Bioenergy - Coordinating energy research for a low … · Bioenergy is widely used for heat and power, ... identified in the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative and the Technology

EERA

EUROPEAN ENERGY RESEARCH ALLIANCE

Joint Research Program on

Bioenergy

Version: 7

Last modification date: 29.10.2010

Contact person: Kai Sipilä, VTT, [email protected]

Coordination team: Jaap Kiel, ECN, Francisco Girio, LNEG and Carl Wilén, VTT

mailto:[email protected]

SUMMARY OF THE JOINT PROGRAMME ON EERA Bioenergy

This document describes the Joint Programme on Bioenergy within the framework of the

European Energy Research Alliance (EERA). The overall objective of this programme is to

align pre-competitive research activities at EERA institutes to give a technical-scientific basis

to further development of the next generation biofuels routes and to explore the possibilities

for joint technology development

Today, bioenergy covers more than 60% of renewable energy sources in Europe and is one of

the key primary energy sources for the 20% RES target in 2020. More than half of the current

bioenergy is forest based biomass, the growth will be based on forest, agricultural and algae

type of biomass resources on top of biogenic fraction of municipal and industrial waste.

Bioenergy is widely used for heat and power, next generation sustainable biofuels for

transport will be the challenge for the 2020 targets in the SET-plan. Biofuels will be used in

light and heavy duty vehicles by the 10% RES target in 2020, and additional growing

volumes in aviation and marine fuels.

The initial focus of the Joint Programme will be on biofuels, but topics may be added later.

The programme comprises four subprogrammes:

Thermochemical processing of biomass into NextGen biofuels for transport

This subprogramme aims to improve competitiveness of NextGen biofuels produced via

thermochemical routes, addressing three major value chains, viz.:

Synthetic fuels / hydrocarbons from biomass via gasification

Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) and other gaseous fuels from biomass via gasification

Bioenergy carriers from biomass via other thermochemical processes like pyrolysis,

torrefaction, etc.

Sugar platform on NextGen biofuels for transport

This subprogramme aims to improve competitiveness of NextGen biofuels produced via

biochemical routes, addressing two major value chains, viz.:

Ethanol and higher alcohols from sugar containing biomass (renewable transportation

fuels as gasoline components, E85)

Renewable hydrocarbons from sugars containing biomass via biological and/or

chemical processes (for renewable transportation fuels for jet and diesel engines)

Biofuels from algae

This subprogramme aims to improve competitiveness of macro- and microalgae as sources

of NextGen biofuels, by addressing:

Cultivation, harvesting, conversion, and life cycle analysis of macroalgae, as well as

creating a database of the available knowledge within EERA

Cultivation, harvesting, lipid and/or starch production using microalgae, as well as

biorefinery concepts

Cross-cutting issues in bioenergy

This subprogramme aims to align pre-competitive research activities at EERA institutes on

the production of lignocellulosic feedstock, and to explore the possibilities for joint

research activities on sustainable production systems in the context of large-scale

deployment of biofuels production via (i) the sugar route, (ii) the thermochemical route

and (iii) the algae route.

Contents

1. Background ...................................................................................................................... 4 2. Value added ...................................................................................................................... 6 3. Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 7 4. Description of foreseen activities .................................................................................... 9 5. Milestones ...................................................................................................................... 15 6. Participants and Human Resources ............................................................................... 19 7. Infrastructures and facilities .......................................................................................... 20 8. Management of the Joint Programme ............................................................................ 20 9. Risks ............................................................................................................................... 23 10. Intellectual Property Rights of the Joint Programme .................................................... 23 10. Contact Point for the Joint Programme ......................................................................... 23

1. Background

Bioenergy currently provides more than 60 % of renewable energy sources in Europe, and is

one of the key primary energy sources for 20 % RES target in 2020. More than half of the

current bioenergy is forest based biomass, the growth will be based on forest, agricultural and

algae type of biomass resources as well as of the biogenic fraction of municipal and industrial

waste. Bioenergy is widely used for heat and power, and next generation sustainable biofuels

for transport will be the challenge for 2020 targets in the SET-plan. Biofuels will be used in

light and heavy duty vehicles by 10 % RES target in 2020, and additional growing volumes in

aviation and marine fuels.

As part of the SET Plan, the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative (EIBI) will be launched

in Brussels 15.11.2010. Several bioenergy and biomass related industrial technology

platforms have been active for several years including Biofuels for transport (BTP), Forest

based industry (FBI), Sustainable chemistry (Suschem) and Plans for the future. In the area of

future biorefineries, DG RTD is funding the Star-Colibri project, which will analyse the

biomass RTD activities and give recommendations for future research activities. EIBI has a

strong focus on next generation biofuels and high efficiency innovative power production

technologies. In addition, reliable fuel supplies of sustainable biomass sources is additionally

a strong focus area.

The European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) has the main objective of substantially

improving cooperation between national research institutes, from ad-hoc participation in joint

projects, to collectively planning and implementing joint strategic research programs. At an

early stage the EERA Executive Committee identified bioenergy as an area for a joint

research programme. Bioenergy for transport has been selected as a focus to start joint EERA

Bioenergy activities as a research programme where the key players are primarily the national

bioenergy research institutes, but is also open to and encourages universities to participate in

the activities.

By the initiative of the DG RTD, the Commission has been actively creating a new bioenergy

RTD structure, such as the Network of Excellence (NoE) in Bioenergy in 2004-2009. Many

participants joined the Network of Excellence FP6 projects, where the partner integration

was the key objective of the NoEs in the nuclear and bioenergy areas. The Bioenergy NoE

was coordinated by VTT, and partners were ECN, KIT, Aston University, INRA, ECBREC,

Joanneum Research and IIIEE/Lund University. A strong research infrastructure package was

collected including a web-based presentation, focusing mainly from on the facilities and

equipments at ECN, KIT and VTT.

This document is a joint research program for bioenergy, developed by a core group within

EERA Bioenergy: VTT (Finland), ECN (Netherlands), LNG (Portugal), KIT (Germany),

Risø DTU (Denmark), SINTEF (Norway), CENER, CIEMAT and IMDEA (Spain), CEA and

INRA (France), PSI (Switzerland), ENEA (Italy) and SAMS and UKERC (UK) through a

series of workshops, coordinators meetings and review/comment processes. The joint

programme proposal, which comprises the following four sub-programmes, has been

coordinated by VTT and the core group:

1. Thermo-chemical processing, coordinated by ECN in the Netherlands

2. Sugar platform, coordinated by LNEG in Portugal

3. Algae platform, coordinated by Risø DTU in Denmark

4. Cross cutting issues in bioenergy, coordinated by VTT in Finland

A key objective of the EERA Bioenergy joint program is to address the research challenges

identified in the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative and the Technology Roadmap for

bioenergy of the SET-Plan “Investing in the Development of Low Carbon Technologies”.

The European Biofuels Technology Platform has recently updated the strategic research

agenda1 in July 2010. It includes detailed RTD recommendations in the areas of:

- Sustainability of biomass

- Markets, regulatory framework and public awareness

- Biomass availability and supply

- Biofuels from algae

- Conversion processes

- Product distribution and use

The indicative roadmap is shown below.

In the area of bioenergy RTD, the Commission funding is mainly executed by DG RTD and

DG ENER. Additionally, eight member states provide funding via the ERANET Bioemergy.

EIBI is mainly focused on next generation transportation fuels, which has also been selected

to be the focus of EERA Bioenergy in phase I. Power and heat generation is planned to be

included in EERA activities in phase II, starting in 2012. Bio-CCS is a possible joint research

area between the Joint Programmes on Biofuels and CCS, where EIBI and CCS have a joint

task force.

1 Strategic research agenda, European Biofuels Technology Platform. http://www.biofuelstp.eu/sra.html

The EIBI working document has ambitious biofuels target for supporting the 2020 SET Plan:

1. Enabling commercial availability of advanced bioenergy systems at a large

scale by 2020, aiming at reducing production costs to allow competition with fossil

fuels in the prevailing economic and regulatory market conditions, and providing

advanced biofuels to provide up to 4% of EU transportation energy needs by 2020.

2. Strengthening EU technology leadership for renewable transport fuels, serving

the fastest growing area of transport fuels in the world.

In EIBI, RTD&D activities are focused on industrial value chains instead of technology

areas:

Synthetic fuels / hydrocarbons from biomass via gasification (main markets:

renewable transportation fuels for jet and diesel engines)

Bio-methane and other gaseous fuels from biomass via gasification (substituting

natural gas and other gaseous fuels)

High efficiency power generation via gasification of biomass

Bioenergy carriers from biomass via other thermochemical processes like pyrolysis,

torrefaction etc. (main markets: fuels for heating, power generation or intermediate

for further upgrading into transportation fuels)

Ethanol and higher alcohols from sugars containing biomass and lignocellulosics

(renewable transportation fuels as gasoline components, E85)

Renewable hydrocarbons from sugars containing biomass and lignocellulosics via

biological and/or chemical processes (main market: renewable transportation fuels

for jet and diesel engines)

Production of bioenergy carriers from CO2 and sunlight through microorganism

based production (algae, bacteria etc) and further upgrading into transportation fuels

and valuable bio-products (main market: renewable transportation fuels for jet and

diesel engines)

2. Value added

The EERA Joint Programme on Bioenergy provides added value through the enhanced

coordination and cooperation of the activities of the major RTD players in bioenergy. Most

participants have been actively involved in EU Framework Programmes, in the IEA

Bioenergy agreement and more recently in the European Biofuels Technology Platform.

The EIBI action plan is focused on seven value chains, many of those at the research and

piloting phase. EERA Bioenergy will provide support on long-term research topics within

these value chains. Active interaction between the EERA Bioenergy programme and EIBI is

therefore foreseen. An industrial and ERANET advisory board will be invited to facilitate the

EERA contribution in the industrial initiative. The representative of the ERANET+

Bioenergy, coordinating bioenergy public RTD in eight countries, will also be invited to the

EERA advisory board.

In summary, the EERA Bioenergy Joint Programme adds value in the following ways:

− Coordinating and conducting medium-to-long-term R&D complementary to the

short-to-medium R&D envisaged in the EIBI (European Industrial Biomass

Initiative); EERA Bioenergy could also be the entry point for the EIBI to EU R&D

capacity

− Identifying and conducting joint, pre-competitive, R&D on selected topics

− Promoting the interaction between the major EU R&D institutes

Strategic leadership

Strategic leadership builds upon both a vision of the future bioenergy contribution by 2020

and long term scenarios by 2050, together with the necessary transition pathways to reach

that future. Bringing together the major European R&D players in a Joint Programme will

allow to share individual visions and to gradually build a common one, providing true

strategic leadership on a global scale. Communication, information exchange, mutual

understanding, trust building, through meetings and effective collaborations, activities in

joined research infrastructure, in the framework of an efficient governance, and strongly

interfaced with industrial and other players, will be key for reaching this goal and visibility of

EERA.

Accelerating the realization of SET-plan goals

The SET-Plan aims to speed up the development and deployment of new energy technologies

in response to the climate change challenge. Joint R&D planning and programming,

knowledge sharing, grouping of resources, joint execution of R&D projects are the means to

achieve this acceleration. The EERA Bioenergy Joint Programme is completely focused on

the efficient implementation of these means: organisation of meetings and workshops,

elaboration of shared program documents, joint execution of projects, plus coordination with

other relevant initiatives. Active collaboration with EIBI and EERA will increase on short

term the impact of the EERA network. EERA members will also actively interact in energy

system and policy studies with national governments when analysing and creating road maps

for markets to introduce new bioenergy technologies by 2020. A special challenge to be

analysed and developed is the availability and logistics of sustainable biomass raw material

in European 2020 targets.

3. Objectives

The overall objective of this programme is to align pre-competitive research activities at

EERA institutes to give a technical-scientific basis to further develop the next generation

biofuels routes and to explore the possibilities for joint technology development. A common

research agenda that advances the knowledge base and accelerates progress in removing

technology barriers and developing innovative technology solutions will help to accelerate

progress towards SET-plan goals.

The EERA Bioenergy Programme will develop new technologies and improve the

competiveness of next generation biofuels with four main sub-programmes:

1. Thermo-chemical processing

2. Sugar platform

3. Algae based biofuels

4. Cross cutting topics – e.g. raw material supply, energy systems, sustainability

The activities cover a 3 year time frame (2011 – 2013) and they reflect the current

understanding of the general research needs. However, during the first year, the programme

scope will be evaluated and discussed thoroughly and be defined in more detail.

The first Thermo-Chemical sub-programme comprises the following four work packages:

Biomass upgrading into bioenergy carriers, Conversion processes – gasification and gas

cleaning, Downstream processing and Generic issues of thermo-chemical biomass

processing. The participants comprise most of the major European R&D institutes in the field

with an extensive, high-quality research infrastructure. In addition, it is expected that the

group will be extended with approximately five additional participants during the first year.

This sub-programme aims to improve the competitiveness of NextGen Biofuels produced via

thermo-chemical routes, addressing major value chains, viz.:

Synthetic fuels / hydrocarbons from biomass via gasification (main markets: renewable

transportation fuels for jet and diesel engines)

Substitute natural gas (SNG) and other gaseous fuels from biomass via gasification

Bioenergy carriers from biomass via other thermo-chemical processes like pyrolysis,

torrefaction

Owing to a large overlap in R&D issues, also the following value chain is taken into account:

High-efficiency power generation via gasification of biomass

The second sub-programme Sugar Platform on NextGen Biofuels for Transport aims to

improve the competitiveness of biofuels produced within the Sugar Platform addressing two

major value chains of EIBI:

Ethanol and higher alcohols from sugar containing biomass (renewable transportation

fuels as gasoline components, E-85)

Renewable hydrocarbons from sugars containing biomass via biological and/or

chemical processes (main markets: renewable transportation fuels for jet and diesel

engines)

The overall objective of this sub-programme is to align pre-competitive research activities at

EERA institutes to give a technical-scientific basis to further development of the sugar based

route and to explore the possibilities for joint development of the technology required for the

production of biofuels via the sugar route. The focus is to create a common research agenda

that both accelerate progress in removing technology barriers and allow more robust set of

endpoints in the production of second generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass by

biotechnological approaches. It comprises three work packages covering pre-competitive

R&D topics: Biomass Deconstruction, Cell Factories & Enzymes and Pilot Scale and

Modelling.

The third sub-programme is focused on algae production and conversion to biofuels:

Macroalgae biomass as a source for biofuel production including the knowledgebase

within EERA, cultivation, harvesting, conversion and life cycle analysis

Microalgae biomass as a source for biofuel production including, cultivation,

harvesting, lipid production and biorefineries

Macroalgal Biomass production addresses technology development for upgrading the

feedstock into bioenergy through an improved understanding of the feedstock, its cultivation

harvesting, the environmental aspects of this feedstock and its biochemical conversion to

biofuel. This will be coupled with an extensive review of the life cycle analysis of this

feedstock.

Microalgal Biomass production addresses current algae production processes which aim at

efficient production of algae for fuel purposes at low costs. However, the challenge for algal

biofuel systems is to increase the efficiency of both the production of algae and the

conversion of the biomass into a useful energy carrier. An algal biorefinery can integrate

several different conversion technologies to produce biofuels including biodiesel, green

diesel, green gasoline, aviation fuel, ethanol, methane and hydrogen, as well as valuable co-

products, such as fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, oil natural dyes, sugars, pigments (main -

carotene and astaxanthin), antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids

The fourth sub-programme will include cross-cutting activities in bioenergy, such as

sustainability aspects, raw material availability and cost effective feed supply to bioenergy

conversion plants, energy and system studies and modelling. A special topic of joint

workshops with various stakeholders will be the role and roadmaps to commercialization of

new bioenergy technology in European and national implementation plants to reach the 10%

renewable energy targets in transport by 2020. The cross-cutting activities will also be a

valuable tool to integrate technology RTD&D activities to bioenergy value chain

implementation in EIBI and SET-plan targets.

The above four sub-programmes will be started from 1.1.2011 for a period of three years in

phase 1. Additional sub-programmes and new members of the EERA Bioenergy programme

will be discussed and agreed in 2011. The kick-off seminar will be held on 18.1.2011. For the

purpose of internal and external visibility and communication, an EERA Bioenergy web page

and bi-annual newsletter will be established.

4. Description of foreseen activities

The Joint Programme is formulated as a joint research program with strategic research

themes containing goals and planned activities. The activities are carried out making best use

of competences, research facilities and other resources within the joint program partnership.

Each activity will be managed and implemented as a joint project with participants from

partners and their affiliates with appropriate competences and facilities.

The structure of the Joint Programme, sub-programmes and work packages are illustrated in

the figure below.

Joint Programme

Steering

Committee

Joint Programme

Management

Board

Thermochemical

platform

Sugar

platform

Algae

platform

Cross-cutting

topics

Bioenergy carriers

Conversion

processes

Down stream

Processing

Generic

Biomass

deconstruction

Cell factories &

enzymes

Piloting

Microalgae

Macroalgae

Agro feedstocks

Forest feedstocks

Sustainability

Certification schemes

Bioenergy system studies

and scenarios 2020

Joint Programme

Steering

Committee

Joint Programme

Management

Board

Thermochemical

platform

Sugar

platform

Algae

platform

Cross-cutting

topics

Bioenergy carriers

Conversion

processes

Down stream

Processing

Generic

Biomass

deconstruction

Cell factories &

enzymes

Piloting

Microalgae

Macroalgae

Agro feedstocks

Forest feedstocks

Sustainability

Certification schemes

Bioenergy system studies

and scenarios 2020

Thermochemical Platform

Biomass upgrading into bioenergy carriers (WP1): Research aims at supporting

technology development for the upgrading of biomass feedstock into solid or liquid

bioenergy carriers with superior properties in terms of logistics and end-use. The three

technologies considered are torrefaction (+ densification), pyrolysis and hydrothermal

processing.

For torrefaction, the work will be aimed at improving the understanding of process

fundamentals via modelling at the particle size, product quality optimization and at

developing innovative fuel preparation strategies, which allow application of “difficult”

biomass feedstocks like agro-residues.

For pyrolysis, the main objectives will be to develop process variants (heat supply,

catalysis, product recovery) and integrate internal product upgrading steps

(hydropyrolysis, reforming…) in order to enlarge the type of biomass that can be

treated in regard to final product distribution.

For hydrothermal processes, the work will be aimed at screening high moisture

containing biomass, improving products characterisation and at developing product

upgrading and overall process designs.

Conversion processes – gasification and gas cleaning (WP2): The general objective for

WP2 is to conduct pre-competitive research to optimise gasification-based process concepts

with regard to efficiency, gas quality and costs, and to gain general understanding regarding

intermediate and product formation in different process steps, influence of the different

feedstock, process conditions (such as temperature, pressure etc.) and catalysts on the syngas

quality. The strategic goals are:

Biomass feedstock characteristics influence on gasification processes and clever fuel

blends

o Handling and feeding. This research task aims at resolving fuel and feeding

issues for various gasifier concepts, e.g. feeding of solid fuels or fuel slurries in

pressurized gasifiers.

o Influence of fuel characteristics on gasification and gas cleaning performance.

Fuel characteristics influence the entire syngas production line.

o Clever fuel blending. By blending the fuels at a proper rate, the fuel properties,

thus the technical and economical performance of the gasification plant will

improve considerably.

Gasification process optimisation

o Gasification technologies. This research theme aims at improving the

existing conventional and hydrothermal gasification processes adaptable or

adapted to biomass gasification.

o Gasification reactor and process modelling. Equations of state, heat and mass

transfer correlations, Thermodynamics & (CFD) modelling. Thermal

decomposition, tar formation, tar decomposition, ash and char forming, ash

and char fate are the main focus for conventional gasification.

o Reactor modelling – modelling tool development. As at least two phases (gas

and solid) are present in all reactors for biomass conversion, proper

modelling of the interactions of chemical reactions, heat/mass transfer and

hydrodynamics in reactors for gasification, gas cleaning and fuel synthesis

should be aimed for. The challenge to be worked on is to find the best

compromise between computational effort and validity of model results in

such systems.

Material development/testing (fixed and fluidized bed materials, catalysts, additives,

construction materials, corrosion problems)

Sampling and analysis (on-line, off-line, exchange of information)

Fundamentals: e.g., ash behaviour/management, in dry gasification, salt

behaviour/separation/management in hydrothermal gasification, thermodynamics &

(CFD) modelling, feeding

Novel concepts in raw syngas cleaning for removal or conversion of tars, particles and

potential catalyst poisons (e.g. chlorine and sulphur species)

Catalyst development/testing, investigation of catalyst deactivation (for both gas

cleaning and synthesis)

Intelligent combinations of process steps with a focus on gas cleaning in conventional

gasification and salt separation in hydrothermal gasification

o Flow sheeting. Methodologies for proper process chain modelling should be

further improved.

o Techno-economic assessment studies. Various gasification + gas cleaning

concepts will be assessed and compared technically and economically

applying different methodologies of process chain modelling.

Downstream processing (WP3): The research aims at developing catalysts with better

performance and improved process concepts for the conversion of clean syngas into transport

fuels and chemicals through testing at lab, PDU and pilot scale. The specific aims are:

Catalyst development, characterization, and testing

o Catalyst preparation

o Catalyst characterisation

Optimising process technology and concepts

o Development of alternative process concepts

o Demonstration of new process components or concepts in process

development units

Product specification & testing

o Product analysis by common methods

o Product upgrading towards fuel standards

o Engine test of promising fuel batches

Generic issues of thermo-chemical biomass processing (WP4): The activities aim at

supporting the research in the other (thermo-chemical processing) work packages by

developing and agreeing upon tools and methodologies and by contributing to the

development of standards. The strategic objectives are:

Further development of BIODAT into the biomass properties database, applied by

the bioenergy research community

Development of product classification and standardisation

Development of analytical and test methods and protocols

Sugar Platform

Biomass Deconstruction (WP1): The research aims at optimizing the deconstruction by

improving both the characteristics of the biomass feedstock used and the performance of the

conversion processes required for the biochemical conversion.

Feedstock and pre-treatment product analysis

o Exchange methods used to analyze the (bio)chemical composition and

ultrastructure of the feedstock and characterization of the products made by

pre-treatment and hydrolysis.

o Select a series of feedstock for analysis in a Round-Robin test, discuss results

of the Round-Robin test and definition of the minimum required equipment

for biomass characterization.

o Establish standard procedures for the characterization of products from pre-

treatment and critical evaluation of the standard protocols and exchange

information of interference of analysis results by by-products.

o Develop rapid analysis techniques for on-line monitoring a wide range of

physical and chemical characteristics of raw and processed biomass.

Technological quality of biomass

o Enhance understanding of the plant genes that control cell wall sugar

composition and unravelling mechanisms for improving enzymatic

deconstruction.

o Agree on a set of feedstock to be tested/manipulated. Test the selected set of

feedstock with different pre-treatment methods being available at EERA

partner institutes.

Novel pre-treatments

o Identify the different methods existing or planned within EERA at lab and

pilot scale.

o Comparison of pre-treatment methods using a model substrate.

o Development of high-solids processing equipment.

o Development of novel/innovative fractionation technology (e.g. ionic liquids,

solid (super) acids, sub- and supercritical fluids).

o Development/modification of detoxification technologies.

Pre-treatment and hydrolysis integration

o Exchange of information about „best practices‟ for integration biomass pre-

treatments and hydrolysis.

o Making an inventory of possible pre-treatments that allow for integration, i.e.

at least operating at lower temperatures.

o Making an inventory of possible enzymes that allow for integration, i.e. at

least at higher operating temperatures.

o Testing of combinations of pre-treatment methods and enzymes.

Cell Factories & Enzymes (WP2): The main goals are the identification and the production

of novel and more efficient biofuels and the overcoming of technological hurdles in the

bioconversion of biomass into fuels for transport.

Novel biofuel pathways for jet and diesel engines

o Exchange information about the identification of molecules according to fuel

specifications for jet and diesel engines.

o Make an inventory of possible and potential biochemical and chemical

pathways to produce appropriate molecules for jet and diesel engines.

o Write a joint position paper (including overall system sustainability).

o Agree on a plan for further complementary activities amongst EERA

members onwards developing technologies for jet and diesel biofuels.

Development of novel CBP systems

o Exchange of state-of-the-art and latest R&D developments.

o Identification of the key biological requirements for optimal CBP systems.


members for developing CBP technologies.

Novel enzymes & organisms for biofuels

o Identification of current European projects in this field.

o Definition of a framework for comparative evaluation of novel enzymes (e.g.

hydrolytic enzymes and its integration in RT 2.2) and organisms.


members for the use of novel enzymes for winning biofuel technologies.

Cell factories for gaseous biofuels and bioelectricity

o Exchange of latest R&D advances on MFCs, biogas and biohydrogen

production, including information on downstream purification and storage of

gaseous biofuels.

o Development of a common database with the identified cell factories in the

production of gaseous biofuels and bioelectricity.

o Assessment of common standard parameters for the characterization of cell

factories in the production of gaseous biofuel and bioelectricity.


members for developing gaseous biofuels and bioelectricity technologies.

Pilot Scale and Modelling (WP3): The research aims at improved bioprocess integration in

order to achieve economic feasibility of advanced biofuels fully complying with

environmental performances (greenhouse gas reduction, biodiversity, and reduced water

usage and emissions), security and diversification of energy supply, and public awareness.

The goal is to translate research efforts into near future demo and commercial initiatives

undertaken by industry.

Advanced conversion enhancements on biochemical processes: Ethanol, higher

alcohols and hydrocarbons from carbohydrates containing biomass

o Round robin on process conditions ranges in EERA members‟ current

available pilot infrastructures.

o To prepare at least one joint R&D application to tackle current hurdles in

Bioprocess development.

Production of biohydrogen (by MECs) and other gaseous biofuel (Biogas): process

integration assessment

o Evaluation of the effect of different operation conditions on biogas

production efficiencies. Creation of result databases of pilot trials.

o Developing a common database of different MECs and biogas applications

(e.g. wastewater treatment; biological sensors). Identifying in Europe,

companies interested in the implementation of biogas and/or MECs systems.

Modelling and optimization of bioenergy processes

o Benchmarking in process control and modelling (on-line control, software).

Develop a common database on economic, environmental and energetic

inputs and outputs of the bioprocesses targeted in this WP (RT 3.1 and 3.2).

o Develop of a common database of different co-products or wastes produced

during bioenergy production by the different bioprocesses (RT 3.1 and 3.2);

evaluation of the added value of co-products and of the disposal/treatment

strategies for the wastes.

o Development of common methodologies for assessment of bioprocesses

feasibility.

Algae Platform

Macroalgal Biomass production (WP1) addresses technology development for upgrading

the feedstock into bioenergy through an improved understanding of the feedstock, its

cultivation and harvesting, the environmental aspects of this feedstock and its biochemical

conversion to biofuel. At present sub-programme development of efficient technologies for

conversion of various macroalgae to bioenergy in the form of methane, ethanol and butanol

are in focus. This work package will address the feasibility of macroalgae as a biofuel

feedstock over a 3 year period.

Database Development

Cultivation and Harvesting

Biochemistry

Utilisation of residues, nutrient cycling

Feasibility studies, LCA and sustainability assessment

Microalgal biomass production (WP2) addresses current algae production processes which

aim to efficiently produce algae for non-fuel purposes at low costs. However, the challenge

for algal bio-fuel systems is to increase the efficiency of both the production of algae, and the

conversion of the biomass into a useful energy carrier. An algal biorefinery can integrate

several different conversion technologies to produce biofuels including biodiesel, green

diesel, green gasoline, aviation fuel, ethanol, methane and hydrogen, as well as valuable co-

products, such as fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, oil natural dyes, sugars, pigments (main -

carotene and astaxanthin), antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids. The number of micro

algae species is huge and their chemical composition is highly diverse. Production of

multiple energy-carriers from microalgae with different features and a broad scope is thus

possible. At present sub-programme development of efficient technologies for conversion of

various microalgae to bioenergy in the form of diesel, ethanol and butanol is in focus. This

work package will address the feasibility of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock over a 3 year

period.

Biology

Biomass

Biorefinery

Cross-cutting Topics

In the Cross-cutting sub-programme key topics will be the sustainable bioenergy systems and

scenario studies of commercial bioenergy implementation in European and national energy

economy with relevant GHG and cost information. The activities in the sub-programme range

from review of biomass production assessment methods and tools, and the development of an

integrated simulation framework for case-study analysis and foresight studies at global scale,

to the assessment of the impact of EU policy framework and sustainability criteria on the

deployment of bio-energy and biofuels. The availability of sustainable biomass sources is

increasingly recognised as the most critical requirement for biofuels to contribute to EU 2020

targets. It is now also widely recognised that biomass as feedstock for conventional and

advanced biofuels competes with a number of other end uses (feed, food, paper, wood

products, biomaterials, heat, electricity, etc.). The production of biomass may also be

complementary to other uses.

The following RTD recommendation is given in BTP research agenda:

Develop a common view on sustainable biomass availability across different sectors,

shared with all relevant stakeholders.

Develop cost supply curves for existing and new feedstocks and given timeframes,

regions and demand types.

Define obstacles to mobilisation.

Develop new plant varieties (crop/tree breeding and physiology); improve cultivation

and management practices (propagation, cultivation systems, etc) to optimise water,

energy and other inputs and increase productivity.

Optimise associated equipment to minimise logistics chain costs and to meet

conversion requirements (integrated harvesting, collection and transport solutions for

fibre/bio-materials and energy).

Develop large-scale logistics for new feedstocks or underutilised resources, optimise

along the supply chain.

Competition in biomass use. Research should focus on defining the methods and

criteria to assess what types of biomass can contribute to a sustainable biofuels

market without directly competing with other uses (particularly food).

Use of wastes and residues – maximising efficiency of closed-loop cycles and

biorefining.

The areas of research within this sub-programme are:

1. Evaluation of agricultural systems and lignocellulosic biomass

2. Forestry systems and logistic chains

3. Sustainability and certification schemes

4. Bioenergy system studies and scenarios for 2020

The Innovative agricultural and forestry feedstock production system WP focuses on methods

and tools to assess sustainability of candidate agricultural and forestry feedstock production

systems. It deals with existing varieties in a wide range of soil and weather contexts, and on

the evolution of lignocellulosic species to be best suited to their technological uses. As the

fine tuning of optimal solutions will be dependent on local consideration (more or less the

size of the supply area of a given biofuel production plant), it considers the integration at

such a scale.

The Impact of policy and certification schemes WP will consider the interactions between

technical & economical feasibility and production issues to the needs expressed or induced

by private and public decision-makers via policy framework or certification schemes. In

particular, the impact of policy framework at EU level and of existing or emerging

certification schemes on the deployment of bioenergy will be evaluated. Data and knowledge

for feasibility will come from the sub-programmes Sugar Platform, Thermochemical Platform

and Algae Platform. EERA members will have several in-house national assessment of 2020

biofuels implementation plan which give additional information and roadmaps for successful

market introduction with various policy schemes.

5. Milestones

The milestones are directly taken from the corresponding sub-programmes. Please refer to

those programmes in the Annexes for details.

Milestone Measurable Objective(s) Project

Month

General activities

M1 Next Management Board meeting 1

M2 Final JP detailed work programme 2

M3 First Steering Committee meeting 3

M4 Progress reporting 12, 24, 36

Thermochemical Platform (sub-programme)

M1.1 Review on torrefaction mechanisms and

modelling

12

M1.2 Workshop on torrefaction fundamentals:

experiments and modelling

6

M1.3 Workshop on product optimization and fuel

mixtures

12

M1.4 Workshop on improved pyrolysis concepts 6

M1.5 Workshop on hydrothermal processing 6

M2.1 Workshop on fuel and feed criteria for

biomass gasification and hydrothermal

processes

9

M2.2 Workshop on gasification and hydrothermal

processes

4

M2.3 State of the art of gasification processes 12

M2.4 State of the art of catalysis in gasification

processes

10

M2.5 Gasification modelling 12

M2.6 Workshop on novel concepts and

developments in syngas cleaning

9

M3.1 State of the art definition of synthesis routes 4

M3.2 Workshop on catalyst development and testing 12

M3.3 Workshop on optimizing reactor technology

and process concepts

12

M4.1 BIODAT in full operation 6

M4.2 Product classification and standardization

workshop

6

M4.3 Analytical and test methods and protocols

available

12

M5.1 Annual Report 12

Sugar Platform (sub-programme)

M1.1 Analysis of ultrastructure and biochemical

composition of biomass feedstock and analysis

of products from biomass pre-treatment

12

M1.2 Definition of standard analysis methods 36

M1.3 Rapid analysis techniques for analysis of

physical and chemical characteristics of raw

and processed biomass

36

M1.4 Tailoring of biomass feedstock for pre-

treatment

24

M1.5 Overview of pre-treatments used and their

performance

18

M1.6 Novel pre-treatments for lignocellulosic

biomass

36

M1.7 Integration of pre-treatment and enzymatic

hydrolysis

24

M2.1 Workshop on biofuels for jet and diesel

engines

12

M2.2 Position paper on biofuels for jet and diesel

engines

18

M2.3 Workshop on CBP systems and novel enzymes

& organisms for biofuels

12

M2.4 CBP systems and novel enzymes & organisms

for biofuels

36

M2.5 Workshop on gaseous biofuels and

bioelectricity

12

M2.6 Database on cell factories for gaseous biofuels

and bioelectricity

36

M3.1 Analysis of biofuels pilot plants processes

conditions

12

M3.2 Joint R&D efforts on advanced conversion

enhancements on biochemical processes

18

M3.3 Evaluation of Biogas conversion efficiency 18

M3.4 Common databases of MEC & biogas

applications (pilot trials)

24

M3.5 Benchmarking in process control and

modelling (on-line control, software)

18

M3.6 Bioprocess integrated modelling and

optimization

36

Algae Platform (sub-programme)

M1 Inventory of the analytical techniques and

experience of all the participants involved in

macroalgal bioenergy

ECN, UKERC

M2 Development of website and database

M3 Workshops to act as interface between the

various participants

M4 The EERA participants will make an inventory

of macroalgal cultivation sites

ECN, UKERC

M5 Determine what physio-chemical factors result

in a site where cultivation can occur

M6 Macroalgal productivity trials UKERC

M7 Workshop on “Identification and selection of

most suitable macro algae species for

bioenergy production”.

UKERC, ECN

M8 Optimized processes – including pretreatments

- for biogas production from selected macro

algae

UKERC

M9 Optimized processes – including pretreatments

- for liquid biofuels from selected macro algae

UKERC

M10 Data base on macro algae for bioenergy

production.

UKERC

M11 Feasibility of recycling of nutrients enclosed

systems

UKERC

M12 The Use of macroalgal residues UKERC

M13 Process systems optimization and assessment

results

M14 Integrated assessment UKERC

M15 Random mutagenesis/screening for mutants

affected in TAG accumulation

CEA

M16 Random mutagenesis/screening for mutants

affected in TAG accumulation

CEA

M17 Full characterization of storage and membrane

lipid profiles in transgenic lines

CEA

M18 Measuring the TAG productivity in

photobioreactors in a selected set of mutants

CEA

M19 Transformation protocol for genetic

engineering of Nannochloropsis gaditana

UNIPD

M20 Identification of genes controlling lipids

biosynthesis in Nannochloropsis by

transcriptomics

UNIPD

M21 Generation of transgenic algae over-expressing

genes for lipids biosynthesis

UNIPD



UNIPD



UNIPD



UNIPD



UNIPD



UNIPD

M27 Mutant generation

M28 Mutant generation UNIVR

M29 Screening of mutant libraries UNIVR

M30 Molecular technology in Nannochlopsis UNIVR



M33 Screening and breeding of microalgae RISOE DTU

M34 Genetic analyses RISOE DTU

M35 Cross-breeding RISOE DTU

M36 The availability of other nutrients and the

effects

ENEA

M37 The availability of other nutrients and the

effects

ENEA

M38 The effect of the nitrogen depletion on the

algal growth

ENEA


algal growth

ENEA


algal growth

ENEA

M41 Pilot plant and laboratory experiments ENEA

M42 Building up a facility operating on real scale ENEA





M47 Final report ENEA

M48 Biomass productivity of Nannochloropsis in

closed photobioreactors

FZF-HGF



FZF-HGF



FZJ-HGF



FZJ-HGF



FZJ-HGF



FZJ-HGF

M54 Screening of the best microalgae strains LNEG

M55 Production of biomass of the best strain(s) LNEG

M56 Harvesting optimization LNEG

M57 Intermediate report LNEG

M58 Disruption of the cells LNEG

M59 Co-Extraction of added-valued compounds and

oil and/or carbohydrates

LNEG



LNEG

M61 Biorefinery impact analysis LNEG

M62 Final report LNEG

M63 Utilisation of lipids, hydrogen and methane ENEA





M68 Screening of the best microalgae strains LNEG

M69 Production of biomass of the best strain(s) LNEG

M70 Harvesting optimization LNEG

M71 Intermediate report LNEG

M72 Disruption of the cells LNEG



LNEG



LNEG

M75 Biorefinery impact analysis LNEG

M76 Final report LNEG

M77 Process systems optimization and assessment

results

PSI

M78 Integrated assessment PSI

Cross-cutting Topics (sub-programme)

M1 Review of methods, data and tools on

lignocellulosic feedstock and logistics

6

M2 Inter-comparison of performance indicators for

feedstock production systems

24

M3 Review of assessment methods at supply-area

scale

12

M4 Development of integrated assessment

framework at supply-area scale

36

M5 Review and update of EU policy framework

and certification schemes

12

M6 Modelling the impact of policy framework and

certification schemes

24

M7 Evaluation and benchmarking of assement

tools and methodologies

24

M8 Harmonisation of GHG budget calculations 18

M9 Review of case studies within EERA 12

M10 Improved assessment tools 36

6. Participants and Human Resources

Membership of the Bioenergy-JP is to be formalized by signing a general "EERA letter of

intent" latest by end of February 2011. In this Letter of Intent, institutes commit to deliver the

resources described in the table below. Status 29.10.2010.

Name Country Role Human Resource committed (py/y) Thermo-

chemical

Sugar Algae CC-

topics

Total

CEA France Participant x x 5

CENER Spain Participant x x 5

CIEMAT Spain Participant x x x 9

ECN Netherlands SP Coordinator x x 5

ENEA Italy Participant x x x 12

FZJ-HGF Germany Associate tbd*

IMDEA Spain Associate x 2

INRA France SP Coordinator x x 10

KIT Germany Participant x tbd*

LNEG Portugal SP Coordinator x x x x 12

PSI Switzerland Participant x x 5

Risø-DTU Denmark SP Coordinator x x x x 18

SAMS UK Participant x 5

SINTEF Norway Participant x x 7

UKERC UK Participant x tbd*

UNIPD Italy Associate x 1

UNIVR Italy Associate x tbd*

VTT Finland JP Coordinator x x x x 6

METLA Finland Associate x 1

TOTAL HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTED (py/y) by 18 participants 101

* to be decided/specified in the final DoW

Participant information will be updated and new candidates will be invited when approved by

the JP Steering Committee.

7. Infrastructures and facilities

Most of the programme members have at their disposal R&D infrastructures that they will

use for the purpose of the programme. These infrastructures are described in detail in the

corresponding sub-programmes.

The existing NoE Bioenergy infrastructure and implementation principles for third parties

will be used as a bases for EERA Bioenergy JP. The infrastructure will be displayed on the

EERA webpage to catalyse EIBI industrial research interaction and further collaboration

between research organisations and ERANET agencies.

8. Management of the Joint Programme

Governance structure

The EERA Bioenergy Joint Programme is currently organized into four sub-programmes.

This structure will allow efficient management of the JP activities. In the future, new sub-

programmes may be added. The guiding principles for the structuring of the JP into sub-

programmes are and will be thematic coherence and organisational efficiency.

JP membership

Publicly funded R&D organisations or private companies recognized as R&D organisations

by the European Commission can join the program as Participants if they commit more than

5 person years/year (py/y) to the program. Other organisations or those committing less than

5 py/y to the program can join as Associates. The contributions of an Associate, both in terms

of human resources and R&D work, are consolidated with those of the Participant that the

Associate has chosen. Several small members may associate and name one of them as

representative, becoming a Participant if the consolidated contribution surpasses 5 py/y. The

Participant will represent the interests of the Associates that are linked to it. Any agreements

governing the relationship between Participants and Associates are to be set up by the

respective Participants and Associates.

EERA membership is formalized by signing a Declaration of Support, JP membership (either

as participant or as associate) is formalized by signing program-specific Letter of Intent.

In the preparation meeting of EERA Bioenergy 28 September in Amsterdam it was

unanimously proposed to collect an annual membership fee of 5000 EUR to cover the costs

of internal and external communication, e.g. webpage, bi-annual newsletter and common

Steering Committee meeting expenses.

JP Steering Committee

The JP Steering Committee is composed of one representative of each JP participant. The JP

Steering Committee

selects the Joint Programme Coordinator

selects the Sub-programme coordinators

reviews the progress and achievements of the JP

provides strategic guidance to the management board

approves new JP members (participants or associates)

approves updates of the Description of Work of the JP.

The JP Steering Committee is chaired by the JP Coordinator; the sub-programme

coordinators participate as observers in the Committee. It convenes twice a year. The JP

coordinator and the sub-programme coordinators cannot act as representatives of their

respective R&D organisation in the Steering Committee.

JP Management Board

The JP Management Board is the executive body of the JP and is composed of the JP

Coordinator (chair) and the sub-programme coordinators.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Financial management of the JP budget (if applicable)

Contractual oversight

IP (intellectual property) oversight

Scientific co-ordination, progress control, planning on programme and sub-

programme level

JP internal communication

External communication with other organisations (European Commission, ZEP, EII,

.....)

Reporting to Steering Committee and EERA ExCo

The JP Management board meets four times a year.

Sub-programme execution team

The Sub-programme execution team is the coordinating body on the sub-programme level. It

is composed of the sub-programme coordinator (chair) and the leaders of the projects within

the sub-programme. It meets on request.

Industrial & ERA-NET Advisory Board

This board provides advice on research needs from the perspective of (1) industry and (2) the

Member States funding agencies. It is composed of industry representatives, a representative

from the ERA-NET+ Bioenergy programme, and the JPMB. The Advisory board convenes

once or twice per year.

Internal & External communication group

This group coordinates internal and external communication. The members of this group

coincide with the JPMB. During the first year the EERA Bioenergy webpage will be

established including presentation of the participating organisations and their key activities,

research infrastructure and contact information. Their will also be a password protected

project management system for the participants. This activity will be contracted to an

administrator. It is proposed that Aston University, UK, would act as an administrator.

JP Coordinator

The JP Coordinator (JPC) is selected by the JP steering committee for a mandate of two

years. The mandate can be renewed. The JPC chairs the Steering Committee and the

Management Board.

Tasks and responsibilities

Coordination of the scientific activities in the joint programme and communication

with the EERA ExCo and the EERA secretariat.

Monitoring progress in achieving the sub-programmes deliverables and milestones.

Reporting scientific progress and unexpected developments to the EERA ExCo.

Propose and coordinate scientific sub-programmes for the joint programme.

Coordinate the overall planning process and progress reporting.

Sub-programme coordinator

The Sub-programme coordinators (SPC) are selected by the JP steering committee for a

mandate of two years. The mandate can be renewed. The sub-programme coordinator takes

part in Steering Committee meetings, is a member of the management board and chairs the

sub-programme execution team.

Tasks and responsibilities

Oversee the sub-programme projects

Coordination of the scientific activities in the sub-programme to be carried out by the

participants according to the agreed commitment. The SPC communicates with the

contact persons to be assigned by each participant.

Monitoring progress in achieving the sub-programmes deliverables and milestones.

Reporting progress to joint programme coordinator

Propose and coordinate scientific actions for the sub-programme

Monitor scientific progress and report unexpected developments

Project leaders

The joint activities will be performed in the form of projects that are expected to be set-up in

variable configurations (in terms of project members) and in the framework of project

specific contracts. The project leaders are responsible for the execution of their projects; they

are members of the sub-programme execution team.

The governance structure is shown in the figure below.

Bioenergy JP

Steering

Committee

Joint Programme

Management

Board

Thermochemical

platform

Sugar platform Algae platform Cross-cutting topics

EERA ExCo

IPR GroupEERA

Secretariat

Joint

Programme

A

Joint

Programme

BAll EERA participants

Joint Programme Coordinator

Sub-programme Coordinators

Industrial, ERANET Advisory

Board

Internal and external

Communication group

9. Risks

The most important risk concerns the effective set-up of joint R&D activities (i.e. projects).

This will in general require the detailed definition of a work program, a consortium and a

legal contract. If the EERA project is to be proposed for external funding (e.g. FP7) the

corresponding procedures and rules commonly used by the programme members will be

applied. There is a natural risk unsatisfactory added value in the proposed project portfolio

funded by own resources of the participating institutes. These risks will be managed by the

JPMB.

10. Intellectual Property Rights of the Joint Programme on EERA Bioenergy

It is expected that the projects, e.g. the R&D work performed by the program, will be subject

to individual project contracts (consortium agreement). This implies that the Bioenergy-JP

members freely decide on the composition of any given project consortium. So, while the

Bioenergy-JP is open to all R&D organisations provided they commit themselves to a

substantial contribution to the program, any given project will be run as a consortium with its

agreed-on mechanisms for including new members. Concerning IPR, it is expected that the

projects follow the EERA IPR policy.

11. Contact Point for the Joint Programme on EERA Bioenergy

Kai Sipilä

VTT

P.O.Box 1000

FI 02044 VTT, Finland

+358 40 5009778, [email protected]

Coordination team:

Carl Wilén

VTT

P.O.Box 1000

FI 02044 VTT, Finland

+358 400 441227, [email protected]

Jaap Kiel

ECN

Unit Biomass, Coal and Environmental research

P.O. Box 1, 1755 ZG Petten

The Netherlands

Tel. +31 224 56 4590 (direct line)

E-mail: [email protected]

Francisco Gírio

LNEG-Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

Bioenergy Unit

Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038 Lisboa

Tel. +351 210924721 (direct line)

E-mail: [email protected]




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