EUBCE 2019 asks: what role for biomass when meeting development and climate targets?
In November 2018 the European Commission set out its vision for ‘a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050’. The accompanying strategy highlights the need for a portfolio of technological solutions driven by research and investment, alongside enabling policies and citizen empowerment. The vision is in line both with the 2015 Paris Agreement objective to keep the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015. Bioenergy produced from biomass (such as agricultural residue or organic waste), offers a key pathway towards a climate neutral future. EUBCE presented a unique forum for the 1 500 delegates from almost 80 countries to share knowledge and expertise and engage with this year’s theme: ‘The role of biomass in delivering the Paris targets and supporting sustainable development goals.’ Prof Maria da Graça Carvalho of the European Commission Directorate-General Research and Innovation (DG RTD), was the conference General Chair and the technical programme was coordinated by the European Commission Joint Research Centre. With insufficient space here to do justice to the range of content offered by poster presentations, workshops and over 43 exhibitors, two plenary sessions offered a unique snapshot of the key issues explored over the four days. Progress towards decarbonisation Against a context where biomass was championed as the renewable source with the most potential, during a packed plenary session on Tuesday 28 May, panellists discussed technological progress towards decarbonised energy systems. Ingwald Obernberger of Bios Bioenergiesysteme, Austria, kicked off proceedings by outlining efforts to scale up biomass combustion for bioenergy. He pointed out that solid biomass conversion constitutes 70 % of bioenergy consumption in the European Union and 6 % of total EU energy consumption. One advancement showcased for the scaling up of production was that of extended fuel flexibility enabling the use of multiple fuels such as wood and agricultural residue, in single plants. This to sit alongside zero emissions and heat recovery mechanisms for increased plant efficiency. During the session, a number of panellists mentioned the need for clear, long-lasting incentives within the bioenergy sector to encourage research and investment, alongside Europe-wide policies. The point was additionally made that if the EU is to comply with its renewable energy target (RED 2) reaching at least 32 % by 2030, biomass should be viewed as complementary to alternative renewables (hydrogen being frequently cited). The biobased transition During Wednesday (29 May) morning’s plenary the floor was given to industry as representatives offered perspectives about meeting sustainable development and climate goals. Kees Kwant of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, set the scene by starkly stating that to meet the Paris Agreement 2-degree target, bioenergy consumption needs to increase fourfold by 2060. He pointed out that while there is a bioenergy roadmap the problem is a lack of follow-through, due to a dearth of sustainable feedstock and public trust. Looking to the role of markets he made four recommendations. Firstly, a renewed sense of urgency. Secondly, the adoption of sustainable solutions which include elements such as job creation and rural development. Thirdly, industrial adoption of integrated solutions such as biorefineries which valorise waste. Lastly, for governments to create the right operating environment. Dolf Gielen, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Center in Bonn, Germany said that bioenergy growth is stalling. He gave the example of biofuels with a fivefold increase necessary to meet climate targets. Despite this, investment has actually fallen from a peak a decade ago, with industry citing the familiar barriers of lack of a policy framework and feedstock price. On the subject of aviation fuel specifically, it was exciting to learn about Europe’s first dedicated sustainable fuel production facility in the Netherlands, to be ready in 2022. Wrapping up the session, panellists reiterated that while new technology such as satellites, augment efforts, no single technology would win the day. It was also contended that policies covering related issues, such as land use and biodiversity, need to be more effectively aligned. After a discussion about the difficulties of settling on any one pathway forwards, the last word went to co-chair André Faaij, Director of Science, ECN (part of TNO), The Netherlands who said that, “if policy steps up a level, there is a huge opportunity in the whole biobased portfolio … the research community, industry, entrepreneurs, want to give it a go.” After hard-hitting facts, it was now over to participants to further explore this ‘huge opportunity’ through the range of pragmatic and inspiring solutions on display throughout the EUBCE exhibition space. For more information, please see: event website
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Portugal
