BalticBiomass4Value

Viability of different bioenergy products and value chains

The project explored the market outlook and future viability of different bioenergy products and value chains in the BSR energy system. The partners pointed out that the use of biomass in the energy sector was increasing due to the reduced use of fossil fuels. Targeted incentives were required to ensure economic sustainability for the increased use of biomass in the energy sector. Increased costs for the emission of carbon from fossil fuels would imply an increased use of biomass, especially in district heating, which represented a low-hanging fruit for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels for transport would continue to be based on agricultural products in the next decade, but the establishment of second-generation biofuel plants was likely to gradually influence the biofuel market. Biomass could be used for various purposes and in many bioenergy technologies, i.e. direct combustion, biofuels or biogas production. Thus, the partners considered that the high level of development of bioenergy technologies and national bioenergy resources justified the recommendation to propose a strategy for the development of bioenergy and to share the best technologies and the best practices in order to increase the contribution of bioenergy in the BSR countries.

Business models for sustainable bioenergy and side biomass products production

The partners identified good practice business models for sustainable bioenergy and side biomass products production. The business model types were formed from the producers: larger specialised heat and electricity, service providers mostly using woody biomass, wood and plant-based pellet producers and users, biogas producers combining manure, agricultural residues, plant biomass, circular agricultural producers with bioenergy production as a side-stream for primary production; plant, and aquatic biomass users utilizing biowaste for energy production, and municipal sewage and waste users. The business models of bioenergy providers were very dependent on the key relationships with a variety of stakeholders, who mediated access to bioresources, technologies and knowledge resources, grids and other infrastructures, and investments.

The partners developed guidelines and a training programme on the bioeconomy development support systems. These tools help regional and local public authorities to promote bioenergy and the circular bioeconomy and to engage stakeholders, foster the exchange of information and sharing of experience.

The project consortium organised various events at both national and transnational levels to engage relevant stakeholders and raise awareness among them. Over 500 organisations representing the business sector (49.4%), non-governmental organisations (10.7%), governmental and public sector (23.9%), and research and academic institutions (16.0%) took part in these events.