From bio-waste to valuable raw material

1. 2nd Brussels Workshop on the Future of the European Cohesion Policy From bio-waste to valuable raw material Ziele des EFRE 2007-2013

2. Background information: Competitiveness and Innovation are the strategic cornerstones of the Operational Programme (Convergence Region) in Brandenburg Platzhalter für eine Grafik. Platzhalter für eine Grafik. Supporting the regional competitiveness as a central pre-condition for a sustainable increase of income and employment Consolidation of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the regional economy Consolidation of the innovative potenials of research and education to strengthen the knowledge society Support of infrastructural factors for a sustainable economic development Environmental development Urban development Equal opportunities Workshop in Brussels

3. ERDF-Budget: 1.499 Billion Euro; 193 Mio Euro are dedicated to Innovation (out of that 22.5 Mio Euro for risk-capital) Objectives: Facilitation of investments and innovation processes Through (among others): support of RTD and technology transfer into SMEs; support of technology oriented enterprises to enhance innovation activities; support of entrepreneurship; enhance the potentials of the knowledge and research infrastructure to foster the innovative capacities of the regional economy. Innovation as a strategic target of the Operational Programme: Workshop in Brussels

4. In 2006 the regional development strategy was changed: Instead of a wide spread funding all over the region, funds were focused on already growing regional clusters; 16 thematic regional clusters were identified, such as - energy - ICT - Chemistry These clusters receive a higher funding rate to enhance a better cooperation between enterprises as well as between enterprises and university and for their international activities. Regional strategy:Fostering regional thematic competence clusters Workshop in Brussels

5. A demonstration plant was built for the so called „Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC)“ process = a highly efficient method for converting biomass into „coal“. The basis material is biomass of minor value, e. g. from communities or harvest residues. With the procedure nearly 100 % of the CO2, that is bound in the biomass, can be captured, this means: CO2 is not emitted into the air, but kept separately! Residua of high quality and water are left over, which could be used again. The procedure is simple and efficient; it comprises good possibilities to be implemented to a broad extent on local level (also in less developed countries). RESULT:Biomass becomes again a valuable raw material. What is the project about? Workshop in Brussels

6. The demonstration plant is strongly linked to the RTD activities already executed in Potsdam-Golm, an area, where Research institutes with world-renommee are settled. The development of the area as such has been substantially supported by ERDF funds. The project is focused on testing the HTC-procedure, targeting on its commercial viability (possible clients: local authorities world wide). The project underpins the regional energy strategy, which is focusing on the development of clean energy technologies and the use of renewable energies. The project is supporting the activities of the regional cluster on „Energy technologies“ Which results have been achieved? Workshop in Brussels

7. HTC can use biomass that can not be handled by other existing methods; In comparision to other technical methods HTC can use a broad variety of biomass, whereas other procedures do need biomass that has to be produced explicitely (e. g. bioethanol). HTC is based on an exotherm procedure, that means: no additional energy is needed, the systems supports itself. Based on the negative CO2-balance, HTC provides additional energy that can be used for other heating systems The innovative character of the project: Workshop in Brussels

8. ERDF investment: 375,000.- Euro Total investment: 1,146,036.- Euro The ERDF funds were the only funds available that allowed the financing of the integrated approach of the project: investment into the plant and investment into external RTD. If the demonstration plant is successful and the HTC process is commercially viable, substianal staff requirements are predicted for the production of the Alpha-serie = high leverage effect for the regional economy for the 375,000.- Euro invested. The project is strongly linked to the RTD and innovative capacities available in Golm and is therefore enhancing the competitiveness and excellence of the German-Capital Region (Berlin-Brandenburg) – not only on regional level, but also EU-level and world wide. Why is this case interesting for ERDF? Workshop in Brussels

9. The project is strongly linked to the global EU priorities: Lisbon Strategy:The project is based on RTD results, enhancing innovative activities on regional level in order to support the development of the knowledge society. The targets of the European Energy and Climate package:If the HTC method is prooven viable for the market, the capturing of CO2 from biomass could present a best-practice technology for the local level to contribute to the EU targets for 2020 (reduction of 20 % of the CO2). EU-Innovation Policy:Bringing together: Research Centers and SMEs to enhance innovative actions. Building up EU Excellence:The project is adding its competences to the excellence centre Berlin-Brandenburg in the field of Clean Energy technologies. Added value for the EU expenditures? Workshop in Brussels