EU funding required for commercial-scale pilot biorefineries

The EU’s goal should be the rapid application of new technology while adhering to the principles of sustainable development. The EU must find funding for commercial-scale pilot biorefineries in Europe.

The European Biofuels Technology Platform (EBTP) is, for its part, promoting the development of sustainable biofuels in the EU. The EBTP’s European Bioenergy Initiative (EIBI) calls for the EU to allocate substantial funding for the realisation of industrial-scale bioenergy, biofuel and biorefinery projects.

The forest industry of Finland is a central participant in these activities with several concrete projects.

Investments into R&D&I

The development of biorefineries requires strong cooperation between Europe’s public and private partners. Forest-based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) is coordinating a project on biorefineries research. The goal is to gather together all ongoing European biorefinery ventures, find out what is going on outside Europe and to establish the prerequisites for realising a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI).  

The aim of the EU’s European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) is to spur research and innovation activities as well as to strengthen competence. In practice, its activities are carried out through the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). Each KIC aims to become the European and global locomotive within its own sphere of responsibility.  

The Helsinki University of Technology is currently establishing an extensive cooperation network that aims to assume the driver’s seat in the bioenergy KIC. Active lobbying by government representatives on the European level is needed for the ongoing KIC application process.

A long-term commitment and the allocation of sufficient research and development resources are prerequisites for getting the bioenergy KIC to Finland.