Biofuel Production

AQUAFUELS - Algal and other suitable non-food aquatic biomass feedstock for 2nd generation biofuel production (FP7 - 241301)

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The project, supported under FP7, started in January 2010. AquaFUELS will establish the state of the art on research, technological development and demonstration activities regarding the exploitation of various algal and other suitable non-food aquatic biomasses for 2nd generation biofuels production. The project will elaborate an overall assessment on the technology, and identify major research and industrial needs. The surveys and assessments produced by AquaFUELS will address the full life cycle analysis - from collection to fuel use - in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The project will bring together a critical mass of ongoing research activities, that will be actively involved in the preparation of surveys as well as in the elaboration of the assessment studies and identification of future needs. Creating and maximizing synergies among these initiatives is one of major project results. Finally, the project will establish the first European Algae Association that will promote mutual interchange and cooperation in the field of algal biomass research, production and use.

AquaTerrE - Integrated European Network for biomass and waste reutilisation for Bioproducts

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Aims to promote the cooperation between research centres, business and other stakeholders in Europe devoted to the research, development and application of biomass and biofuel production and valorisation. The main goal of AquaTerrE is to make an inventory of existing biomass feedstocks in Europe and quantify the potential and identify of the best ones. In addition, to study the best possibilities for implementing different biomass sources in different environments to improve their utilisation. Pursuing this target, literature and data survey and current research review will be carried out. AquaTerrE will also mapo European biomass feedstocks using different tools, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

BEE - Biomass Energy Europe (FP7 - 213417)

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The objective of the project is to harmonise biomass resource assessments, focusing on the availability of biomass for energy in Europe and its neighbouring regions. This harmonisation will improve the consistency, accuracy and reliability of biomass assessments, which can serve the planning of a transition to renewable energy in the European Union.

BIOCARD - Global Process to Improve Cynara cardunculus Exploitation for Energy Applications (FP6 - 19829)

The proposal aims at demonstrating technical and economical feasibility of a global process for cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) exploitation for energy applications. This energy crop is appropriated for Mediterranean Area, where high problems about water insufficient exist. A combined process to produce a low-cost liquid biofuel from seeds and energy from lignocellulosic biomass is proposed. Different technologies for biomass energy conversion will be researched and compared in order to increase competitiveness and improve the costs. New heterogeneous catalysis for liquid biofuel production will be tested.

BioGrace - Align biofuel GHG emission calculations in Europe (ALTENER 2010-2012)

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The project aims to harmonise calculations of biofuel greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that are performed in the European Union under legislation implementing the Renewable Energy Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive, and aims to provide guidance to stakeholders (economic operators, auditors, advisors) that will make such GHG calculations. This guidance will be available late 2010 when the two directives must be implemented in national legislation.

The two directives give a GHG calculation methodology but do not include conversion factors to be used. As a result, the current practice is that calculations as performed by different stakeholders give different results even when performed on the same biofuel. The BioGrace project will harmonise these calculations by providing a common set of conversion factors. National legislators will be requested to refer to it.

Guidance to stakeholders will consist of Excel files and user-friendly GHG calculators that show how to reproduce the GHG default values as listed in the directives, and allow stakeholders to perform calculations themselves.
An important part of the project is to disseminate the project results to European stakeholders through a website, meetings and a series of workshops.

BIOMARA - Sustainable Fuels from Marine Biomass (INTERREG IVA)

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The will investigate the feasibility of macroalgae and microalgae as alternatives to terrestrial agri-fuel production. uring the Biomara project, wild strains of microalgae characterised by high oil content and high stress resistance will be screened to identify those capable of sustained growth in outdoor conditions. Initially these will be grown on a small scale at SAMS. Additional work will focus both on industrial sites and on artificial blooms with fixed conditions.

Biomass Futures (IEE)

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The Biomass Futures Project will assess the role that biomass can play in meeting EU energy policy targets. It will develop tailored information packages for stakeholders, as well as inform and support policy makers at both the European and national levels. The project will define the key factors likely to influence biomass supply, demand and uptake over the next twenty years (meeting the RED targets). Among other factors, partners will examine the EU heat, electricity-CHP and transport markets; supply and demand dynamics; the effects of indirect land use change, water use and social aspects on future biomass supply, etc.

CEUBIOM - Classification of European Biomass Potential for Using Terrestrial and Earth Observations (FP7 - 213634)

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The main objective of the project is to develop a common methodology for gathering information on biomass potential using terrestrial and earth observations. This objective will be achieved by the implementation of a systematic assessment work plan and will result in the establishment of a harmonised approach and an e-training tool for dissemination. The e-training environment will be an important tool for reaching the much needed European harmonisation, whereas a Stakeholder Platform will facilitate access to reliable and common datasets on biomass potential and as such it will offer a more efficient use of the available European biomass feedstock.

FutureForest (INTERREG IVC)

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A partnership of regions sharing ideas on how the forests of Europe could adapt to climate change using innovative natural solutions, contribute towards carbon sequestration and reduce risks caused by climate change such as flooding, drought, fire and soil erosion. In particular it looks at: adaptation of forests to maintain their resilience; how forests can help society adapt to the impacts of climate change; and how trees and timber can do more than just lock away carbon. This will be achieved through: study visits to see examples of practice guidelines and then promoting new best practice across the project regions; workshops on transferable good practice guides, policy recommendations, strategic guidelines, forest programmes and policy tools; exchange of experiences, transfer of policy and good practice guides, between the regions, European public authorities and key stakeholders.

Global-Bio-Pact - Global Assessment of Biomass and Bioproduct Impacts on Socio-economics and Sustainability (FP7-245085)

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The main aim of the Global-Bio-Pact project is the development and harmonisation of global sustainability certification systems for biomass production, conversion systems and trade in order to prevent negative socio-economic impacts.

Emphasis is placed on a detailed assessment of the socio-economic impacts of raw material production and a variety of biomass conversion chains. The impact of biomass production on global and local food security and the links between environmental and socio-economic impacts is analysed. Furthermore, the Global-Bio-Pact project investigates the impact of biomass production on food security and the interrelationship of global sustainability certification systems with the international trade of biomass and bioproducts as well as with the public perception of biomass production for industrial uses.

Finally, Global-Bio-Pact develops a set of socio-economic sustainability criteria and indicators for inclusion into a future effective certification scheme, and the project elaborates recommendations on how to best integrate socio-economic sustainability criteria in European legislation and policies on biomass and bioproducts.

SWEETFUEL - Sweet sorghum: an alternative energy crop (FP7 - 227422)

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Sweet sorghum, as a source of either fermentable free sugars or lignocellulosics, has many potential advantages, including: high water, nitrogen and radiation use efficiency; broad agro-ecological adaptation; rich genetic diversity for useful traits; and the potential to produce fuel feedstock, food and feed in various combinations. Fuel-food crops can thereby help reconciling energy and food security issues. This project will breed for improved cultivars and hybrids of sorghum for temperate, tropical semi-arid and tropical acid-soil environments by pyramiding in various combinations, depending on region and ideotype, tolerance to cold, drought and acid (Al-toxic) soils; and high production of stalk sugars, easily digestible biomass and grain. SweetFuel aims also to identify and recommend the best cultural and harvest practices to make the system more sustainable and to provide for integrated technology and impact assessments including economics, dissemination and coordination. Research involves structured participation of stake holders, including policy makers. Project outcomes will be new germplasm, sustainable practices and commodity chain concepts adapted to each target region. (Source: EPSO)

AER-GAS II Biomass Fluidised bed Gasification with in-situ Hot Gas Cleaning (FP6 - 518309)

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The project aims to develop a low-cost gasification process with integrated in-situ gas cleaning for the conversion of biomass into a product gas with high hydrogen concentration, high heating value, low CO2-content, no nitrogen and low tar/alkali/sulphur concentration in one process step for subsequent power production.

BABILAFUENTE - Project for the Production of 200 Million Litres of Bioethanol in Babilafuente (Salamanca) from Cereals and Lignocellulose (FP5 - NNE5 - 00685)
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This project was related to the construction of a bioethanol plant in Babilafuente (Spain) that would represent a significant change in the ethanol production system. The new process, using biomass as feedstock, aimed to reduce the costs associated with lignocellulosic bioethanol technology, by creating the first plant of its kind within the EU. It aimed to demonstrate the integration of the existing technology and practices with quickly delivered research and new technological developments throughout the entire product chain, from feedstock production to final use.

BIGPOWER - Advanced biomass gasification for high efficiency power FP6 - 500311

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The BiGPower project aims to develop reliable, cost-effective and fuel flexible gasification technologies for high-efficiency small-to-medium scale (1-100 MWe) power production from biomass. The project is designed to create the fundamental and technical basis for successful industrial follow-up developments and demonstration projects aiming to commercial breakthrough by 2010-20. This overall aim is approached by carrying out in a pre-competitive manner well-focused activities on the key bottlenecks of advanced biomass gasification power systems.

BIOCAT - Catalyst Development For Catalytic Biomass Flash Pyrolysis Producing Promissing Liquid Bio-Fuels
(FP5 – ENK6 - 00510)
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The aim of this project was to develop an efficient technology for the conversion of biomass to clean and renewable liquid bio-oil in order to introduce it as a renewable fuel for diesel engines or as a source of high value chemicals. The technology was based on catalytic biomass pyrolysis using new innovative porous catalysts and novel reactors. It included fundamental studies for the development and bench scale evaluation of the appropriate new catalysts. In a second phase the most promising catalysts were scaled up and evaluated in pilot scale in three reactor technologies. Finally the bio-oil was tested in diesel engines. The experiments performed provide the basis for kinetic and reactor modelling studies along with technoeconomical studies of the integrated technology.

BIOCORE - Biocommodity refinery (FP7 BIOREFINE 241566)
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Create and demonstrate create a lignocellulosic biorefinery for sustainable processing of agricultural residues (wheat and rice straws), SRC wood (poplar) and hardwood forestry residues, into 2G biofuels, bulk chemicals, polymers, speciality molecules, heat and power. To reach this overall objective, BIOCORE will:

1) Describe how a mixed lignocellulosic feedstock-based biorefinery can be supplied with biomass, taking into account biomass handling, feedstock variability and seasonality. Biomass provisioning scenarios will be described for several different local contexts (Europe and Asia)

2) Adapt and streamline a patented organosolv technology for targeted biorefining of BIOCORE feedstocks and develop all necessary processing steps (including enzymatic hydrolysis and physico-chemical operations) to produce high quality cellulose, polymeric and oligomeric hemicellulose-derivatives, high quality lignins, heat and power from process residues

3) Develop multiple product manufacturing pipelines using a combination of advanced biotechnologies, chemical catalysis and thermochemical processes for the production of building block chemicals and polymers for bulk markets from
sugars and lignins

4) Design a complete biorefinery concept that will describe the alternative product manufacturing pathways. This will be achieved by developing integrated flowsheets and process designs that include all of the operational units, supply chain models, and economic factors

5) Demonstrate the performance of the biorefinery through an integrated approach, producing industrial scale pilots for the biorefinery complexes that are closer to the market

6) Assess the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the biorefinery concept considering the entire value chain

7) Ensure efficient technology transfer to the energy sector, chemical and biotech industries, agro and forestry sectors, and the general public and policy makers

BIOCOUP - Co-processing of upgraded bio-liquids in standard refinery units (FP6 - 518312)

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This project aims to develop a chain of process steps to allow biomass feedstock to be effectively co-fed to a conventional oil refinery. Energy and oxygenated chemicals will be co-produced. The overall innovation derives from integration of bio-feedstock procurement with existing industries and processing of upgraded biomass forms in existing mineral oil refineries. It will allow a seamless integration of bio-refinery co-processing products to the end consumer for products like transport fuels and chemicals, and provide an important stimulus to biomass acceptance and technological development of biomass production routes.

BioDME - Production of DME from Biomass and utilisation as fuel for transport and for industrial use (TREN/FP7EN/218923)

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The overall project objective is to demonstrate production of environmentally optimised synthetic biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass at industrial scale. The final output of this demonstration is dimethylether (DME) produced from black liquor through the production of clean synthesis gas and a final fuel synthesis step. In order to check technical standards, commercial possibilities and engine compatibilities the bio-DME will be tested in a fleet consisting of 14 Volvo trucks. Research, development and demonstration will be made of improved fuel production systems and conversion technologies for the sustainable production and supply chains of DME from biomass. DME produced from black liquor can be considered as an added-value product considering a pulpmill as a biorefinery.

BIO-HUG Novel bioprocesses for hemicellulose up-grading (FP5 - QLK3 - 00080)
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This project aimed to develop new integrated bioprocesses based on steam pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of starch derived hemicellulose containing by-products that were optimised with respect to sugar yield and fermentability. Novel enzyme cocktails tailor-made for this purpose were to be developed. New recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermenting hemicellulose hydrolysates were to be generated using metabolic engineering and directed evolutionary approaches. When integrated into existing industrial processes the new hydrolysis and fermentation technologies was expected to increase the yield of ethanol obtained from starch processing by-products.

BIOHYDROGEN: A novel bioprocess for hydrogen production from biomass for fuel (FP5 - QLK5 - 01267)
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The main objective of this project was the development of a system for the production of hydrogen from renewable resources that meets the specifications for application in fuel cells. In this way the advantages of fuel cells, i.e. higher energy conversion and zero emission, will become exploitable without the traditional carbon dioxide emission associated with the utilisation of fossil fuels. This goal was to be achieved through integration of the work on processing biomass from energy crops and waste streams, the development of a microbial hydrogen producing ‘factory’, and the recovery and application of the product.

BIOLYFE Demonstrating large-scale bioethanol production from lignocellulosic feedstocks (FP7-239204)
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The benefits of second generation biofuels production from lignocellulosic materials are significant. The main advantages include higher per hectare productivities, better GHG (green house gas) performance and avoidance of direct competition with the food market. In order to make this technology competitive with fossil fuels, significant cost reductions and technological developments are needed while the sustainability of the overall process has to be ensured. The BIOLYFE project aims at improving critical process steps and demonstrating the whole supply chain, from feedstock sourcing via fuel production to product utilisation. The main result will be the construction of an efficient 2nd generation industrial demonstration unit with an annual output of about 40.000 tons of lignocellulosic bioethanol, which can then be used for process optimization through extensive testing.

Biomass and Waste Conversion in Supercritical Water for the Production of Renewable Hydrogen (FP5 – ENK6 - 00555)
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This project aimed at the development of supercritical water gasification, a novel process for cost-effective (less than12 euro/GJH2) and energy efficient (> 60 %) conversion of wet biomass to compressed, pure hydrogen (> 98 V%).

Bio-SNG Demonstration of the Production and Utilization of Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) from Solid Biofuels (Bio-SNG) (TREN/05/FP6EN/S07.56632/019895)

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The objective of the "Bio-SNG"-project is to demonstrate SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) production from solid biofuels and to integrate this Bio-SNG into the existing energy infrastructure (i.e. fuel station for vehicles, natural gas grid). To meet the specifications required for the gas-utilisation in vehicles or the gas-feeding into an existing natural gas grid the produced SNG will be upgraded. Cars will be operated with this upgraded renewable gaseous fuel to demonstrate the powerful application within the transportation sector.

BIOSYNERGY - BIOmass for the market competitive and environmentally friendly SYNthesis of bio-products together with the production of secondary enERGY carriers through the biorefinery approach (FP6 - 38994)

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The overall goal of BIOSYNERGY is to develop technology and conceptual designs (including integrated chain assessments) of innovative BIOrefinery processes for relevant market-competitive and environmental-friendly SYNthesis of bio-products "chemicals and /or materials" together with the production of secondary enERGY carriers' transportation fuels, power and/or CHP.

CHRISGAS - Clean Hydrogen-rich Synthesis Gas
(FP6 - 502587)
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The primary aim of the CHRISGAS Project is to demonstrate, within a five-year period, the production of a clean hydrogen-rich synthesis gas from biomass. This project will develop and optimise an energy-efficient and cost-efficient method to produce hydrogen-rich gas streams from biomass, residues or wastes. These gases can then be upgraded to commercial quality hydrogen or to synthesis gas for further upgrading to liquid fuels such as DME and methanol or Fischer-Tropsch diesel.

CO-PRODUCTION BIOFUELS - Integrated Biomass Utilisation for Production of Biofuels (FP5 – ENK6 - 00650)
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The project aimed to develop cost and energy-effective production systems for co-production of bioethanol and electricity based on Integrated Biomass Utilisation Systems (IBUS) located on existing CHP power stations. The main features of the novel Integrated Biomass Utilisation System were based on simultaneous utilisation of biomass with high lignocellulose content (e.g. straw, waste wood and MSW), producing a surplus of electricity and energy with the ethanol production integrated with existing power plants.

ECO-DIESEL

High effiency biodiesel plant with minimum GHG emissions for improved FAME. production from various raw materials.
Coordinator: Acciona Biocombustibles, Spain

EuroBioRef - EUROpean multilevel integrated BIOREFinery design for sustainable biomass processing (FP7 BIOREFINE 241718)

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The development and implementation of bio-refinery processes is an absolute necessity and the key to meet the vision towards bio-based economy. The EuroBioRef concept is an integrated, sustainable and diversified bio-refinery involving all biomass value chain stakeholders. The latter will allow large-scale research, testing, optimisation and demonstration of processes in the production of a wide range of products with the dual aim to use all fractions of various biomasses and exploit their potential to produce the highest value possible in an eco-efficient and sustainable way. Moreover, the project attempts to overcome the efforts fragmentation of the whole biomass value chain requiring greater networking, coordination and cooperation among a large variety of actors from biochemical and chemical industry, SMEs, scientific knowledge chain, and European organisations. The new concept will adopt a flexible and a modular process design adapted to large- but also small-scale production units easier to install in various European areas. The overall efficiency of this approach will clearly exceed existing pathways and will consider sustainable options in order to:

• Produce and use a high diversity of sustainable biomasses adapted for European regions
• Produce high specific energy bio-jet fuels (42 MJ/kg)
• Produce multiple products (chemicals, polymers, materials) in a flexible and optimised way that take advantage of the differences in biomass components and intermediates
• Improve cost-efficiency by 30% through improved reaction and separation
  effectiveness, reduced capital investments, improved plant and feedstock flexibility, reduction of production time and logistics
• Reduce by 30% the energy
• Produce zero waste and rationalise use of raw materials
• The impact of the project in terms of environment, social and economic benefits is important and could give a serious advantage for European bio-industry.

FibreEtOH - Bioethanol from paper fibres separated from solid waste, MSW (FP7 239341)

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The innovative focus in the FibreEtOH project is to demonstrate for the first time globally in a commercial scale, a cost efficient paper fibre based ethanol production with high, > 70 % overall energy efficiency with high > 50 % green house gas reduction. 2nd generation ethanol production technology has been developed using mainly corn stover, straw or saw dust as raw material. So far reliable and cost efficient hydrolysis technology has been the bottleneck for large scale commercial success.

By using paper fibres separated from commercial and municipal solid waste or de-inking sludge at paper mills, the hydrolysis process will be significantly easier as no pretreatment and special fractionation process is needed. It is estimated that such raw material is available in quantities for more than one million t/a ethanol production capacity.

GLYFINERY - Sustainable and integrated production of liquid biofuels bioenergy and green chemicals from glycerol in biorefineries (FP7 - 213506)

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Since the volume of the glycerol-byproduct has already started to exceed the current market need, the biodiesel producers are requesting new methods for sustainable glycerol management. The GLYFINERY project is targeted to development of a novel technology based on biological conversion of the glycerol by-product into known and new, advanced liquid biofuels, bioenergy and valuable biochemicals in an integrated biorefinery concept.

GREENSYNGAS - Advanced Cleaning Devices for Production of Green Syngas (FP7 - 213628)

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the project’s key goal is the development of a novel gas cleanup and upgrading in order to reduce impurities from gasifier product gas to the limits required for upgrading the produced gas using as feedstock in the production of vehicle fuels

High Temperature Ethanol Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Waste (ECLAIR - AGRE - 0063)
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The objective of this project was to develop a laboratory scale pilot plant to test a novel continuous fermentation process based on the thermophilic bacteria, Bacillus stearothermophilus that was capable of using the pentose sugars derived from hydrolysis of low-cost agricultural wastes.

HYVOLUTION Non-thermal production of pure hydrogen from biomass (FP6 - 19825)

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The aim of this project is the development of a blue-print for an industrial bioprocess for decentral hydrogen production from locally produced biomass. If sucessful it will add to the number and diversity of H2 production routes giving greater security of supply at the local and regional level, contributing to the overall strategy expected in the transition to a Hydrogen Economy.

Integrated Chemicals and Fuels Recovery from Pyrolysis Liquids Generated by Ablative Pyrolysis (AIR2-CT93-0889)
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The objective of this project was to operate and optimize the performance of two laboratory scale pyrolysis reactors in order to derive an optimum configuration and develop a common modelling procedure for scale-up. Associated objectives include assessment of the potential to recover high value speciality chemicals and commodities from the liquid products and determination of basic physical and physio-chemical properties. The possibility of using the residual liquid as an alternative fuel will also be assessed as valorization of this material is essential for economic viability of an integrated process.

KACELLE Kalundborg Cellulosic Ethanol Project (FP7)
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The aim of the KACELLE project is to bring the patented Inbicon Core Technology from a pre-commercial level to a near-commercial level, making the technology available in the market and attractive to investors.

The project will demonstrate 4 t/hr continuous operation at industrial scale and further develop selected process steps resulting in significant cost cuts in ethanol production.

The aim is to:

• Reduce the energy consumption
• Improve the water balance
• Add a fermentation step for C5 sugars
• Reduce the enzyme consumption
• Increase the plant capacity.

The ethanol produced will be characterized and tested in engine test rigs and in cars, thus covering the whole value chain from the straw entrance to the gate of the ethanol plant production to end-users in cars.

The process will be assessed from an environmental perspective through LCA analysis and results will be published for scientific purposes and for expanding the use of the technology to future business partners.

LED (Large Ethanol Demonstration)

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NEMO - Novel high performance enzymes and micro-organisms for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol

The NEMO project (Novel high performance enzymes and micro-organisms for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol) will last four years, and develops the next, 2nd generation production technology for the utilisation of lignocellulose raw material in the production of ethanol. The cost-effective production of the next generation biofuel requires the technology to be developed further. The NEMO project focuses on the pre-processing methods, hydrolysing cellulose using enzymes and the fermentation of the created sugars using tailored microbes.

NILE - New Improvements for Ligno-cellulosic Ethanol (FP6 - 1982)
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This project covers new technologies for efficient conversion of lignocellulose to bioethanol that will be verified using a fully integrated pilot plant providing reliable data for the design of a future demonstration unit. It aims to overcoming critical steps in process development by decreasing the cost of enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose to fermentable sugars using new engineered enzyme systems and removing current intrinsic limitations in the conversion of fermentable sugars to ethanol by constructing inhibitor-tolerant pentose-fermenting industrial yeast strains, and combining fermentation and saccharification and then validating the engineered enzyme systems and yeast strains in the pilot plant using softwood and wheat straw as model feedstock. Validation will include all process steps and recycling of process streams.

OPTFUEL - Optimised fuels for sustainable transport

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OPTFUEL aims at the demonstration of the production chain of synthetic fuels from biomass (BtL) and the potential of pollutants emissions reduction in vehicle applications. Starting with the plantation of 200 ha of fast growing trees up to the testing of the fuel in vehicles the project will pave the way for a large scale BtL production.

PLANT POWER - Living plants in microbial fuel cells for clean, renewable, sustainable, efficient, in-situ bioenergy production (FP7 - ENERGY.2008.10.1.1 Future Emerging Technologies (FET))

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Living plants in microbial fuel cells might be used as future large-scale Europe wide green energy providers. Such a system can produce in-situ 24 hours per day green electricity or biohydrogen without harvesting the plants. That this might become true was indicated by our first small scale proof of principle experiments describing the so called Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (Plant-MFC) (Strik, 2008; De Schamphelaire, 2008). The Plant-MFC aims to transform solar radiation into green electricity or biohydrogen in a clean and efficient manner. In the Plant-MFC concept, living plants and living microbes form an electrochemical system that is capable of sustainable production of green electricity or biohydrogen from solar energy. By its nature, the Plant-MFC is in potential 5 times more efficient than conventional bio-energy systems. The technology might be implemented in several ways, ranging from local small scale electricity providers to large scale energy wetlands and islands, high-tech energy and food supplying greenhouses and novel biorefineries. This way, affordable bioenergy maybe produced in Europe as well as in developing countries. Plant-MFCs can be integrated in landscapes invisibly which makes this technology socially highly acceptable. However, exploration of new areas of science and technology is necessary to overcome Plant-MFCs bottlenecks and to make this principally clean, renewable and sustainable technology come true. It is now time to show that significant independent European biofuel and bioelectricity production is possible; we propose that Plant-MFCs can be an excellent choice for our future. We expect that Plant-MFC technology can at least cover 20% of Europe s primary energy need in a real clean and sustainable way. The Plant-MFC concept has several attractive qualities which can provide the significant break through for sustainable energy production in Europe. It will reinforcing competitiveness of Europe since Plant-MFC is world-wide implementable.

SUPER METHANOL Reforming of Crude Glycerine in Supercritical Water to produce Methanol for Re-Use in Biodiesel Plants (FP7-212180)

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The overall project objective is to produce methanol from crude glycerine, and re-use the methanol in the biodiesel plant. This project aims to improve the energy balance, carbon performance, sustainability and overall economics of biodiesel production. The work expands on expertise generated by the consortium on reforming of glycerine in supercritical water, and to produce a synthesis gas suitable for direct once-through methanol synthesis (GtM - Glycerine to Methanol). Producers will be less dependent on the methanol spot price, there is a (partial) security of methanol supply, and their by-product is used as a green, sustainable feedstock.

SUPRA-BIO Sustainable products from economic processing of biomass in highly integrated biorefineries (FP7 BIOREFINE 241640)

Economic and sustainable production of fuels, chemicals and materials from biomass requires capture of the maximum energy and monetary value from sustainable feedstock. SUPRA-BIO achieves this by focussing on innovative research and development of critical unit operations, by using process intensification to match economic production to the scale of available feedstock and by process integration that provides energy from process waste, optimises utilities to minimise environmental impact and maximises value from the product mix. A technology toolbox for conversion and separation operations is developed that adapts to various scenarios of product mix and feedstock. These are contextualized by full life cycle and economic analysis of potential biorefinery schemes. Based on lignocellulose, microbial/organic waste or microalgae feedstock, innovation and intensification are used to improve the economics and carbon efficiency of fractionation, separation, bio and thermochemical conversions to produce biofuels, intermediates and high value products. Strain selection, genetic manipulation, molecular design and nanocatalysis are used to improve productivity and selectivity; reactor design, intensification and utilities integration for economics. Fermentation to 2,3 butanediol is demonstrated. Mono and multiculture processes are researched for high value products and feedstock streams. Separation is developed for omega oils and specific lignochemicals. Nano and biocatalytic processes are developed for biofuels and bioactive molecules. Integration into potential biorefinery schemes is explored in laboratory pilots of integrated reactors, by piloting on sidestreams, by exchanging separated fractions between partners and by process evaluations. The project includes all the scientific, engineering and industrial skills required to produce the step changes required for biorefineries to impact significantly on realising the aims of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

ThermalNet- An integrated network on thermal biomass conversion for power, heat and transport fuels
(Altener EIE-04-38647)
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This network provides a forum to review and help resolve the technical and non-technical barriers that may be encountered in implementing three important biomass conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification and combustion). It also provides a high level of interaction between the technologies and barriers so that all the technology areas can benefit from the experience and knowledge of the others. The whole chain is considered from biomass production to end-use applications so that the important interfaces can be addressed.

2NDVEGOIL - Demonstration of 2nd generation vegetable oil fuels in advanced engines (219004)

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This proposal covers research and demonstration on 2nd generation vegetable oil fuels in advanced engines. It follows a double strategy: engines as well as the fuel are adapted such that both match and the combination allows for achieving high engine performance at minimum fuel consumption fitting with most severe emission limits. The objectives are - to widen the range of considered oils, - to research on and demonstrate additives for vegetable oils, - to research on and demonstrate improved engine oils, - to achieve EU stage 4 / US TIER4 emission levels in medium-scale demonstration fleets running in France, Austria, Germany and Poland, - to transfer the engine and fuel concepts to hybrid engines, allowing to achieve forthcoming EURO6 emission levels, - to prepare proposals for future fuel standards. The outcome of the project includes advanced engine and fuel concepts for vegetable oil and the preparation of a European standard for 2nd generation vegetable oil.

BEAUTY - Bio-ethanol engine for advanced urban transport by light commercial & heavy-duty captive fleets (DG Research)

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The aim is to promote the use of Biofuels by the development of dedicated solutions (engines, combustion technologies and fuels) based on the use of bioethanol for local fleets in urban context. The project will define engine solutions based on three different technology pathways to meet the following targets: Future emission limits (Euro 6); Fuel conversion efficiency (at least 10% higher than that of a today SI engine running on equivalent bioethanol blends); Cold startability down to -15°C of ambient temperature. The solutions will start from existing powertrains by adapting and optimising powertrains, systems (including aftertreatment), components and materials according to the given technology.

BEST - BioEthanol for Sustainable Transport (FP6/Bfuel/019854/2005)

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The BEST proposal will demonstrate an extensive substitution of petrol and diesel by bioethanol in both light and heavy vehicles. The project will simultaneously introduce bioethanol for transport on a large scale in several European countries, in order to achieve market breakthrough for ethanol-fuelled vehicles. The demonstrations of bioethanol vehicle fleets in BEST will be carried out in close co-operation between cities/regions, fleet owners, car manufacturers, fuel producers and fuelling stations.

BIOSCOPES - Biodiesel: Improvement on Standards, Co-ordination of Producers & Ethanol Studies

Final report

BISCOPES focused on the revision of available test methods for biodiesel and the development of a new method for the determination of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters and for scientific studies on the connection between oxidation stability and other cumulative parameters of biodiesel. Work on the improvement of the test method was initiated by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN, Comité Européen de Normalisation). The advances in test methodology were made over two years by the Biodiesel Quality Management Work Group (AGQM) together with partners from Italy, France, Austria and Germany.

RENEW - Renewable Biofuels for Advanced Powertrains
(FP6 - 502705)
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This project aims to develop and assess various production chains for motor vehicle fuels. Lignocelluloses biomass sources will be used as feedstock to produce synthesis gas from which various vehicle fuels can be derived: CH4, methanol/DME, ethanol (thermo-chemical and enzymatic pathway) and a novel biomass-to-liquid (BTL) fuel. The project will develop and evaluate the respective processing technologies with a view to producing cost effective premium fuels for current and future combustion engines from a wide range of feedstock.

SWAFEA - Sustainable Way for Alternative Fuel and Energy in Aviation

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Feasibility Study and Impact Assessment on the Use of Alternative Fuels, including Biofuels, for Aviation. Its purpose is to build a vision for the deployment of alternative fuels and energies in aviation by synthesis of the present knowledge about alternative fuels. Which fuels can be introduced in aviation and how? The project will propose a vision and a roadmap for their deployment. The ultimate goal is to provide policy makers with information and decision elements.

BIODIENET - Developing a network of actors to stimulate demand for locally produced biodiesel from used cooking oils (EIE/06/090/S12.448899)

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BioDieNet aims to involve Energy Agencies across Europe in the local production and distribution of biodiesel from used cooking oils (UCO), stimulating demand for higher concentrations of this biofuel. The 17 partners in 10 regions will form a network to share expertise and experience and provide specific, practical information, education, dedicated tools and support to help set up and maintain projects which result in greater uptake of locally-produced biodiesel by public and private vehicle fleets as well as individual vehicle owners.

BIODIESEL CHAINS - Promoting favourable conditions to establish biodiesel market actions (EIE/05/113/S12.420022)

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The Biodiesel Chains project aims to understand & promote favourable conditions for the establishment of biodiesel market chains in selected countries which have had limited developments to date. The work focuses on countries – Greece, Belgium, Poland, Cyprus, Romania & Bulgaria – that are making limited progress in creating markets to achieve European liquid biofuel policies & targets.

BIOFUEL MARKETPLACE - Web-based Biofuel Marketplace for Supporting the e-commerce of Biofuel Products and Technologies (EIE/05/022/S12.420009)

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The Biofuel Marketplace project will act as an interactive web-based forum where Europe’s biofuel actors can promote their technologies, exchange ideas, sell and buy biofuel products, disseminate results of national, international and European research activities and raise the awareness both of the public and the professional community. The on-line supply and demand information system is expected to encourage the further exploitation of the EU biofuels potential.

CAB-CEP (BIOFUELS CITIES) - Biofuel Cities European Partnership (FP6 - 020085)

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The Biofuel Cities project develops and maintains the 'Biofuel Cities European Partnership' in order to demonstrate the broadscale use of new and innovative biofuel technologies. Biofuel Cities covers the complete chain from feedstock to biofuels production, distribution and utilisation in vehicle fleets. The 'Biofuel Cities European Partnership' is set up with the aim to become a permanent institution.

CARBON LABELLING - Carbon Efficiency Labelling & Bio-Blending for Optimising benefits of Biodiesel & Additive Use (EIE/06/015/S12.442654)

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The Carbon Labelling project implements several labelling measures in Europe which focus on transportation products and services with low CO2 emissions. The project promotes biodiesel, fuel efficiency improvements and ‘low carbon’ freight services. This first European carbon labelling initiative helps meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets of the European Union, reduces petroleum dependence and helps to combat climate change.

ELOBIO Effective and Low-disturbing Biofuels (EIE-07-139-S12.467616)

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This project develops low-disturbing policy options, enhancing biofuels but minimising the impacts on e.g. food and feed markets, and markets of biomass for power and heat. The project consists of a review of current experiences with biofuels and other RE policies and their impacts on other markets, iterative stakeholder-supported development of low-disturbing biofuels policies, model-supported assessment of these policies' impacts on food & feed and lignocellulosic markets, and finally an assessment of the selected optimal policies on biofuels costs and potentials.

GasHighWay (IEE)

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Will promote the uptake of gaseous vehicle fuels, namely upgraded biogas (biomethane) and compressed natural gas (CNG), as well as the production and upgrading of biogas for vehicle fuel. The long-term objective of the project is to promote the realisation of a network of filling stations for biomethane and natural gas reaching from the northernmost tip of Europe, Finland and Sweden, to the south, Italy.

MADEGASCAR - Market development for gas driven cars (IEE)
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MADEGASCAR (Market development for gas driven cars) is a project operating from September 2007 to January 2010, funded by the IEE programme. The project aims at developing the market for gas driven vehicles – natural gas and biomethane fuelled vehicles – with the overall goal to increase the number of energy efficient and alternative fuelled vehicles in European countries. The project will address existing barriers by creating more acceptance on the consumer side, educating fleet owners as well as car dealers, incentive programmes and by awareness raising and information activities. On the other side activities for a better supply infrastructure (fuel stations) and market structure, including the integration of biogas, will be carried out.

BIOMAP - Development of Timer-enabled Mapping and Dissemination Tool for Biofuels Projects (Co-financed through FP7)

Project Website     Online BioMap Tool

A consortium of 6 international partners from Europe and Australia proposed to develop a powerful and fully accessible “Time-enabled Mapping and Dissemination Tool for Biofuels Projects” to facilitate the dissemination of projects (including biofuel production facilities, testing of biofuels in car fleets, use of biofuels in municipalities and research projects under the European Commission’s framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development) that are either ongoing or have been completed but are still running under market conditions.