December 2013 and the deadline for outline proposals was 10th February 2014. Full details, guidelines and important dates can be found at the BESTF2 website.

The first three BESTF projects were announced in early 2014. Summary information is included below. More detailed information will be added shortly. The projects were due to  commence on 1 April 2014 and continue for 36 months.

1. BioProGReSS

Partners: Göteborg Energi AB, Chalmers University of Technology, TU Berlin, Renewable Energy Technology International AB (Renewtec)
Countries: Sweden, Germany
EIBI Value Chains: 2, 1, 3
Project summary: Demonstration of a novel technology to simplify gas clean-up following biomass gasification. Chemical looping reforming will be used to reform the tars and the olefins directly after the gasifier.

2. KANE

Partners: DONG Energy Thermal Power A/S, Neste Oil Oyj
Countries: Denmark, Finland
EIBI Value chains: 6, 5
Project summary: Demonstration of microbial oil production from lignocellulosic sugars from straw for production of high quality drop-in biofuels, renewable diesel and jet fuel.

3. BioSNG

Partners: Advanced Plasma Power Limited, National Grid PLC, Progressive Energy Ltd, Schmack Carbotech GmbH
Countries: Germany, UK
EIBI Value chains: 2, 3
Project summary: Demonstration of the production of grid quality BioSNG via gasification in a once-through process, without recycle, a minimum number of reactor vessels, at modest pressure and temperature, and with a high rate of heat recuperation.