1. Editorial
The EBTP 6th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting in Brussels was a great success and the platform thanks all stakeholders who attended and, in particular, the speakers who provided excellent coverage on a range of important biofuels topics.
The engagement with stakeholders and sharing of ideas made the whole event enjoyable and educational. It was held during two days when oil prices plummeted globally. It was an illustration of our role that every presentation could be assessed by how many dollars the oil price dropped. Global biofuels, in 2013, contributed one and a half per cent of fossil petroleum use in transport. The biofuel industry cannot be neglected as a competitor and does contribute to keep prices down.
SPM6 clearly showed the purpose of biofuels - contributing to secure supply of transport fuels for European prosperity - and the technological opportunities in the many industrial projects conceived and constructed in the European Union. The stakeholder plenary also saw the home-made difficulties provided by political uncertainties and complications.
There are good ambitions behind the introduction of multipliers in EU-targets as well as behind changes in state aid regulations and iLUC debates. Still, we must continuously consider the perspective of investors placing their own money in the development of advanced biofuel production technologies. Most of us may like the ideas of efficiency and high ambitions – but few stakeholder like complicated systems creating opportunities for fraudulent behavior or doubts driving up the cost of capital to compensate for political uncertainties in Europe.
As the demand for forest resources drops, with modern information technology reducing the role of printing on paper, European resources are needed to increase the production in sustainable fuel systems. Lets ensure that we are successfully securing command also of the necessary conversion technologies. We are at a stage of development when it may be just as bad to be dependent on imported technologies as being dependent on imported fuels. Let us see the developments we see in the US and China as constructive competition.
Successful competition in biofuel technology will help us all meet global climate challenges while reducing the economic power of oil-exporting countries.
The economic cost, energy inputs and environmental impacts of marginal fossil fuel extraction will continue to rise in coming decades, as illustrated in a report just published. Biofuels will have an ever greater role to play in stabilising fuel costs for consumers and industy, reducing GHG emissions in transport, and making a vital contribution to a healthy, energy-secure, low-carbon economy in Europe.
Tomas Kåberger
Chair of the Steering Committee
European Biofuels Technology Platform
2. EBTP Developments
The 33rd Steering Committee Meeting of the EBTP was held in Brussels on 16th October 2014 in conjunction with the 6th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting. The meeting was attended by 20 SC members, 3 members of the EBTP Secretariat and 3 EC colleagues.
New Steering Committee Members
Nicolas Jeuland, SAFRAN Group, was welcomed as a new member of the Steering Committee, and a 'membership invitation' to Krzysztof Bajdor, Polish Technology Platform on Biofuels, was also approved.
Working Group Round Up
Update to the Strategic Reseach Agenda
All EBTP Working Groups have made initial contributions to a proposed update to the Strategic Research Agenda for Biofuels in Europe. The new update to the SRA is due to be produced in early 2015. Any organisation wishing to contribute to the process may apply to join one of the EBTP Working Groups. Please send an email with a short CV to the EBTP secretariat, who will forward it to the respective WG Chairs.
WG1 Biomass
The key priorities for the upcoming months are to understand the availability of biomass and facilitate the development of sustainable and resource efficient supply chains to develop a common view on sustainable biomass availability across different sectors. Existing links with the Bioeconomy panel, the Biobased Industries consortium as well as the Bioeconomy Observatory and the JRC will be used. A joint workshop is envisaged for 2015, in collaboration with related EC projects and studies. A joint workshop on biomass availability is also planned in cooperation with the Renewable Heating and Cooling European Technology Platform.
WG2 Conversion
Collaboration with the Renewable Cooling and Heating Technology Platform on biomass pretreatment is ongoing, with a joint workshop planned for 2015. The WG is also calculating the capacity of advanced biofuels facility required to meet the suggested 0.5% target proposed by the Energy Council. It was acknowledged that this will requires obtaining accurate feedstock and production data from each facility.
WG3 End use
WG3 is calculating the volume of biofuels required to meet 2030 emission reduction targets. A detailed comparison of costs, infrastructures and technologies for different transport modes and vehicle types is required, and will demonstrate the competitiveness of advanced biofuels. This will involve increased interaction with the vehicle industry and organisations, such as ERTRAC.
EC policy update, and instructional investment in renewables, including advanced bioenergy and biofuels
EC representatives provided an update on the various policies and initiatives impacting on development of advanced biofuels, and stressed that the view of the EBTP and its stakeholders (representing industry, research and sustainable feedstock production) can influence policy.
On the private investment side, it was pointed out that a significant number of investment funds have announced they are moving away from fossil fuels and increasing their investments in renewables and 'clean tech', presenting a potential opportunity for advanced bioenergy and biofuels technology companies.
Recent EBTP-SABS Activities
The Coordination and Support Action (609607), EBTP-SABS: Support for Advanced Biofuels Stakeholders, (2013-2016) aims to: further develop communications with the established network of EBTP particpants; to stimulate involvement of a wider range of stakeholders; and to inform the general public with accurate information on various aspects of advanced biofuels.
A main activity in October was organisation of the Stakeholder Plenary Meeting (SPM) in cooperation with the EBTP Steering Committee. The 6th SPM, which brings together European biofuels stakeholders, took place on October 14th-15th 2014, and was attended by around 140 participants from consultancy companies, research institutes and biofuel producers. Participants from 25 different countries (mostly European) contributed to the meeting. A detailed description of SPM6, with links to presentations, can be found below.
Within the next few weeks, the EBTP Strategic Research Agenda, which was last revised in 2010, will be updated in cooperation with the EBTP Working Groups.
The EBTP-SABS team continues to maintain and update the EBTP website and associated databases. The website continues to expand, receiving 31,000 unique visitors in October 2014 and currently appearing as the top website for "Biofuels in Europe" on Google.
EBTP-SABS is also redeveloping the biofuels stakeholder database, which has been in operation since 2007. The draft stakeholder database is now online, and includes a draft description and website link for around 500 organisations involved in all aspects of biofuels from research, feedstocks, conversion and production to distribution, end-use, sustainability and deployment. Archive information is still being updated and new stakeholders are being added, so please follow the website links to view the latest information about each organisation. To submit or update information about your organisation, please contact secretariat@biofuelstp.eu.
Other updates
An update was provided on the European Expert Group on Future Transport Fuel (EGFTF), which was established by DG Mobility & Transport (Move) in March 2012 to provide advice to the Commission on the development of political strategies and specific actions aiming towards the substitution of fossil oil as transport fuel in the long term, and decarbonising transport, while allowing for economic growth.
New impetus comes from the Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (CPT Directive) which was adopted on 29 September 2014 to ensure the build-up of alternative refueling points across Europe with common standards for their design and use. The aim of the 3rd report of EGFTF, which is currently under preparation, is to provide an update of the latest developments in the EU in the field of alternative fuels, the market uptake of alternative fuel transport systems and related infrastructure. The report will contain updated data on the different alternative fuels (e.g. on emissions, energy efficiency, production costs) as well as on the recent market developments of alternative fuel transport systems and related infrastructure compared to the previous reports of January and December 2011.
An update on the second call of the NER300 programme was also provided, as well as EBTP input into the
'Integrated Roadmap for Challenge 1 – Advanced Biofuels'. The way forward for the European Industrial Initiatives on Energy will be presented at the SET Plan Conference in Rome 10-11 December 2014.
3. 6th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting SPM6 Presentations: Links and Summaries
The EBTP 6th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting (SMP6) - Biofuels for Low Carbon Transport and Energy Security - took place at the Diamant Conference Centre, Brussels, on 14-15 October 2014, and was attended by ~140 stakeholders. SPM6 Presentations are now online, along with Speaker CVs and Abstracts. Images from the event are also included.
EBTP thanks all the speakers and delegates for a highly productive two days of discussion. The EBTP Secretariat appreciates all the positive feedback received, as well as ideas for SPM7, which is planned for late 2015/early2016.
Top left: Paul Verhoef, Head of Unit, Renewable Energy Sources, European Commission DG Research & Innovation presents the opening address
Bottom left: Tomas Kåberger, Chair of EBTP Steering Committee, Chalmers University of Technology, welcomes EBTP stakeholders to SPM6
Keynote Address
The keynote address at SPM6 was presented by Paul Verhoef, Head of Unit, Renewable Energy Sources, European Commission DG Research & Innovation, stressing that bioenegy is an integral part of the low-carbon economy in Europe.
Mr Verhoef quoted Jean-Claude Juncker, President-elect of the European Commission, who has said Europe needs to "mobilise EUR 300 billion in public and above all private investments over the next three years [..] through the targeted use of the existing structural funds and of the EIB instruments...Renewable energies and their development is a sine qua non if tomorrow's Europe really is going to create lasting, consistent and sustainable locational advantages which are directly comparable with those of other world players."
EU Energy policy priorities include energy security, efficiency and meeting renewable energy targets. Biofuels production and bioenergy production are both predicted to increase year-on-year up to 2020 (bioenergy more rapidly). Development and deployment of innovative advanced biofuels technology is supported in the EU by the SET-Plan (EIBI), Horizon2020, NER300, and the Bio-based Industries JU. However there are several critical issues to address: in particular the regulatory situation, availability of risk funding and analysis of biomass availability. An integrated bio-industry strategy is needed (for both biofuels and bioproducts). R&D is still needed to overcome production technology issues and international cooperation is essential.
Session 1: Low carbon transport and energy security - the role of biofuels in a 'low-carbon' energy system
The EU 2030 framework and energy security was presented by Andreas Pilzecker, European Commission DG Energy, who stressed the need for Europe to shift away from fuel expenditure (and dependency on imports) to investment in energy. The Commission does not see the need for specific targets for renewable energy in transport post 2020. The focus of policy development should be on 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels and other sustainable fuels. Advanced biofuels are considered part of the 300 billion Euro investment plan. The latest news and information is available from the Renewable Energy pages of the Europa website.
Ausilio Bauen, E4Tech, indicated that biofuels could contribute between 12-15% to road transport fuel energy by 2030, but this depends on a shared fuel and automotive industry vision and roadmap. Charles Esser, IEA, explained that growing uncertainty about policy was slowing growth in the biofuels industry in Europe and globally. Other factors are impacting on global biofuels markets,such as the ethanol blend wall in the US, the challenging economic situation in Brazil, policy changes (at home and abroad) in Argentina, and EC policy uncertainty. On the plus side, biodiesel production costs are declining and emerging markets (including Asia and Africa) are expanding rapidly, partly driven by rising oil import bills. Advanced biofuel technologies are currently in the "valley of death", hence long -term policy stability is vital for future growth.
Heather Hamje, Concawe, presented the latest JEC Well-to-Wheels Biofuels Study, which (among other goals) aims to clarify the barriers and opportunities relating to the 10% renewable energy in transport target. JEC analysis suggests current installed capacity in Europe is sufficient to cover projected biofuels demand in 2020. Non-conventional (advanced) biofuels production is predicted to 'stabilise' globally over the next 3-4 years and then increase more rapidly from 2019-2020. Various feedstock-to-fuel pathways were presented, showing, as expected, that use of waste oils and cellulosic materials offer potential emissions reductions. However, not all feedstock/technology combinations are equally effective, and a common methodology is essential to compare specific pathways and determine those that offer the most promising energy security and emissions benefits.
Session 2: Europe and beyond - perspectives from the global biofuels industry
The session on global biofuels started with experiences from the UK where the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation has accelerated development of the biofuels market, and where new initiatives are being introduced to support waste-derived and advanced biofuels. Jonathan Hood, Low Carbon Fuels, Department for Transport, UK pointed out that only biofuels that comply with sustainbility criteria are currently included in UK targets, but current provisions do not address iLUC, pending a final decision on EU negotiations ongoing since 2012. However, already ~50% of biofuels supplied into UK (2012-2013) were derived from waste feedstocks. A £25m advanced biofuel demonstration competition has been launched to support development of at least one UK facility by 2018.
Liping Kang, Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET) provided an update on background and drivers for development of Chinas's biofuels market and the current state of biofuels governance, as well as global collaborations and suggested areas for action. As in Europe, there are concerns over use of food crops for biofuels. Subsidies for grain-based ethanol will be phased out by 2015. A subsidy for cellulosic ethanol has been introduced. Currently, there are 3 industrial-scale cellulosic ethanol demonstration facilities in China based on corn cob and stalk (one with involvement of Novozymes). There is also research into BtL using agricultural residues as feedstocks. UCO (industrialized since 2006) and Jatropha (demonstration stage) are used as 'medium term' feedstocks for biodiesel production. Cassava and sweet sorghum (industrialised since 2008) are also used as feedstocks for bioethanol (so called 1.5 G). Further details are included in the presentation.
Raffaello Garofalo, European Biodiesel Board, discussed the issues raised by lack of consistent tools to trace the origins of biofuels, which he said led to price distortions and fraudulent behaviour. To address this, he proposed an EU-wide certification system (to certify quantity) and a traceability system (to prevent quality fraud). The Register of Biofuels Origination RBO was presented as an initiative to help solve these two issues.
Don Smith, James McGill Professor and CEO & Scientific Director of BioFuelNet Canada, provided an update on Biofuels Development in North America. As in other countries (above), there is a growing emphasis on advanced biofuels. In the United States, the largest biofuels producer in the world, currently 89% of biofuel is still derived from grain. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires an increase in lignocellulosic ethanol. Commercial-scale advanced biorefineries are operational (or close to), notably: POET-DSM Project Liberty; Abengoa Bioenergy Hugoton Facility; and the DuPont Nevada Facility. The US military (US Navy, Marine Corps and Army) all have set ambitious targets for renewable fuels, and the US DoD has awarded $210m to three companies to build biorefineries (Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio). The aim is cost-competitive drop-in biofuels. Biofuels production in Canada is now increasing rapidly (ten fold increase in 10 years). Enerkem is operating advanced biorefineries based on MSW and industrial waste. BioFuelNet - a network of excellence, including universities, researchers and industry partners - is accelerating the development of a thriving advanced biofuels industry in Canada (its aims being similar to those of the EBTP in Europe).
Session 3: The road to success: steps towards commercial advanced biofuels
This session highlighted existing and new projects that are taking important steps towards the commercialisation of advanced biofuels value chains in Europe. Petri Lehmus, Neste Oil, Finland, presented the evolution of the NEXBTL (HEFA) refinery in Rotterdam, which produces drop-in renewable diesel for aviation and road transport. More than 60% of Neste Oil's feedstocks are currently waste and residues (with a target of 100% by 2017). Feedstocks include waste animal fat, waste fish fat, fatty acid distillates and technical corn oil. The plant now produces waste-based NEXBTL for 1.3 million cars per annum (2013). The next step is to expand the feedstock base through new technologies; microbial oils, and thermo-catalytic and advanced biological pathways. NEXBTL biorefineries can also produce renewable propane and bio-based chemicals (maximizing overall value).
Frédéric Martel, Procethol, France, discussed how the 76.4m Euro FUTUROL pilot plant offers an improved production process for cellulosic ethanol by: optimised use of a greater diversity of lignocellusoic feedstocks; an integrated process; efficient pretreatment with high digestibility and hemicellulose hydrolysis yield; low-cost on-site production of tailor-made enzymes; one-pot process allowing simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars, using yeasts with high resistance to inhibitors (esp. acetic acid). The overall benefit is high ethanol yield, over 85% GHG reduction (compared to gasoline), and competitive production costs. The process is now being licensed in collaboration with PROCETHOL 2G and AXENS (as a licensor).
The commercial advantages of an integrated biorefinery approach was highlighted by Niels Henriksen, DONG Energy, Denmark, who presented the Maabjerg Energy Concept, Denmark, which has been selected for funding support under the second phase of NER300. The highly-integrated project will combine a biomass/gas-fired CHP plant, biogas plant, 2G bioethanol plant (2017) and a biogas upgrading plant. Biochemical production and waste-handling facilities are planned to be added later. Diverse feedstocks include domestic and industrial waste, dairy industry waste and agricultural residues. Importantly, a combination of good operation margins and 'soft' (low-interest) finance offers attractive IRR.
Session 4: Biofuels value chains - technology advances
A comprehensive overview of advanced technologies in Europe and globally was presented by Dina Bacovsky, BIOENERGY 2020+, Austria, covering:
- oleochemical facilities (e.g. Neste Oil, Eni , Diamond Green Diesel, REG Geismar and UPM Biofuels).
- biochemical facilities (e.g. POET-DSM, GanBio, Beta Renewables, Gevo, CTC, INEOS Bio, Abengoa, Du Pont, Amyris)
- thermochemical facilities (e.h. BioMCN, Fortum, Enerkem, Gotebog Energi)
A number of other thermochemical facilities are in the pipeline (e.g. Sundrop Biofuels, Akwawit, Gulf Coast Energy, Virent, Clearfuels, Solena, CORE Biofuels, Cool Panet, Vanerco, etc). Cellulosic ethanol facilities are also being developed in China (notably, Longlive Bioetchnology and Henan Tianguan Group). Globally, cumulative advanced biofuel production capacities have reached almost 4.5m tons per annum (mainly oleochemical).
It was pointed out that important lessons could be learned from those projects that did not make it through to commercial operation, and from initiatives such as the US DoE biorefinery program.
Sari Mannonen, UPM Biofuels, Finland, and Sören Eriksson, Preem, Sweden, explained how traditional Paper and Pulp facilities are now being turned into biorefineries, producing biofuels from Tall Oil, and other valuable sustainable bioproducts (bicomposites and biochemicals). A commercial-scale investment at the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery has led to the commissioning of production technology for 100,000 tonnes per annum of renewable diesel from wood (~25% of Finland's biofuel target).
It was pointed out that Preem biorefineries emit significantly less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides than average European refineries. The potential for co-processing of forest-based feedstock was highlighted, with Preem Evolution Diesel including up to 35% renewable content, and the 'same type of hydrocarbons' as fossil diesel. The next step is production of renewable gasoline.
The development of algae for production of advanced aviation biofuels (biojet fuel) was presented by Dominik Behrendt, FZ Jülich, Germany. The 7.7m Euro AUFWIND project includes seven partners and will investigate state-of-the-art algae biofuel production at 'small' pilot scale. Challenges include stable and consistent production of algae and extraction of oil. AUFWIND aims for increased oil yield, quicker extraction of bulk biomass, improved stability of the refining process and a standardised comparison of algal species in three parallel reactors.
Session 5 - Advanced biofuels end-use for road freight, air and shipping
The 'Initiative towards Sustainable Kerosene for Aviation' ITAKA - a collaborative project on development and testing of biojet fuels - was presented by Inmaculada Gomez Jimenez, who highlighted the need to create an efficient biofuel supply chain connecting cultivation and conversion with demand and standards in the airline industry. Production is initially focused on Camelina as a feedstock, and conversion to renewable aviation fuel at the Neste Oil Porvoo Refinery. The project also addresses downstream logistics (blending, transport, storage and airport supply operations), as well as engine and fuel systems testing, and system sustainability.
Fuel and technology alternatives for commercial vehicles were presented by Nils-Olof Nylund, VTT, Finland covering European energy use in transport; Vehicle categories; Current state of the art (heavy-duty diesel); Evaluation of alternatives; and use of drop-in fuels in Finland.
The use of biofuels in the marine sector was presented by Per Stefenson, Stena Teknik, who highlighted the potential offered by methanol as an alternative shipping fuel, and the challenges of compliance with the Sulphur Emission Control Area rules. Financial and technological aspects of converting ships to methanol were covered, and the results of recent testing were provided in summary. The environmental performance of different marine fuels was compared, and the future potential of biomethanol as a shipping fuel was discussed (currently costs and availability favour fossil methanol).
Panel discussion on biomass mobilisation and sustainability
The main points arising from the panel discussion have been collated by Calliope Panoutsou, Imperial College London, and are included in her presentation on 'biomass mobilisation and sustainability'. It was pointed out that biomass supply is a missing pillar in achieving progress in the energy and non-energy sectors of the European bioeconomy. To maximise the use of Europe's 'natural capital' a coherent and integrated approach is essential combining:
- mobilisation of biomass resources (agri, forestry and wastes) ;
- environmental protection (impacts on soil, land, water and air) ;
- demand-side management (e.g. end-use efficiency, conversion efficiency, cascading biorefinery concepts, 'recycling' of carbon, etc).
To achieve this there needs to be:
- better understanding of interdisciplinary issues that frame future biomass supply across multiple sectors
- a level playing field for biomass resoucres irrespective of end markets
- bottom-up analysis and a regional focus on biomass availability studies
- financial and policy support for resource-efficient supply
- placement of sustainable and smart use of reources at the heart of all business, industrial and societal activities
- complementary biomass supply and demand strategies
- building of biorefinery steps into existing bioindustry capacity in Europe
4. Invitation to stakeholders to join EBTP Working Groups and contribute to the Update of the Strategic Research Agenda
The EC is supporting advanced biofuels R&D&D through the European Industrial Biofuels Initiative, Horizon2020, NER300, the Biobased Industries Initiaitive, and others. A number of joint projects on feedstock mobilisation, alternative fuel infrastructure, and future options for aviation, shipping and road freight, are ongoing. The EBTP Working Groups are also working closely with the EC to update the Strategic Research Agenda for biofuels in Europe.
The roadmaps in the SRA show the way forward for biofuels in Europe to 2030 and beyond and identify and prioritise the key research and demonstration priorities that should be supported at national and EU level to:
- maximise resource utilisation;
- improve compatability with existing fuel infrastructures and transport modes;
- compete with fossil fuels in terms of quality and cost;
- increase GHG reduction of biofuels, while minimising environmental impacts (land use, water, soil, etc.);
- contibute to job creation and wealth in a low-carbon bioeconomy.
Join the EBTP WGs and help shape future biofuels strategy
Across all transport sectors, technology types and geographical regions, the sharing of knowledge and views from stakeholders engaged in research, industry, policy and sustainability is vital to maximise the potential of advanced biofuels in Europe up to 2020, 2030 and beyond. Experts in biomass supply and demand, conversion technologies and end use are invited to apply to join the Working Groups, and contribute directly to the platform's guidance to the EC on R&D&D priorities and deployment strategies. Most WG input is made via email or teleconferences, and your experience can help shape future biofuel strategy.
To apply to join one of the EBTP Working Groups, please send an email with a short CV to the EBTP secretariat, who will forward it to the respective WG Chairs.
5. Fair comparison? Is it time to rethink the way biofuel GHG emissions are compared with those of fossil fuels?
A new report from Ecofys, Greenhouse gas impact of marginal fossil fuel use, challenges the assumptions made when calculating and comparing the lifetime GHG emissions of biofuels to those of fossil fuels. The report, published on 12th November 2014, was prepared on behalf of the European Oilseed Alliance (EOA), the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) and the European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL).
The report argues that it is misleading to compare biofuels production with the 'fossil comparator', which is based on the average greenhouse gas intensity of all fossil fuels. This underestimates the GHG emissions of marginal fossil fuels that biofuels compete with as alternatives to conventional fuel sources. This means the potential benefits of biofuels may be being under-estimated and under-reported by 50%, which has a major impact on public and political perceptions of the biofuels industry, and raises questions about recent EU energy strategy.
From the report summary...
"When assessing the benefits of biofuels, they are compared to the fossil fuels they replace. In the framework of the European Renewable Energy Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive, this is done by comparing the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels to a ‘fossil comparator’. This fossil comparator is based on the average greenhouse gas intensity of fossil fuels brought on the EU transportation market. Unconventional oils such as extra heavy oil and bitumen (tar sands), kerogen oil (oil shale), light tight oil (shale oil), deep sea oil and synthetic products such as gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids, typically have higher carbon footprints than conventional oil mainly because the effort required to extract, refine and/or synthesize them is much larger than for conventional oil. As the share of these unconventional oil-based fuels gradually rises in the total fuel supply over time, the greenhouse gas footprint of the average fuel consumption also rises."
The above text is © Copyright Ecofys 2014
The report also argues that as conventional oil fields becoming smaller, economies of scale will diminish, and carbon footprints for oil extraction are likely to increase.
While, marginal fossil fuels (and various renewable energy sources) are an important part of future energy strategy, there needs to be a fair comparison, taking into account the many environmental, strategic and societal benefits offered by biofuels.
Futhermore, liquid biofuels are a relatively new source of transport energy, and this also needs to be considered when comparing them with fossil fuels, which use technologies and infrastructures that have been developed over many decades (sometimes at great historic cost to the environment).
Similarly, the land-use impacts, energy inputs and GHG emissions of biomass resources for all end uses (food, construction, bioproducts, power and transport) need to be equally assessed.
6. Advanced biofuels Events for December -January
+ Events Calender for 2015
A number of prominent biofuels events are taking place this winter from January to February covering biodiesel, latest advances in algal biofuels, lignofuels and advanced biofuels demonstration and research (a longer list of 2015 events is included below).
EBB General Assembly
From 26-27 November 2014, the European Biodiesel Board EBB holds its General Assembly in Brussels, Belgium.
1st EABA and EC Algae Contractors' Conference, and the 8th International Algae Congress Florence, Italy
From 1-2 December 2014, the 1st EABA and EC Algae Contractors' Conference, and the 8th International Algae Congress takes place in Florence, Italy
The European Algae Biomass Association and the Directorates General for Energy and Research & Innovation of the European Commission in collaboration with DLG BENELUX are organising the 1st EABA and EC Algae Contractors’ Conference, and the 8th International Algae Congress in Florence.
The objective of the joint Conference is to discuss with all key EU algae stakeholders the progress achieved over the past 7 years since the inception of the 7th Framework Programme and to deliberate on the present status of Algal Biofuels and Products in an effort to benchmark the technological advances in view of deployment of algal biorefineries, commercialising algal biofuels and products and looking ahead to the Horizon 2020 Programme.
Fuels of the Future - 12th International Conference on Biofuels
Moving into 2105, from 19-20 January 2015 the Fuels of the Future - 12th International Conference on Biofuels takes place in Berlin, Germany.
The highlight event of the German biofuels industry, with more than 500 participants from 30 countries, is a central meeting point for exchange among German and international representatives from politics, industry and science. With the introduction of the country partnerships in 2015, the conference will provide a new format for this exchange of expertise. This year's partner country Poland will provide the participants with first-hand information on the local biofuel markets and their policy frameworks. Several of the sessions focus on topics highly relevant to EBTP and EIBI objectives:
- Biofuels from wastes and residues
- Bioethanol II – research and development
- Biokerosene
- Sustainability certification of biofuels
- Advanced Biofuels
Lignofuels 2015
Lignofuels 2015 takes place in Madrid, Spain from 21-22 January 2015.
The 6th edition of this two day annual conference will once again bring together key industry stakeholders, from across the globe, including advanced biofuels companies, enzyme companies. biotechnology developers, chemical companies and many more. Attendees also have the opportunity to visit Abengoa Bioenergy’s W2B Demonstration Plant during the afternoon of 20th January 2014 as part of the event.
The plant has capacity to treat 25,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) from which it will obtain up to 1.5 million liters of bioethanol, using technology developed by Abengoa to produce 2nd generation biofuels from MSW using a fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis treatment.
Flightpath 2020 workshops on BioJetMap, Blending Study Results and Steps to achieve the Flightpath 2020 objectives
The agenda and registration details for the following Flightpath 2020 events will be announced in December 2014. Please check the EBTP website for details.
On 11 February 2015 the Flightpath 2020 workshop on BioJetMap and on Blending Study results will be held in Brussels, Belgium
The workshop will present the results of the Blending Study on biokerosene and on the BioJetMap. The Blending Study analyzed blends of various biokerosenes with conventional kerosenes, spanning a wide range of property parameters, The BioJetMap is a web application that was developed as part of the Blending Study. It builds on the successful BioMap web application, and is specifically dedicated to the presentation of information on biokerosene activities. It is currently being tested as a pilot, and will be presented to the public at the workshop.
The following day, 12 February 2015 a second Flightpath 2020 Workshop will be held on Steps to achieve the Flightpath 2020 objectives, also in Brussels.
The draft agenda for the Flightpath 2020 workshop is as follows:
Part 1: The way so far
Part 2: Importance of biofuels for aviation and refining
Part 3: Agricultural aspects – chances and challenges.
Part 4: Avoiding distortions from road bio fuel support.
Part 5: A vision for advanced transport fuels: Long term policy - what is needed?
Add your biofuels and bioenergy events to the EBTP calendar for FREE
Details of events and courses related to biofuels may be sent to secretariat@biofuelstp.eu to be listed on the website and included in EBTP newsletters.
Further details and links to agendas and registration for the following events can be found on the EBTP Events Database:
Conferences and other Events 2014/2015
11 November 2014
10 Years of ERA-NET Bioenergy: Conference on Research for the Agri-Forestry Sector, Bio-based industries, energy consumers and society
Hanover, Germany
25-26 November 2014
3rd Annual Natural Gas Vehicles Europe Conference & Exhibition
Amsterdam, Netherlands
26-27 November 2014
European Biodiesel Board EBB General Assembly
Brussels, Belgium
1-2 December 2014
1st EABA and EC Algae Contractors' Conference, and the 8th International Algae Congress
Florence, Italy
2-5 December 2014
European Electric Vehicle Congress
Brussels, Belgium
19-20 January 2015
Fuels of the Future - 12th International Conference on Biofuels
Berlin, Germany
21-22 January 2015
Lignofuels 2015
Madrid, Spain
11 February 2015
Flightpath 2020 workshop on BioJetMap and on Blending Study results
Brussels, Belgium
12 February 2015
Flightpath 2020 Workshop: Steps to achieve the Flightpath 2020 objectives
Brussels, Belgium
18-20 February 2015
National Ethanol Conference
Grapevine, Texas, United States
25-27 February 2015
The Energy and Materials Research Conference - EMR2015
Madrid, Spain
10-14 March 2015
21st ISAF International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels
Gwangju, Korea
25-26 March 2015
Gasification 2015
Prague, Czech Republic
25-26 March 2015
Lignofuels Americas 2015
Milwaukee, WI, United States
7-8 May 2015
2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy Gas Technology, REGATEC 2015
Barcelona, Spain
1-4 June 2015
EUBCE 2015: 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Vienna, Austria
26-29 October 2015
IEA Bioenergy Conference 2015
Berlin, Germany
7. Recent Reports on Advanced Biofuels and Related Topics
Links to a number of new biofuels reports have been added to the EBTP Reports Database. Links to biofuels presentations are also included on relevant pages of the EBTP website. Recent examples include:
Feedstock supply, demand and sustainability
Greenhouse gas impact of marginal fossil fuel use
Ecofys on behalf of the European Oilseed Alliance
(EOA),
the European Biodiesel Board
(EBB)
and the European
Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry
(FEDIOL)
OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2014-2023 (Chapter 3: Biofuels)
OECD
Advanced Conversion Technologies and End Use of Biofuels
Wood torrefaction - market prospects and integration with the forest and energy industry
Carl Wilen, Kai Sipila, Sanna Tuomi, Ilkka Hiltunen & Christian Lindfors, VTT
Sustainable and synergetic processing of biomass into marketable food & feed ingredients, chemicals, materials and energy (fuels, power, heat)
IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Biorefining
Market development, investment and deployment
Evaluating the macro-economic impacts of bio-based applications in the EU
EC, JRC
This newsletter is produced on behalf of the EBTP by the EBTP-SABS project team, funded under FP7. The broad aim of EBTP-SABS is to enhance communciations and networking among Advanced Biofuels Stakeholders from research, industry, government, NGOs, feedstocks production, end use and related areas in all European countries.
The contents of this newsletter are copyright © EBTP-SABS 2014
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The content of this newsletter cannot be considered as the European Commission’s official position and neither the European Commission, EBTP-SABS, EBTP nor any person acting on
behalf of these organisation is responsible for the use which might be made of it. Although EBTP-SABS
endeavours to deliver a high level of
service, no guarantee can be given on the correctness or completeness of the content of this newsletter and neither the European Commission, EBTP nor EBTP-SABS are responsible or may be held accountable for any loss suffered as a result of reliance upon the content of this newsletter.