STAR-AGROENERGY

Scientific & Technological Advancement in Research on Agro-Energy: an integrated approach to renewable energy generation according to sustainability criteria

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The project is aimed at developing the research potential of the University of Foggia (UFG); three parallel strategic pathways are planned: improving the research activities through an interdisciplinary approach (“bonding” by research integration inside UFG); consolidating a critical mass of researchers (“bridging” by recruitment outside UFG); expanding the research network through large and qualified scientific and non-scientific collaborations (“linking” through two-way secondment collaborations and institutional partnerships). Other, equally relevant, complementary actions are included: upgrading the R&D facilities; dissemination and promotional activities; research evaluation. One major strength of the proposal is its unusual, high level of integration between the two major drivers of scientific and technological innovation: “research community” and “local stakeholders”. The world energy economy is currently undergoing a critical period of transformation in technology, governance, social and economic values of energy. A new economics of energy is heralded by national and international negotiations and the assumption that economic growth can be supported largely by fossil fuels is fading rapidly. To face such challenges and exploit new opportunities it is imperative to develop novel, renewable sources of energy, be selected in dependence of cultural, social, economic and environmental conditions of the specific regions. “Agro-energy” is the topic addressed by the project: obtaining renewable energy through productive activities complementary to farming. The project aims at building up a methodology to reconcile energy production with the ecological harmony and the cultural heritage of the most relevant rural areas of Southern Europe. This project strives to work out models of sustainable dispersed bioenergy generation and proximal energy consumption. A passionate debate is raging around agro-energy. Someone maintains the position of fossil energy as more efficient than bioenergy and claims that “producing feedstock for energy rather than food is a crime against humanity”. In contrast, others support the ecological validity of agro-energy production. A trade-off can be found in order to secure a fully sustainable technological development which does not affects the cultural heritage, the territory and the landscape.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Agro-energy initiatives could enhance the sustainability of agriculture and bolster rural economies while providing energy security in regions historically isolated. An Italian university is becoming a model for community collaboration.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Energy derived from agricultural and farming practices is termed agro-energy. It could make an important contribution to the new envisioned energy mix in which renewable energy sources play a major role, making major impact on alleviating global climate change.

The University of Foggia (UFG) in Italy initiated the EU-funded project http://www.star-agroenergy.eu/ (STAR-AGROENERGY) to enhance its research capabilities in agro-energy fields while forging an important partnership between the research community and local stakeholders. The team is building up facilities and strengthening inter- and intra-institutional research ties.

Its major strength is in bringing together the research community, industrial managers, government representatives and local entrepreneurs. Scientists plan to have three functional pilot plants for microalgae production by project end.

Setting up a collaborative and advanced research effort that overcomes barriers within academic institutions and bureaucracy in terms of logistics is an ambitious task in rural Italy. The integrated research team within UFG has done it and has now grown into a close-knit group pulling together to forge ahead.

With the help of the steering committee, the research agenda has been developed to cover technological needs expressed by stakeholders. Recruitment of researchers has been carefully balanced to make sure the wealth is shared among departments and interdisciplinary research topics.

Serious bureaucratic and administrative difficulties resulting from Italy's regulatory framework and a lack of experience on the part of scientists have been overcome in order to establish the dedicated Biomass Facility Centre. Its existence will represent another victory on the part of a dedicated team and it is now nearly ready for experiments.

Finally, the consortium EDEN that is chaired by UFG brings together companies in the renewable energy sector. It is promoting technology transfer while offering counselling and professional training to stakeholders.

STAR-AGROENERGY hopes to become a model for sustainable regional development by bringing all actors on board in a collaborative effort. From research evaluations to technology transfer and start-up companies, the project is providing the two-way tools to build partnerships that will foster important socioeconomic benefits for local communities.