Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Record Biomap (Research Coordination for a Low-Cost Biomethane Production at Small and Medium Scale Applications)

Teaser

Record Biomap aims to build up a knowledge transfer platform aiming to foster the use of research outcomes which are often insufficiently exploited after the end of a research project. In the focus are technology solutions for a cost efficient biomethane production at small to...

Summary

Record Biomap aims to build up a knowledge transfer platform aiming to foster the use of research outcomes which are often insufficiently exploited after the end of a research project. In the focus are technology solutions for a cost efficient biomethane production at small to medium scale, which is not yet economically competitive compared to large scale applications. Together and transnational, technology developments along the biomethane supply chain, from substrate pre-treatment, digestion systems up to gas upgrading processes, especially for those technologies which are yet in the first phases of their development are monitored and supported through dissemination activities during the project duration.
The goal of Record Biomap is to accelerate innovation in the sector of small to medium scale biomethane production and therefore shorten the time to market of the most promising technology solutions which make production of biomethane cost efficient and competitive in the market. To bridge the gap between research and market Record Biomap is building up the Biomethane Map. This will boost a continuous knowledge transfer between research and market as well as policy decision makers, it will provide a platform for exchanging experiences of different R&D actions and connect the end user with the technology provider to accelerate market implementation but also to develop further project concepts.
The Biomethane Map presents a variety of small and medium sized enterprises, industry players and research institutions in Europe who investigate in above mentioned technologies to reach a cost and energy efficient biomethane production at plants with a production capacity of < 200 Nm³/h raw biogas. The map includes their profiles and detailed technology descriptions to give an insight into their innovative developments, which all can be accessed online and downloaded. All SMEs and institutions working in this sector are invited to join the platform and profit from the network.

General project objectives of Record Biomap:
•Accelerate innovation and creation of a European market for small to medium scale biomethane supply through innovative technology and process solutions
•Continuous R&D monitoring to bridge the gap between independent technology developers
•Continuous knowledge transfer from science to market and policy decision makers and vice versa
•Identification of different sources of private and public financing and bringing together of relevant stakeholders for a continuative development of a more cost and energy efficient biomethane production at small to medium scale applications

Work performed

The mapping of industry and small and medium enterprises (SME) providing the technologies was carried out as planned. Within period 1, 47 profiles or contacts of industry, SMEs and institutes were collected and provided online on the biomethane map (project website).
For the generation of technology descriptions (TD) for each technology the template was prepared. So far 28 TDs were collected.
The impact assessment to evaluate and indicate the best possible solutions along the biomethane supply chain was prepared by developing the methodology in D1.4. The data requirements were included in the templates for the TDs.
The project website was launched in June 2016 and is since then continuously updated. It contains all 47 profiles and 28 TDs on the biomethane map. All public deliverables are published on this website. In addition, it gives details on calls and funding opportunities in the field of biomethane and the events of the project. By this it provides a basis for continuous networking between research and market which will be further updated and extended within the 2nd period.
Within the 1st period the workshop in Germany was carried out with more than 30 participants from industry, SMEs, science and end users. It has provided a platform for exchange, not only through the many presentations from all technologies along the value chain, but also through an active discussion on R&D needs and policy framework and the two networking sessions during and after the workshop. For the 2nd period this will be continued by 2 workshops (in Sweden and Poland).
During the 1st period, dissemination activities included 3 scientific publications, 9 presentations/posters about promising technologies at international conferences, 2 articles published in popular press, 3 press releases with at least 5 articles in the press or sector-related online magazines and 1 newsletter.
The basis for consulting policy, authorities, legislation (in cooperation with associations) and propose or assist policy initiatives was laid during the 1st reporting period by collecting and summarizing regulatory and financial frameworks for 15 EU countries. With this as a background we plan to generate short briefing notes on suggested regulatory change and/or alignment to be used as a communication tool with policy makers. Part of the consultation on the topic of framework conditions was accomplished during the workshop in Germany during a purpose made session. Within the 2nd period it is planned to fulfil this objective by informing and discussing a possible optimisation of framework conditions with more relevant representatives.
During the 1st period a data base of open calls was collected and updated continuously and was also provided on the website. This can be synchronised with ideas for future project concepts and R&D activities during the 2nd period.

Final results

The Record Biomap Project has established a platform through its project website which fosters an international cooperation and also allows local companies to enter international markets. The project offers the possibility to present technology developments and get in contact with different stakeholders (industry, research, end users,…) and therefore fosters cross-border cooperation and helps to bridge the gap between research and market. Thereby, it will facilitate associations between biogas plant operators and industry players. Especially through providing an overview of the technological solutions with a Technology Readiness level (TRL) between 3 to 5 it will enable to identify research directions in the areas covered by the project.
The call data base gives an actively managed collection of funding opportunities with a unique focus on small and medium sized biomethane projects.
The country reviews of framework conditions that were gathered within task 2.3 will serve anyone who is considering developing a biomethane project or is evaluating the market potential for a new biomethane technology well. They give a uniquely collected starting point for most of the relevant legal and financial framework documents of a specific country.
Additionally, the country profiles give some main conclusions about the current framework conditions in different European countries. These will be communicated to decision makers through briefing notes and workshops.
The European dimension of project has allowed to spread the outcomes of the former national research to a European audience. Stakeholders are brought together on a national and international level to open possibilities for both further aligned national research but also European research.
With those measures, Record Biomap will contribute to a more efficient biomethane production in small- to medium scale.

Website & more info

More info: https://biomethane-map.eu/.