Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region
BalticBiomass4Value
 
PROGRAMME 2014-2020
priority
2 Natural resources
objective
2.2 Renewable energy

BalticBiomass4Value

The project introduced new knowledge to sustainably use biomass as a reliable source of energy.
Project summary

Biomass as a resource

Biomass for energy could be economically viable. Environmental questions, related to biodiversity and soil fertility, needed to be considered. The project BalticBiomass4Value worked with public and private actors within the Baltic Sea region to produce bioenergy in a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable way.

 

New knowledge and technology transfer services

Public authorities needed training and guidelines on how to improve the regional and local support systems for circular bioeconomy implementation. Small and medium-sized enterprises were in need of new models for producing bioenergy and integrated side bio-products in the Baltic Sea region.

Budgets

BalticBiomass4Value
in numbers
  • 2.79
    Million
    Total
  • 1.86
    Million
    Erdf
  • 0.09
    Million
    Eni + Russia
  • 0.19
    Million
    Norway

Achievements

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.

Outputs

Innovative business models and example pilot business cases

The report provides descriptions of twelve business models for making use of different biomass in the BSR and types of production. The report is useful for sectoral agencies, business associations, and SMEs working with biomass and connected products. It includes examples of business models: for example, heat and fuel from woody biomass, district heating and electricity, novel fuels and bio-chemicals, circular bioeconomy in agricultural production, utilisation of municipal waste and sewage.  

Good practice implementation guidelines for circular bioeconomy development and training programme

The report provides a comprehensive set of tools for regional and local authorities to promote bioenergy and the circular bioeconomy. It includes good practice implementation guidelines for sustainable circular bioeconomy business models in the agriculture, forestry, waste and bio-energy industrial sector.

Electronic tools created for consultations to circular bioeconomy development stakeholders

The project developed four electronic tools for sectoral agencies, business associations, and SMEs working with biomass and connected products. 1. Good practice bio-based business models and real-life inspiring examples. 2. Statistical data and expert assessments on biomass resources to analyse biomass value chains in the Baltic Sea Region. 3. Bio-based business analysis and planning tools for starting or expanding bio-based business. 4. Catalogue of measures for developing regional or local circular bioeconomy as well as a training programme on circular bioeconomy development and its support systems.

Project Stories

Partners

Vytautas Magnus University

  • Town
    Kaunas
  • Region
    Kauno apskritis
  • Country
    Lithuania
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
307,745.81
54.898213923.9044817

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

  • Town
    Vilnius
  • Region
    Vilniaus apskritis
  • Country
    Lithuania
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
15,000.00
54.687045825.2829111

Forest Owners Association of Lithuania

  • Town
    Vilnius
  • Region
    Vilniaus apskritis
  • Country
    Lithuania
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
69,900.00
54.687045825.2829111

Lithuanian Biotechnology Association

  • Town
    Vilnius
  • Region
    Vilniaus apskritis
  • Country
    Lithuania
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
100,000.00
54.687045825.2829111

Vidzeme Planning Region

  • Town
    Cēsis
  • Region
    Vidzeme
  • Country
    Latvia
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
200,175.00
57.314536125.2759759

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

  • Town
    Jelgava
  • Region
    Zemgale
  • Country
    Latvia
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
147,184.71
56.64143723.7339107

Ministry of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia

  • Town
    Tallinn
  • Region
    Põhja-Eesti
  • Country
    Estonia
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
26,525.00
59.437215524.7453688

Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce

  • Town
    Tallinn
  • Region
    Põhja-Eesti
  • Country
    Estonia
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
111,620.00
59.437215524.7453688

Estonian University of Life Sciences

  • Town
    Tartu
  • Region
    Lõuna-Eesti
  • Country
    Estonia
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
208,000.00
58.39564534999999526.630885501668523

Agency for Renewable Resources

  • Town
    Gülzow-Prüzen
  • Region
    Landkreis Rostock
  • Country
    Germany
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
372,474.95
53.76782512.06644734435783

3N Lower Saxony Network for Renewable Resources and Bioeconomy

  • Town
    Werlte
  • Region
    Emsland
  • Country
    Germany
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
220,750.00
52.85187017.6764179

State Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas of Schleswig-Holstein

  • Town
    Flintbek
  • Region
    Rendsburg-Eckernförde
  • Country
    Germany
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
121,675.05
54.243209210.0633244

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

  • Town
    Olsztyn
  • Region
    Olsztyński
  • Country
    Poland
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
224,120.00
50.749574819.2686115

Halmstad University

  • Town
    Halmstad
  • Region
    Hallands län
  • Country
    Sweden
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
171,310.00
56.673982612.8574827

Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (Nibio)

  • Town
    Ås
  • Region
    Akershus
  • Country
    Norway
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
202,736.24
59.6792808510.774163640502413

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

  • Town
    Ås
  • Region
    Akershus
  • Country
    Norway
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
184,039.20
59.6792808510.774163640502413

Municipal enterprise of the city of Pskov "Gorvodokanal"

  • Town
    Pskov
  • Region
    Pskov Oblast
  • Country
Approximate total partner budget in EUR
109,387.50
57.81161665000000528.36540390200804