Quality management in the biofuel sector
EU-funded BIONORM project aimed to develop the market for solid biofuels in particular, as an alternative to fossil fuels, thus meeting the objectives set forth by the European Commission. Setting appropriate quality standards is regarded as the first step towards wider market applicability for biofuels. These new standards have largely been based on extensive sampling work and the testing of physical-mechanical fuel characteristics. German-based project partner, Institute for Energy and Environment concentrated on the standardisation of solid biofuel properties. Researchers undertook the creation of a Quality Management system, which would include quality assurance and quality control components. One of the first tasks was a review of existing quality management processes among industrial parties active in the solid biofuel arena. The review spanned six different countries and product categories included used wood, straw bales and pelletised animal feed. Based on the drawn conclusions, practical applications and termed field-trials of a novel Quality Assurance system were initiated. These field-trials, which included companies of different activity profiles, demonstrated the need for a unified quality guideline methodology applicable to all types of users. As part of a broader framework, these outcomes could signify the first steps towards new market opportunities for solid biofuels across the EU and beyond.
