ALTERNATIVE FEEDSTOCKS IN INDUSTRIAL INTENSIVE SECTORS - Promoting a bio-based and circular economy Brussels (12 May, 2021). The RETROFEED approach to Industrial System and Sources Integration for Low Carbon Fuels. Digital Economy Industrial Technologies Energy © RETROFEED project The circular economy involves keeping materials in use for as long as possible through actions such as recycling and reuse. The EU-funded RETROFEED project aims to address the longevity of industrial materials by retrofitting the core equipment of energy intensive industries, enabling the use of alternative feedstocks promoting bio-based and circular concepts. To ensure a lasting impact, the project also supports plant operators in their decision-making processes by incorporating innovative monitoring and control systems, through a specially-designed Decision Support System (DSS). To demonstrate this approach in the five project sectors (ceramic, cement, aluminium, steel and agrochemicals), a scientific paper was submitted and presented at the 29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) on 29th April 2021. Among the many other interactive presentations, exhibitions and networking events, the conference aimed to contribute to the goal of accelerating research and market uptake of biomass globally. Six scientific tracks led the way in exchanging about how to achieve these goals: sustainable resources for decarbonising the economy; biomass conversion for bioenergy; biomass conversion to intermediate carriers; impacts & policies; bioenergy integration; and industry. As part of the industry track, RETROFEED focused on the successful incorporation of alternative materials. Presenters from the CIRCE Foundation, with the lead of Sebastian Zapata, showcased a study which analysed the feasibility of adoption of bio-based and recycled alternatives in each industrial sector, considering both the trends in supply and demand, as well as specific process requirements. Internal wastes as potential sources of revenue or materials reclamation were also studied, in order to capture a full picture of the potential benefits to the circular economy. Other presenters of the industry track included Felix Colmogren (WIP Renewable Energies) with a presentation on biomass market uptake opportunities and challenges; Dia Bacovsky (BEST) on how to adapt existing industrial facilities through BIOFIT; Patrick Reumerman (BTG group) on bioenergy retrofitting in Europe; and many more. The full conference proceedings are available on the conference website. ### For more information Dr Ana Isabel Gonzalez Espinosa (CIRCE – Project Coordinator) aigonzalez@fcirce.es Dr Diego Redondo Taberner (CIRCE – Project Manager) dredondo@fcirce.es Ms Marianna Santavenere (EEIP – Communication and Dissemination) marianna.santavenere@ee-ip.org Additional resources Project website www.retrofeed.eu Twitter @retrofeedEU LinkedIn RETROFEED EU project Disclaimer This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 869939. The responsibility for the information and the views set out in this press release lies entirely with the authors. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Keywords energy, energy intensive industry, agrochemical, cement, ceramic, steel, aluminium, raw material, biomass, circular economy
