AEBIOM 2015 Annual Report. [PDF]

AEBIOM Annual Report 2015

Annual Report

2015


Disclaimer This Annual Report was prepared by the European Biomass Association. All data are accurate and in accordance with available resources. In no case shall the author be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this document. All content and information contained in this document may be used only with the written consent of AEBIOM.

PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT: NINO AVENI All the forest photographs are protected by copyright and are not intended for commercial or personal use. All enquiries related to the photographs can be addressed to [email protected]


Contents Message from the President AEBIOM, your partner in EU affairs Bioenergy statistics

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1 / AEBIOM IN 2015 AEBIOM at a glance 8 Mission 9 Structure 9 Team 12 Affiliations 12

2 / ACTIVITIES: POLICY

Representation in European Commission working groups Representation in international working groups Public position papers Press releases Responses to public consultations Participation to stakeholders workshops on EC studies Network with other EU based associations AEBIOM internal working group: Sustainability

14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15

3 / ACTIVITIES: COMMUNICATIONS

AEBIOM’s new website AEBIOM is becoming social 2015 Statistical Report promotion Factsheets, Infographics and Videos Newsletters & Weekly News AEBIOM in the Media Events & Networking 6th Annual AEBIOM Bioenergy Conference 2015 AEBIOM Workshops Selections of 2015 events and workshops The Biomass Counts Campaign

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4 / ACTIVITIES: NETWORKS

EPC - European Pellet Council EIPS - European Industry of Pellet Suppliers IBTC - International Biomass Torrefaction Council

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2 / ACTIVITIES: PROJECTS

BiFFio FROnT KnowRES LogistEC RHC Platform

35 36 36 37 37

RECP

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Services Benefits Membership Opportunities AEBIOM Members

40 41 42 44

BASIS BioRES Bioenergy4Business BioGrace II Biomass Policies

33 33 34 34 35

6 / MEMBERSHIP


message from the president

Biomass holds such a great potential for sustainable energy production. Our AEBIOM Statistical Report 2015 shows that bioenergy now accounts for 22% of EU28 primary energy production. Bioenergy is by far the largest renewable energy source - but it can still increase significantly. Forest residues and biomass industry bi-products can be used more efficiently and for energy production purposes. At the moment about 40% of the annual increment in European forests is not harvested, while at the same time we put aside million hectares of arable land. There is great potential to use more biomass for products and energy in the bio-economy society. But there are challenges ahead. We are meeting hard market competition from fossils when oil price plunged to its lowest record in decades. I can see little hope in increased prices - depending on market conditions. To achieve the climate ambition, we need to price carbon and we are happy to encourage countries to follow France in the decision to introduce, and year by year increase, a carbon tax on fossils. The French carbon tax will create a market for renewables and energy efficiency investments. I expect bioenergy companies to be winning on the French heat market: after all, bioenergy solutions are so competitive. If you would like help in advocating for the carbon tax in your country, we are your contact. Gustav Melin AEBIOM President


AEBIOM, YOUR PARTNER in EU AFFAIRS AEBIOM invests a lot in paving the way for the future of bioenergy. Let’s take a few examples out of a long list of activities: • Our Statistical Report grew in size and visibility with new content, boosting our credibility for market players;

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• Our advocacy team is constantly monitoring and analysing important files: the upcoming heat strategy, the sustainability framework and the 2030 RES Directive and its governance; ear bioenergy supporters,

I have hardly ever experienced as challenging framework conditions for our sector as those of 2015. Member States have poorly committed at the Climate and Energy package negotiations. The word “renewables” is more and more often replaced by “low-carbon energy” to make more room for ambiguity and escape from responsible policies. The shale gas development in the US and the economic downturn, which led to a collapse of the barrel price, divided by four in less than two years, have impacted the competitiveness of bioenergy. Moreover, three soft winters in a row did not help. On top of this, environmental NGOs in Europe (and in the US as well) are bashing our sector with worrying messages about capping bioenergy, and even challenging the climate impact of bioenergy. But this is not a dead-end street. Bioenergy keeps solid inherent assets. The Russian crisis has brought energy security back on the table of European institutions as a key priority. We have a key argument when we consider that 96% of biomass is EU-indigenous, while only 14% of oil is. Member States are desperately looking for ways to create jobs, especially in rural areas: here is a second key argument for biomass, as it creates 3 to 10 times more jobs compared to fossil alternatives. Year after year, bioenergy becomes a more mature sector, more innovative and efficient at both biomass mobilisation and conversion, able to deliver small to large scale solutions. Bioenergy is definitely ready to become a mainstream option for our future energy mix.

• Our accompanying measures for the pellets sector and the robust success of the ENplus quality scheme are making competitors jealous; • Our communication has experienced the most important upheaval. A major communication campaign, Biomass Counts, was successfully carried out along 2015. We proposed more effective, solid content on all media channels, improving de facto the visibility of our sector in Brussels and beyond. AEBIOM intends to keep this pace. Last but not least, the successful Paris agreement at COP21, combined with the agreed mandatory EU objective to reduce GHG emissions by 40% in 2030, the contribution of bioenergy to climate change mitigation will become a key leverage to continue our steady market growth. In light of these considerations, we will have to demonstrate the sustainability of our supply chains. It is not by chance that AEBIOM is now considered as a reliable, stable representative body for the bioenergy industry. This is due to its professional and committed staff and to our growing network of members. I would like to invite you to become a member of AEBIOM. We can help you to face the challenges and we can open new opportunities for you, and with you. Best regards, Jean-Marc Jossart Secretary General

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BIOENERGY STATISTICS The complexity and diversity of the bioenergy sector makes it difficult to gain a clear picture of the sector, its dynamics and its future potential. The European Biomass Association publishes every year a comprehensive collection of data on biomass, to contribute to both a better understanding of bioenergy in Europe.

Renewable Energy Figures: an Overview According to Eurostat, the EU average energy dependency in 2013 was 53,2%. 99,5% of the energy imports were fossil fuels, in other words, 87,4% of the oil, 44,2% of the coal and 65,3% of the natural gas that we consumed in Europe is imported. Russia alone accounted for about one third of the EU’s total crude oil and natural gas imports. With this data, it is not surprising that the 2014 crisis between Ukraine and Russia has made energy security a hot topic on the EU political agenda. Indeed, since the EU is so dependent on fossil fuels, we have no other choice than to rethink our energy supply and distribution systems.

This dependency contributes and will contribute not only to the weakening of the EU’s geopolitical influence, but also to the fueling of dramatic GDP leakages, with the EU spending more than € 1 billion per day on importing fossil fuels, or around 4 % of its annual GDP. On the contrary, the increasing importance of biomass in the EU energy system is accompanied by a better use of EU own resources. Indeed, biomass imports represent today only 3,84% of the EU´s gross inland consumption of biomass for heating and electricity.

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Bioenergy Figures In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy dependency, it should be mentioned that bioenergy also generates economic activity and employment in Europe. Earlier studies have already shown that the labor re uired to produce biomass fuels in the EU is approximately 4 to 10 times much higher per energy unit than that needed for fossil fuels, and total direct employment including power generation is to 4 times higher than for fossil fuel systems. Employment potential in bioenergy is superior compared to other renewable and non-renewable energy technologies due to the additional elements of feedstock production, supply, handling and logistics. According to EuObservÉR, the number of obs in the bioenergy sector in 201 amounted to 4 0.000 people and the added value was estimated at 5 .110 million euros.

Biomass from Forestry About 0% of total bioenergy feedstock originates from forest and forest industries, while the rest is based on waste and agriculture. i erent types of wood assortments are used for energy. The wood can come from industry residues such as sawdust, bark, woodchips or black li uor - to name a few. The wood used directly from the forest is harvesting residues tops and branches and other low value wood. The amount of bioenergy generated based on wood could still be increased, as currently only about 2% of the annual EU forest growth in areas available for wood supply is harvested. A higher harvesting rate would also lead to more residues available for bioenergy production, both from the forest and the wood working sector. Wood chips are one of the ma or biomass fuels in Europe. The European pro ect Basis Bioenergy, coordinated by AEBIOM, has collected information on almost 4.000 European woodchip-using bioenergy plants bigger than 1 MW. Bioenergy plants with info on their capacity, wood consumption rates, etc. are shown in a map which provides an overall picture of the European consumption of wood chips. In addition to wood chips consumption, the interactive map also provides information on the wood supply potential and sustainability.

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Pellets With 13,5 million tonnes of wood pellet produced in 2014, the EU is the largest producer in the world, amounting to around 50% of the global world production. EU production has shown a continuous expansion over the years with a growth of 35% from 2010 to 2014 and of 11% from 2013 to 2014. As the EU production is mainly dedicated to the heat market, the sector has been impacted by the general slowdown of the EU heating market, which is mainly due to the mild winter and others factors such as the low price of heating oil, the competition with other technologies and the contracting sales of pellet heating appliances.

The development of the EU pellet production differs significantly from one country to another. Germany remains the biggest producer with 2,1 million tonnes produced in 2014, followed by Sweden with nearly 1,6 million tonnes and Latvia which is showing a real boom in its production with more than 1,3 million tonnes. The use of pellet for producing heat (domestic and commercial) remains a leading market in the EU showing a continuous expansion over the years, with a 25% growth from 2011 to 2014.

While the EU pellet for power market is relying on policy frameworks, the EU pellet heat market, which is rarely supported by any scheme, has shown to be stronger and more reliable. Unfortunately, the mild winter highlighted that this market is extremely weather-dependent. As a consequence the growth from 2013 to 2014 has been limited to 1%. Some other factors have also affected the market development, such as the very low price of fossil fuels (especially heating oil) and the competition with other heating technologies.

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2015, AEBIOM at a glance

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Mission The European Biomass Association (AEBIOM) is the common voice of the bioenergy sector with the aim to develop a sustainable bioenergy market based on fair business conditions. AEBIOM is a non-profit Brussels-based international organisation founded in 1990 that brings together 28 national associations and around 80 companies from all over Europe – representing more than 4000 indirect members including mainly companies and research centers. AEBIOM holds a strong position representing all bioenergy sectors and has a unique possibility to influence European directives, communications and several publications. As displayed in its status 25 years ago, AEBIOM key missions and goals remained mostly unchanged and can be summed up within the 5 following objectives:

To develop, deepen and disseminate the knowledge concerning the use of biomass for energy, from scientific, technological, economic, sociological, legal and political perspectives, as well as in any other aspect having a relevance at European level.

To develop and promote the technical quality of the European bioenergy industry.

To support any initiative at national and international level aiming at the promotion of the use of bioenergy.

To communicate to policy makers the opportunities and concerns regarding the development of bioenergy in Europe.

To actively promote the abolition of any technical or trade barriers which hamper the development of an open bioenergy market at European level.

Structure

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Board (Full Members) The present AEBIOM Board was elected at the AEBIOM eneral Assembly 2015 read the ash press release .

ustav Melin President, S EBIO, Sweden

id is Pale s ice-President, ATBIO, Sweden

irgini us Ramanauskas Litbioma, Lithuania

Michael oran IrBea, Ireland

an a urin Biomass Association in Bosnia

er egovina

annes Tuohiniitty Bioenergia R , Finland

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Annalisa Pani AIE , Italy

hristoph Pfemeter ABA, Austria

Pablo Rodero A EBIOM, Spain

Ilias Papageorgiadis ARBIO, Romania


Board (Associate Members)

Christian Rakos Director, EPC and Propellet Austria

Yves Ryckmans Director, GDF-SUEZ Group, Laborelec Sustainable Process Technologies, Belgium

Eric Vial Propellet France

Martin Lindell Sveaskog, Sweden

Petar Curic Croatian Chamber of Economy

Matthew Willey Drax Power Ltd, United Kingdom

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Team

Policy Director

Affiliations EUFORES – EUFORES is a European cross-party network of Members of the European Parliament and EU28 national and regional Parliaments. EUFORES core objective is the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. World Bioenergy Association – The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) is the global organisation dedicated to supporting and representing the wide range of actors in the bioenergy sector. Its members include national and regional bioenergy organisations, institutions, companies and individuals. RHC-Platform – The European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling is an initiative officially supported by the European Commission. It gathers over 700 industry and research stakeholders of the renewable heating and cooling sector in Europe to promote research and innovation in this field. AEBIOM has been managing the Biomass Technology Panel of this Platform since 2009. Civil Dialogue group on arable crops - The Civil Dialogue group assists the Commission and helps holding a regular dialogue on all matters relating to the common agricultural policy, including rural development and its implementation. AEBIOM takes part in discussions related to the use and development of energy crops.

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Policy

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Policy AEBIOM follows EU institutions’ activities concerning the bioenergy sector and provides relevant information to EU policy makers to support them in their work. In this context, AEBIOM is searching for synergies with other EU stakeholders that share common interests and positions. 2015 has been an important and busy year for AEBIOM policy related activities. Please find a selection of our activities below:

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17 June 2015: A smart and resilient energy Union: objectives and measures for the heat sector (AEBIOM, EGEC, ESTIF common position paper)

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17 March 2015 : How to become number 1 in Renewables? (AEBIOM, EGEC, ESTIF common position paper)

Press releases Representation in European Commission working groups •

Civil Dialogue Group – Arable crops – DG Agriculture

Representation in international working groups •

AEBIOM is member of UNECE / FAO Team of Specialists on Wood Energy

Membership of EU & International networks •

Eufores – a European parliamentary network with Members from all major political groups in the European Parliament as well as the national EU Member States Parliaments. AEBIOM attended Eufores’ 15th parliamentary meeting on Renewable and Energy Efficiency in Vienna (March 13th and 14th) . The European Pellet Council (EPC) sponsored this event and provided key information on pellets to the participants. On October 13th, AEBIOM presented the views of the renewable heating sector at an Eufores breakfast organised in the European Parliament on the “upcoming heating and cooling communication”.

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World Bioenergy Association – a worldwide organization representing the bioenergy industry

Public position papers •

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14 September 2015: 2030 Climate & Energy framework: Joint position on Governance from the European Renewable Industry (Common position paper of EU based associations of the RES sector)

25 February 2015: Reaction from the renewable Heating & Cooling Industry on the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forwardlooking climate change policy.

Responses to public consultations •

EU Heating and Cooling Strategy: in September 2015, AEBIOM provided written inputs to the


issue papers prepared by the E to consult stakeholders on the coming strategy. AEBIOM also participated to stakeholders conferences organi ed in September by the ommission •

In October 2015, AEBIOM replied to the online consultation on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings irective EPB read the reply . AEBIOM also participated to a technical workshop on RES and EPB on 8 ecember at E ER.

Participation to stakeholders workshops on EC wood & biomass studies •

18th September 2015: Stakeholders workshop on the study Environmental Implications of the increased reliance of the EU on biomass for energy imported from orth America Environment

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ovember 2015: 0th une 2015 and 1 th Stakeholders workshop on the study The optimi ed ascading Use of Wood rowth

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0th ovember 2015: Stakeholders workshop on the study Resource efficiency impacts of future EU bioenergy demand ReceBio Environment

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ecember 2015: Stakeholders workshop on the Study on the sustainable optimal use of biomass for energy in the EU beyond 2020 E ER

AEBIOM internal working group: sustainability In its communications on the Energy Union and on the EU 20 0 climate and energy framework, the ommission has announced its willingness to set an improved EU policy related to biomass sustainability. In this context, AEBIOM has reactivated its internal working group on sustainability in order to de ne the position of the sector on this important le. The group will continue its activity in 201 .

AEBIOM Policy contacts

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Policy Director

NetworkING with other EU based associations AEBIOM is in regular contact with several RES, forest, wood and agriculture associations to share information and identify common views. In the framework of its Biomass ounts ampaign more details in the Communications section of this report , AEBIOM developed 4 factsheets containing rst-hand information on how biomass can support EU policy to tackle some of the EU s most important challenges like growth, obs creation, energy security and innovation.

REGULAR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AEBIOM s policy team regularly participates to workshops and conferences to explain the latest EU policy developments and AEBIOM s positions see more in the Communications section of this report .

Policy Advisor

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Communications


Communications 2015 has been a year of both important shifts and extensive developments for AEBIOM s communications. For instance, AEBIOM launched its rst communication campaign Biomass ounts , redesigned its website, its main publications Weekly ews, ewsletters, PR, Statistical Report , successfully tested new communications channels ivestream, inkedin, outube , new media uses video, infographics , began monitoring its reputation and launched innovative forms of partnerships. In order to meet challenges and opportunities ahead, AEBIOM communications team has been restructured in the middle of the year.

New website Redesigning the website was a priority: it was key to re ect the recent internal evolutions, to improve the way activities are presented, to increase visibility on search engines. The redesign of the website was a long-winded a air spread throughout the year that enabled AEBIOM to uickly increase the number of visitors.

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AEBIOM is getting social 2015 has also been a pivotal year regarding AEBIOM s development on social media pla orms. onvinced that social media should be integrated in its long term communications strategy, AEBIOM is active on all ma or social media pla orms, where a wide array of content is proposed. The statistics reveal that the interest on the contents displayed by AEBIOM has been growing uickly: AEBIOM doubled its visibility on inkedIn Facebook and multiplied by 8 the number of views on its ouTube channel. To keep this pace, AEBIOM also livestreamed some of its events for the rst time. This path onto a more advanced, technological domain will continue in 201 together with the development of a video content strategy.

2015 Statistical Report Every year since its rst release in 200 , AEBIOM Statistical Report European Bioenergy Outlook has sought to provide European stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the latest market trends in bio-heat, bio-electricity and biofuel sectors. The release of this report has become a key moment for the communications team as it gives AEBIOM outstanding visibility but it also re uires a strong promotional e ort. The communications team worked closely with the statistical team to propose and develop new content for this core publication. The most relevant results for the 2015 edition: - For the rst time AEBIOM has produced a summary version of the full report, called Key Findings 25 pages , summing up the most important gures

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AEBIOM Annual Report 2015 - AEBIOM proposed for the rst time sponsoring opportunities. 5 companies accepted to actively support the development of the publication - A dedicated event has been organised for the release of the statistical report on the 20th of October 2015, gathering around 40 participants on site and 80 on livestream - The release of AEBIOM statistical bene tted from an extensive coverage. We counted more than 0 from speciali ed and mainstream

report media articles media.

Factsheets, infographics and videos AEBIOM also developed its communications by producing an extensive amount of material with the ob ective to promote a better understanding of bioenergy s uses. In this context, 2015 was the year of video developments. AEBIOM displayed a video each month on its ouTube channel.

Newsletters & Weekly News The launch of a new website, combined with the use of advance mass mailing tools, prompted AEBIOM to change the format and content of its ewsletters external communication and its Weekly ews communication for members to better re ect its activities. AEBIOM published uarterly newsletters which included information on EU policies related to bioenergy, our views on EU policies, AEBIOM news and events as well as EU pro ects AEBIOM is active in and bioenergy-related publications. ou can subscribe free of charge to our newsletter at www.aebiom.org or by sending an email to cohen aebiom.org. AEBIOM newsletters were published in February, April, une, and ovember. AEBIOM publishes every week the Weekly ews , a newsletter service strictly reserved to its members o ering rst-hand information on the latest European developments on bioenergy and on AEBIOM s internal activities.

AEBIOM in the media This considerable communication e ort, combined with a conse uentially stronger interest from EU media, has allowed AEBIOM to provide visibility to our vision. ere is a non-exhaustive list of articles uoting AEBIOM positions: •

201 : Pivotal year for the future of the bioenergy sector

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Argus Biomass Markets for biomass AEBIOM

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Besides its video production, AEBIOM has also proposed infographics and factsheets that are all displayed on AEBIOM s website under its new ibrary section.

armonised EU policy needed

o stato dell arte della bioenergia in Europa IT

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ue choisir ranul s pour po les : hoisir les bons granul s de bois en vrac ou en sac FR

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Agrotecnica as Asociaciones Europea y Espa ola de la biomasa reclaman una tasa de O2 ES

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Biomass Maga ine lobal pellet market forecasts optimistic at WPA 2015

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EUWI Worldwide pellet production increased by almost 11%

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Black See rain European Biomass Association: Bioenergy accounts for 0% of EU renewable energy

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EUWI Europ ischer Biomasseverband sieht noch Wachstumspoten iale f r Bioenergie in Europa E

Read more articles on AEBIOM.

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EVents and Networking Every year AEBIOM organises meetings, workshops and conferences to bring together key players of the bioenergy sector at EU level. In 2015, AEBIOM organised a do en of workshops covering both policy and technology topics. AEBIOM launched a new communication campaign called Biomass ounts and spread on a series of high level events. On the other hand, AEBIOM gave speeches in sectorial policy conferences around Europe and got involved as a partner, sharing advices with and o ering visibility to local organisers. AEBIOM s cardinal event remains its annual conference, taking place every year in Brussels. Find out more about this year’s European Bioenergy Future, 201 AEBIOM onference.

6th Annual AEBIOM Bioenergy Conference 2015 The 6th AEBIOM Bioenergy onference saw 150 representatives of the global bioenergy sector gathering to discuss the future of bioenergy. Since its inception, the conference has been a great occasion for stakeholders to understand the EU challenges and opportunities related to current and future bioenergy developments. The 2015 Edition of the AEBIOM conference put a particular focus on the role of bioenergy beyond 2020 and its place within the 20 0 climate and energy framework.

150

PARTICIPANTS

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SUPPORTING MEMBERS

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MEDIA PARTNERS

Workshops Beside its annual conference, AEBIOM organised workshops covering both policy and technology aspects all along the year:

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1 .02.15 ick o workshop for Bioenergy4Business

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1 .0 .15 Biomass ounts Biomass for people and business

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04.0 .15 Biograce workshop on O2 calculation methods

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an economic asset

0.0 .15 ogistE workshop on energy crops

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22.04.15 BASIS Pro ect Meeting on woodchip use

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04.05.15 Biomass a local and renewable solution for energy security Biomass ounts event

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1 .0 .15 Reenergi ing Rural Europe of Biomass Biomass ounts event

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20.10.15 - Bioenergy Fueling Europe with obs and Innovation Biomass ounts event

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20.10.15 Official presentation of AEBIOM 2015 Statistical Report

The ontribution

AEBIOM Annual Report 2015 •

01.12.15 - COP21 Event: How can Bioenergy Mitigate Climate Change?

24.09.15 BioenNW Project “European Bioenergy Policy Outlook” 04.12.15 AG France Biomasse Energie «Politiques européennes et bioénergie: état des lieux»

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17.11.15 EIPS workshop “EU concerning medium scale plants”

07.10.15 Adriatic Wood Days 2015 “Renewables/ Bioenergy in Europe: legislation overview”

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19.10.15 Danish Regulatory Agency “Biomass market trends and bioenergy sector views on EU policy”

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11.11.15 WPAC AGM 2015, Halifax “European Heat Markets”

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03.12.15 Danish Bioenergy Association Annual Meeting “Opportunities and challenges for bioenergy in the EU - Latest policy developments and BASIS results”

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17.11.15 - EIPS Workshop: European Medium Scale Pellet Market

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policy

framework

SElection of workshops and events in 2015 A selection of workshops and events AEBIOM has spoken at in 2015.

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27.01.15 Pellets 2015, Eskilstuna “Overview of the European pellet market”

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25.02.15 European Pellet Conference 2015, Wels “How to make pellet more competitive?”

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11.03.15 Valmet – Energy Market Day “EU policies affecting the bioenergy sector Recent developments and outlook”

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25.03.15 Dansk Træpillekonference 2015 “Overview of the European pellet market”

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16.04.15 ARGUS European Biomass Trading “EU Policies Affecting the Bioenergy Sector - Challenges ahead!”

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04.05.15 AEBIOM Bioenergy Conference “Medium Combustion Plant directive proposal – view of the biomass sector”

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17.06.15 RBCN networking event “European Industry of Pellets Suppliers”

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02.09.15 Bioenergy 2015, Jyväskylä, “Bioenergy in EU Situation update”

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09.09.15 “How Bioenergy contributes to Agriculture development?”

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17.09.15 Advanced Biofuels Conference “EU legislation: What opportunities for advanced biofuels?”

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22.09.15 AVEBIOM Congress “Bioenergy within the EU 2030 Climate and Energy Framework”

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AEBIOM Annual Report 2015 information and new infographics

The Biomass Counts Campaign: Biomass counts and the EU can count on biomass!

Τhe Biomass ounts ampaign is an initiative launched by AEBIOM in ecember 2014 and developed at EU level all along 2015. The campaign hailed from a simple observation: as bioenergy currently represents 0% of the EU s total consumption of renewables, decision-makers and citi ens have a limited understanding of either the environmental, socio-economic, geostrategic potentials of bioenergy or its capacity of being dynamic and innovative. In accordance therewith, the main goal of this campaign has been to set out and balance the discussions on biomass use by making valid practical examples and by providing key, encouraging gures - stemming from pro ects developed all across Europe. A second ob ective of the Biomass ounts campaign consisted in explicitly presenting the needs of the bioenergy industry in order to guarantee its sustainable growth. This includes among other things the need for a EU strategy or action plan focused on the heating and cooling sector and the de nition of legally binding, EU-harmonised sustainability criteria. The campaign is based on 4 key pillars - emphasi ing the fact that biomass plays a uni ue role in a strong and competitive low carbon economy:

The most interesting results of this campaign were the following:

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AEBIOM organi ed 4 thematic workshops in Brussels, each one gathering more than 50 participants, among which key decision makers, high business representatives, academics and Os, always se ng the scene for interesting and lively debates

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The opening and closing event of the campaign have been high level events in terms of participants more than 100 for the launching event and of the prestige of the hosting body OP21

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As a sign of recognition, the last event of the campaign has received the official support of the European ommission

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For the purpose of its campaign, AEBIOM developed 4 factsheets containing rst-hand

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Biomass ounts has also been a digital campaign gathering supporters on outube, Twitter, Facebook and on its dedicated website

The campaign will continue in 201 by transposing the four pillars on the national level - and online by keeping and intensifying its social media activity.

AEBIOM Communications Contacts


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networks

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The European Pellet Council (EPC), founded in 2010, is an umbrella organisation of AEBIOM representing the interests of the wood pellet sector. EPC members are made up of 20 national pellet associations and related organisations from 21 countries - and 4 observing members. EPC is a platform for the pellet sector to discuss issues that need to be managed in the transition from a niche product to a major energy commodity. These activities include standardisation and certification of pellet quality (ENplus), communication, lobbying, statistics, safety, security of supply, education and training and the quality of pellet using devices. 2015 has been a very busy year for EPC: the ENplus certification system, which is pursuing its expansion, has been revised with the publication of the Handbook 3.0. EPC has also made a major effort in producing statistics and strengthening lobbying, communication and networking.

Since its birth in 2011, the scheme hasn’t stop growing, ending up in 2015 with a production of 7.7 million tonnes of certified pellet. Eastern European countries (with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia) and also the Baltic countries have recorded a significant increase in the amount of production in 2015. With these results, ENplus is on its way to reach the aim of an harmonised pellet quality at a global level.

Communication & lobbying EPC was involved in numerous communication activities: communication campaign collaboration, event coorganisation, speeches during conferences, etc.

ENplus The rapid international expansion of the ENplus certification scheme shows that there was an urgent need for using clearly-determined quality levels, especially with the increasing interconnection between domestic and industrial markets. This has led to an adaptation of the ENplus scheme - that was originally designed for localized markets - to the requirements of international trade. The update of the ENplus scheme has been finalised with the publication of the Handbook 3.0 in August 2014. In 2015, ENplus has continued to grow and to cover more and more areas in Europe and beyond. So far, 285 certified producers (in 36 countries) and 278 certified traders (in 20 countries) around the globe have joined the scheme. The latest countries that have entered the scheme are Luxembourg, Vietnam and Tunisia.

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Statistics The AEBIOM Statistical Report 2015 featured again a special section dedicated to the pellet market, detailing the growth and development in production over time, analysing today’s pellet consumption and offering insights into the pellet market at international and national level. With contributions coming from key industry experts, in addition to those of EPC/AEBIOM members, this chapter can be considered one of the most significant analyses of the pellet for heat sector to date.

EPC meetings in 2015 15.02.22-23 ENplus revision meeting, Munich 15.03.31-04.01 ENplus 2nd physical meeting, Bruxelles 15.06.10 16th EPC Board meeting, Munich 15.10.14 16th EPC Annual Seminar, Riga


Members

EPC Observers (last update: January 2015)

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EPC Management

Christian Rakos President, EPC [email protected]

Gilles Gauthier General Manager, EPC [email protected]

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Pablo Rodero Vice-President, EPC [email protected]

Elena Dumitru ENplus Management, EPC [email protected]


EIPS events T h e E urop ean I nd ustry of P ellet S up p liers ( E I P S ) is a pla orm of European companies focused on the wood pellet business. It was created by the oint forces of the European Industry of Pellet Producers, traders and other stakeholders involved in the supply chain in order to represent their interests in Brussels. EIPS is hosted by AEBIOM and bene ts of its network and lobbying expertise. EIPS currently represents companies.

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Objectives Representation at EU level. EIPS provides information on pellets and expresses the views of pellets suppliers on policy les to EU policy makers and stakeholders

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Business representation. The group is in regular contact with US and anadian pellet producers and represents the European pellet suppliers towards utilities Sustainable Biomass Partnership

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E x c h ange. EIPS helps its network sharing best practices and developing initiatives on common issues such as safety, logistics, certi cation of pellets, etc

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Network and visibility. The group is having regular internal meetings which allow the members to exchange recent information on developments in their sector. Also, the group and its members represent the European pellet suppliers at public events focused on pellets.

Meetings • 15.04.14

EIPS board meeting ondon

• 15.11.1

EIPS Board meeting, Brussels

In 2015, EIPS co -organised two events dedicated to the pellet market:

International pellet workshop, 15.06.09, Cologne (Germany) The workshop was organi ed by AEBIOM together with EIPS and IBT and brought together 0 industry stakeholders from across Europe in order to discuss an overview of the pellet market development. The workshop was held in parallel with the I TAM International 2015 exhibition.

European medium scale pellet market workshop, 15.11.17, Brussels (Belgium) EIPS held a workshop dedicated to medium scale combustion plants using pellet. The event, which attracted more than 50 participants, aimed at better understanding the drivers for the development of this promising market in order to support its expansion. Among the main barriers pointed out by participants, a lack of awareness on the possible use of pellets in medium scale plants as well as logistics, boilers pellets technical speci cations and nancial issues.

Business representation In 2015, EIPS group continued to be consulted on the work lead by utilities to establish a common sustainability framework under Sustainable Biomass Partnership SBP initiative. The version 1.0 of the framework was published in March 2015. EIPS has followed the ongoing work on the next version and has been invited to a meeting to discuss issues faced with the implementation of the scheme on 2 th May in Brussels.

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AEBIOM Annual Report 2015 been presented by Vincent Roiron, representing Euronext.

Exchange In 2015, EIPS members shared experiences and exchanged visions and opinions on common issues. At its 2015 spring meeting, EIPS members discussed how to reduce the degradation of pellets quality along the supply chain while having presentations from two experts: Martin English (BEA) & Richard J Farnish (Wolfson Center). The ENplus revision has also been discussed during the meeting. The project of Euronext to create a future contract on premium pellets has also

EIPS FULL MEMBERS

During the workshop dedicated to the market of medium scale pellet heating appliances, EIPS had the opportunity to debate on the drivers to support the development of this promising market with 50 professional of the pellet sector.

Network & Visibility EIPS has been represented in various pellet events in 2015 where either EIPS members or EIPS’ General Manager Gilles Gauthier spoke: Pellet 2015 (January 2015, Eskilstuna, Sweden), Pellet Conference (March 2015, Koge, Denmark) Argus Biomass Trading Conference (April 2015, London, UK), WPAC pellet conference (November 2015, Halifax, Canada), etc.

EIPS supporting members

EIPS management

Ludger Spohr EIPS President (until mid-2015)

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Anne Leibold EIPS Vice-President [email protected]

Gilles Gauthier EIPS General Manager [email protected]


The International Biomass Torrefaction Council, established by AEBIOM in 2012, is a platform of companies involved in the torrefaction sector. The main objective of IBTC is to promote the use of torrefied biomass as an energy carrier for the power and heat market, to undertake related studies and projects, to support the product standardization, gain permissions eventually needed for the trade of torrefied products and to commonly voice the concerns of the industry to the outside world.

European RegulationS

The increase of IBTC members since its creation reflects the positive evolution of the market. By the end of 2015, IBTC counted 22 active members.

Representing the Torrefaction Industry

IBTC main activities in 2015 ISO Standards One of the concerns of the industry on which IBTC has been working for the last two years is the lack of clear definition and quality standards for torrefied biomass. Thanks to the initial work of IBTC, the ISO Committee accepted the proposal which was agreed to be circulated as the “Draft International Standards”. The ISO Committee, in which IBTC has a few representatives, is still discussing and improving this draft version. Cristina Calderón, IBTC General Manager, participated in the last meeting of the ISO/TC 238/WG2 that took place on the 9th of June 2015 in York, UK. Prior to the meeting, IBTC sent a letter to the ISO Committee to express the position of the industry.

IBTC is investing a lot of effort in assisting its members to analyse some of the regulations affecting torrefied biomass. In this context, IBTC is closely following the Renewable Heat Incentive in UK and its consequences for torrefied biomass.

IBTC organized a torrefaction workshop during the AEBIOM Annual Bioenergy Conference in Brussels on the 4th May 2015). The workshop “Black is the Colour: thermally treated biomass and its role in our future energy mix” was organized together with the Renewable Heating and Cooling Platform and the European Biofuels Technology Platform. It included representatives from the European Commission and presentations from several IBTC members.

Pellet workshop co-organized with EIPS during the VICTAM conference, 9 June 2015, Cologne, Germany The workshop successfully brought together industry stakeholders from across Europe in order to discuss the pellet market overview development, quality aspects and cost optimisation in the pellet business. Besides its own organized events, IBTC has participated in the following conferences presenting the torrefaction sector and representing its members:

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4th oal 1 -1

Industrial Wood Pellets for Plant o- ring onversions, September 2015 in U

•

The Southern African International Renewable Energy onference SAIRE , 4October 2015 in South Africa. •

IBTC Meetings • 1 -1 April 2015 in ondon, U • Online meetings on 1 ecember 2015

ovember and 5

New 2016 STRUCTURE Since its creation, IBT has not only attracted a consolidated group of members but has also gained work experience and insights in terms of the real e orts needed to achieve e ective results. 2015 was also a year to think about the internal organi ation of the group and re-establish the membership categories in order to better satisfy the needs of all members. The new structure will enter into force in 201 and will include the following categories: •

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•

Full Members: Parties active in the production or consumption of torre ed biomass as well as system or machinery suppliers to the torrefaction industry, i.e. those already producing and bene ng the most from any kind of promotion respectively removals of limitations and barriers.

eveloping members: Parties with the clear ob ective to become a producing member with their pro ect s under development. Already on their way to become a full producer but they don t have a commercial production yet no production intended to be marketed . Associated Members: Any other company, organisation or individual with an interest along the value chain of torre ed biomass and supporting the ob ectives of IBT is eligible to become an Associated Member e.g. ports terminals, logistic providers, shipping companies, stevedores, consultants, association, research institutions, certi cation companies, insurances .

IBT also welcomes in its Supporting Pla orm parties with a general interest in torrefaction but with no actual ongoing business.

IBTC Members Among the IBT members there are companies biomass torrefaction technology companies, pellet bri uette machine manufacturers, technical divisions of utilities, biomass traders in short the risk-takers in the value chain - as full members and national or sectorial associations as well as consultants, stevedores or surveyors promoting the use and set-up of supply chains for torre ed biomass.


Laborelec/ENGIE

IBTC management

Michael Wild IBT President michael wild.or.at

Cristina Calderón AEBIOM Bioenergy Expert IBT eneral Manager calderon aebiom.org

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Projects


Projects Since its creation, AEBIOM has always been closely involved in the development of European Projects by being in turn coordinator or participant. AEBIOM took part in 10 different projects in 2015. Find out more information on AEBIOM’s ongoing projects:

BASIS - Aims at providing

a comprehensive view on the sustainable supply and competition of woodchips

BioRES - Sustainable Regional Supply Chains for Woody Bioenergy

January 2015 – June 2017

April 2013 - March 2016

BASIS aims at interacting with bioenergy project developers and investors, providing them with a comprehensive view on the sustainable supply and competition for wood for woodchips boilers, using intuitive maps of NUTS2 regions - of all EU28 member states. The information collected on the wood supply potential, on the existing use of woodchips and sustainability aspects influencing such supply is processed using a sound methodology. The core idea of this project is to provide in-depth information on the regional supply and demand situation of woodchips by combining the estimated potentially available quantities with actual consumption data based on the identification of bioenergy plants (above 1 MW) using woodchips and other woodchips consumers in the same region. In addition, the sustainability dimension of the supply will be considered under several environmental criteria from a project developer point of view. BASIS will help to reduce and address sustainability risks. In the end, the efficiency of using biomass will be evaluated as well. This collected information has been condensed in a comprehensive and user-friendly GIS tool. Target groups are mainly bioenergy project developers, feedstock suppliers and investors, while information will be of high interest for national and European policy makers and the European Commission itself. AEBIOM is the coordinator of the project. Project website: www.basisbioenergy.eu Contact: Cristina Calderon, calderon[at]aebiom.org

BioRES aims at introducing the innovative concept of Biomass Logistic and Trade Centres (BLTCs) in Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria on the basis of the cooperation with technology leaders from Austria, Slovenia, Germany, and Finland. This will help to increase the demand for woody bioenergy products (processed fire wood, woodchips, wood pellets, and wood briquettes) in these countries and contribute to the achievement of EU targets set out in the RES Directive (2009/28/EC). The key objectives are: • A total of at least 6 – 8 new Biomass Logistic and Trade Centres (BLTCs) distributed over at least 2 of the 3 countries; • Sales agreements with energy consumers in rural areas for a total of at least 8,000 tons per year (in average 1,000-1,500 tons per year per BLTC) of woody bioenergy products, backed by at least the same volume of delivery agreements with producers; • A total of at least 12 trainers (representatives of commercial associations of bioenergy producers or of regional energy agencies) and at least 400 potential actors along the supply chain are trained and their capacities developed on how to implement and manage regional supply chains for quality woody bioenergy products from sustainable forestry. Target groups are feedstock producers, biomass project developers, rural communities, retail, logistics and transport companies, end-users of biomass, policy makers. The project commenced in January 2015. In the first year of the project AEBIOM has evaluated the availability of sustainability and quality standards and certificates for wood fuels in Europe and their uptake in Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia. AEBIOM has also developed suggestions regarding the uptake of these standards and certifications for the BLTC operators. Linked to this AEBIOM wrote a section of the training manual for possible operators in the BLTC’s supply chain. Project website: www.bioresproject.eu Contact: Jori Sihvonen, sihvonen[at]aebiom.org

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Bioenergy4Business

-

Biograce II

- Harmonised Greenhouse Gas Calculations for Electricity, Heating and Cooling from Biomass

supports and promotes the (partial) substitution of fossil fuels used for heating, by available bioenergy sources.

April 2012-March 2015

January 2015 - August 2017

The goal of this project is to support and promote the (partial) substitution of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) used for heating by available bioenergy sources (industrial waste, forest biomass, straw and other agricultural biomass) in the project partners’ countries and beyond. In this context, the project will contribute to increase the much-needed security of energy supply through lower dependence on fossil fuels from politically volatile sources.

The project BioGrace-II harmonises calculations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for electricity heat and cooling from biomass. The project builds upon the earlier (2010-2012) IEE-project BioGrace which harmonises GHG calculations for biofuels for transport. The objects are to: •

Build an Excel-based tool for GHG calculations for electricity and heat from biomass;

The objective is the dissemination and replication of best practice experiences in:

•

Convince relevant policy makers from at least 6 Member States (six target countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands and UK) to go for the harmonisation road and to use the same tool or the same approach. The 6 Member States include those that have introduced sustainability criteria for solid biomass or are considering doing so;

•

Involve companies and ensure that the GHG calculation tool meets their wishes. Besides, BioGraceII will ensure that verifiers (also called auditors or inspectors) are trained on how to verify GHG emission calculations for biofuels, electricity and heat from biomass.

• • • •

Usage of forest woodchips, by-products from woodbased industries, pellets and straw in larger biomass boilers (> several 100 kW to xx MW heat load); For low temperature and heat-only process purposes; In business (auto-producer plants) and district heating (DH) sectors; To invest on (partial) fuel switches from fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil) to solid biomass.

Target groups are owners and operators of industrial heating plants (for private or district heating) and all the other actors who play an important role within the value chain of bioenergy for heat. Project website: www.bioenergy4business.eu Contact: Nino Aveni, aveni[at]aebiom.org

Target groups are biomass feedstock producers, companies that convert feedstock into intermediate and final products (eg wood pellets, heat and electricity) and companies that distribute, sell and use these products. Project website: www.biograce.net Contact: Cristina Calderon, calderon[at]aebiom.org

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Biomass Policies - Aims at providing

guidance for the development of balanced biomass policy framworks. April 2013- March 2016

The Biomass Policies project brings together eminent experts on biomass and bioenergy from key institutions such as the Imperial College of London, VITO, IINAS, ECN, and 11 national energy agencies to promote a better understanding of how biomass can be efficiently integrated in energy & biomaterial systems, taking into account the domestic availability of resources, new conversion technologies as well as new stimulation and regulation measures. The objectives of the project are to: • Define sustainable indigenous bioenergy value chains (energy & fuel) with high relevance at EU28 level and quantify resource efficiency, sustainability aspects and competition with other sectors. This gives the participating Member States guidance on which value chains they can focus their efforts on with high potential impact on the market, and provides concrete SWOT analyses for these value chains for the respective MS; • Develop country profiles of participating Member States’ policy landscapes for the selected high relevant bioenergy value chains (over the different relevant policy fields, i.e. energy, economy, agriculture, environment), as a basis for an overall policy framework towards a sustainable bio-based economy; • Benchmarking of existing policy approaches for their current and expected market impact (in relation to NREAP targets), efficient use of resources, abatement of sustainability risks and dealing with competition with non-energy sectors relying on the same type of biomass. • Creating (future) concepts for integrated biomass policy frameworks, tailored to meet EU28 and national requirements, supporting the mobilisation of indigenous resource-efficient bioenergy value chains (towards heat, electricity, CHP and advanced biofuels), but in the same time creating synergies and keeping a level playing field with other biomass applications to open opportunities for a sustainable bio-based economy (e.g. through cascading and biorefineries). The impacts of these policy frameworks towards NREAP targets will be quantified through modelling. • Creating an interactive policy platform and work

closely with national administrations (through the participating energy agencies) to provide input with regards to biomass value chains and national policies, to validate project findings, and to work towards policy implementation. In addition to the policy platform, a structured interaction with industry and market stakeholders will be organised to build sectoral support for the integrated policy frameworks and proposals; • Translation of policy frameworks into concrete proposals for national policy legislation in the participating countries, developed in a participative approach with national administrations and industry and market stakeholders. Project website: www.biomasspolicies.eu Contact: Nathalie Hemeleers, hemeleers[at]aebiom.org

BiFFiO

- Aims at developing an economical and efficient system for handling mixed waste from aquaculture and agriculture.

November 2013- October 2016

The agriculture and aquaculture sectors are under continuous pressure to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. BiFFiO - Cooperation between the aquaculture and agriculture sectors with the intent to use animal manure and fish faeces for sustainable production and utilization of renewable energy and recovered nutrients – addresses these challenges with respect to regulatory and societal demands for dealing with the waste produced. During the project, the BiFFiO consortium will develop an economical and efficient system for handling mixed waste from aquaculture and agriculture. The project will also make recommendations on how the energy produced could best be used. The objectives of the project are: • Development of a new best practice and novel technology for handling mixed waste from aquaculture and agriculture for the production of energy, and further use of the digested waste; • Development from current large scale state-ofthe-art technologies for treating animal waste, to an economical, efficient and scalable three-stage system of pre-treatment, biogas reactor and fertilizer recuperation, which can be located at or in the vicinity of most near-shore and on-shore fish farm operations. • Application of new technology in the agriculture

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AEBIOM Annual Report 2015 industry alone or together with fish farming industry, on both remote and central locations to save costs for waste transport and deposition; •

Impact on socioeconomic conditions through the benefits of improved hygienic and environmental standards of closed fish farming and by reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution burdens from the agricultural sector.

Target groups are SME Associations, Industrial enterprises, RTD performers. Project website: www.biffio.com Contact: Elena Dumitru, dumitru[at]aebiom.org

FROnT - to promote a level

playing field for Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC) in Europe, and develop strategies for its greater deployment.

May 2014 - October 2016

The purpose of the FROnT project is to promote a level playing field for Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC) in Europe and to develop strategies for its greater deployment. The project aims at providing a better understanding on how to deploy RHC in the market. It will improve transparency of costs of heating and cooling options (using RHC or fossil fuels), RHC support schemes and end-user key decision factors. This knowledge will help to develop Strategic Policy Priorities for RHC to be used by public authorities in designing and implementing better support mechanisms. It will also support the industry in engaging more effectively their prospective clients. The project is run by eleven organisations from across the continent and it is funded by the European Commission’s IEE programme. The key objectives are: •

To promote the implementation at national and European level of strategic policy priorities that can contribute to efficiently and cost-effectively implement the NREAPs;

•

To facilitate the setting-up of improved and sustainable RHC integrated support schemes;

•

To support a better insight of the value of the energy supplied by RHC systems, promoting transparency and clarity towards end-users and other stakeholders;

•

To improve the understanding of the end-users decision making process with regard to heating

and cooling systems in order to develop tailored approaches and facilitate adequate measures enhancing the uptake of RHC. Target groups: Public authorities and the industry. Project website: www.front-rhc.eu Contact: Nathalie Hemeleers, hemeleers[at]aebiom.org

KnowRES -

aims at creating a Knowledge Centre for Renewable Energy Jobs (as an online tool), which provides job intelligence to interested stakeholders in the area of renewable energy

October 2014 - March 2016

Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is one of the challenges many industries face: the bioenergy sector is no exception. For the past few years, the skills gaps and shortage of engineers and well qualified workers have been widely reported. But which specific profiles are currently in demand, where to find the gems that companies are looking for and how to retain the qualified staff remain hot topical issues. KnowRES provides job intelligence to industry, candidates and academic and training institutions, while performing an analysis of the skills needed by the industry to ensure that the provided education and training courses are tailored to the sectors’ needs. The project aims at creating a Knowledge Centre for Renewable Energy Jobs (to be called KNOWRES Centre) as an online tool, which provides job intelligence to industry, job candidates, education and training actors, and other interested stakeholders in the area of renewable energy (with a focus on the power generation sector). By providing pertinent job intelligence, the project would lead to easing the skills gaps and the shortage in the Renewable Energy sector. It is estimated that, by the end of the project, around 100 suitably skilled candidates will be presented to interested companies. Such a centre will be in charge of publishing an overall Renewable Energy Jobs barometer (yearly) and several sectoral reports (mainly in electronic format) in the following technological areas: PV, solar thermal electricity, geothermal, biomass, ocean and small hydropower. The Knowledge Center will provide up to date jobs intelligence to the industry, academia and job applicants and will identify areas where development of expertise and skills is further needed. Target groups are students, academia, training institutions, European policy makers. Project website: www.knowres-jobs.eu Contact: Jean-Baptiste Boucher, boucher[at]aebiom.org

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Target groups

LogistEC

- Aims at developing new or improved technologies of the biomass logistics chains.

September 2012 - June 2016

Cost-efficient, environmental-friendly and socially sustainable biomass supply chains are urgently needed to achieve the 2020 targets of the Strategic Energy Technologies-Plan of the European Union, which are likely to be impeded by the potential scarcity of lignocellulosic biomass from agriculture. Innovative techniques for crop management, biomass harvesting and pre-treatment, storage and transport offer a prime avenue to increase biomass supply while keeping costs down and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Feedstock producers, biomass project developers, rural communities, farming industries, supply chain, retail, logistics and transport companies, end-users of biomass, NGOs and consumer associations, policy makers and scientists. Project website: www.logistecproject.eu Contact: Jean-Baptiste Boucher, boucher[at]aebiom.org

The LogistEC project aims at developing new or improved technologies of the biomass logistics chains. Costefficient, environmental-friendly and socially sustainable biomass supply chains are needed to achieve the 2020 EU RES targets that might be impeded by the potential scarcity of lignocellulosic biomass from agriculture. The project covers all types of lignocellulosic crops: annual and multi-annual crops, perennial grasses, and short-rotation coppice. The objectives of the project are: • Developing new or improved technologies for all steps of the logistics chains, and assessing their sustainability at supply-area level for small to largescale bio-based projects; • Through specific meta-analyses, laboratory tests, field trials, ecosystem modelling and mechanical engineering, the project will deliver recommendations for optimal technologies as well as new equipment and systems; • A framework will be developed to integrate chain components and assess their sustainability in terms of environmental, economic and social impacts. It will enable a multi-criteria optimization of the supply chains, making the most of the progresses achieved in the new logistics technologies. The optimization system will be developed and tested in a set of bioenergy and bio-materials case-studies across Europe; • Improved logistics will be demonstrated at pilot and industrial scales in 2 regions (Eastern France and Southern Spain) for existing bio-energy and biomaterials value chains.

RHC Platform - aims at defining a common strategy for increasing the use of renewable energy technologies for heating and cooling. The European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC-Platform) brings together stakeholders from the biomass, geothermal, heat pump, and solar thermal sector - including the related industries - to define a common strategy for increasing the use of renewable energy technologies for heating and cooling. AEBIOM

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hosts the secretariat of the RHC-platforms Biomass panel. The RHC-Platform acts as a catalyst for establishing effective public-private partnerships and provides a qualified interface between the EU and Member States for coherent research policy development and consistent programme planning and implementation. It will also help to develop awareness of the role of renewable energy technologies in Europe’s low carbon energy mix and foster cooperation, both within the EU and at global scale. Since 2010 the platform has: •

Defined an overall common Vision for the short-, medium- and long-term evolution of renewable energy systems for heating and cooling in Europe;

•

Set up shared Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) which analyses both technological research and strategic priorities to maintain Europe’s scientific and industrial leadership in the renewable heating and cooling sector;

•

Established a technology roadmap for the large scale development and deployment of renewable heating and cooling systems;

Target groups: Policy makers, in particular the ones making decisions on research priorities. 2015 in the RHC-platform for AEBIOM The RHC-platform Biomass panel has been revived from dormancy in 2015. In November 2015 a tender contract to update the Strategic research agenda was signed and the work was started in the end of the year. The aim is to update the previous documents in the project, and increase the knowledge about user behavior. The initial task for AEBIOM is to evaluate the current situation of the technological development in the industry with comparison to the established technology roadmaps. 2016 will be a more active year in the platform as the work on the new contract will begin properly. The steering committee will be re-elected in 2016 and we are looking for new members in the steering committee as in the biomass panel. At the end of 2015 the steering committee accounted 15 members and the biomass panels 173 members. Project website: www.rhc-platform.org Contact: Jori Sihvonen, sihvonen[at]aebiom.org

Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Programme (RECP) -

The objective of the programme is to support market development for meso-scale renewable energy technologies in Africa in order to harness the untapped potential and meet current and future energy needs. In 2015 AEBIOM has decided to join and actively support the RECP initiative launched by EU and African heads of state under the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP). AEBIOM aims at mobilizing European bioenergy companies for joint business development in African Renewable Energy Markets. What is the RECP? More than 35 African and European Ministers launched the Africa-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Programme (RECP), a multi-donor instrument of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP). The objective of the programme is to support market development for meso-scale renewable energy technologies in Africa in order to harness the untapped potential and meet current and future energy needs. The RECP supports African and European companies to join forces and invest, while engaging with financial institutions and governments, with the objective of increasing private investments in renewable energy in Africa. Building on many years of international experience and on the involvement of African partners, the RECP has extensive knowledge of African markets and funding instruments. How can European Bioenergy companies benefit from RECP support? The coherent and integrated approach of the RECP includes activities to facilitate businesses throughout the development and investment process – from project planning to financing. 1. RECP provides businesses with market and policy information, 2. RECP helps identifying new business opportunities; 3. RECP links companies with potential European and African business partners; 4. RECP works together with businesses and governments to overcome regulatory obstacles; 5. RECP facilitates the access to project preparation support and financiers; 6. RECP supports the training of local experts to create necessary local capacities. Project website: www.africa-eu-renewables.org Contact: Jean-Baptiste Boucher, boucher[at]aebiom.org

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6

membership

39


Services main services are provided to all members types and from all the umbrella networks of AEBIOM.

Communication and marketing services

Policy

• Follow up on EU policy developments every week • Possibility to provide direct inputs on AEBIOM positions on EU policy developments • Position papers • Policy monitoring •

ustomised policy brie ngs

• Possibility to meet key policy-makers

1

• Access to the online members area policy focus, special documentations, presentations, reports, etc. • Weekly ews ewsletters

• •

isibility of your brand in the official AEBIOM communication material 0 communication channels

• Increase of your national in uence through collaborations at EU level

Working Groups

4

• Active participation to our press activity

Events & networking • Access to AEBIOM s ongoing working groups • •

Sustainability ompetitiveness

Bioenergy expertise

2 • Invitation to events with EU officials • Priority access to be a speaker at AEBIOM events • Access to a large number of stakeholders in the bioenergy sector at the EU level

• Free of charge full version of the Statistical Report •

irect line with bioenergy experts for all your uestions

• Access to EU pro ects outcomes

• Invitation to public debates in Brussels • Access to working groups of AEBIOM networks

3 5

• Follow up on policy and market development issues

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• Opportunity of business contacts


Discounts

EU projects

• On the price of the Statistical Report for your members (for AEBIOM Full Members only)

6

• On the entrance price for AEBIOM Conference & other events, network (IBTC, EIPS, EPC), partners’ and member’s events

1 2 3 4

7

• Possibility to take part of workshops • Join project consortia

Benefits of joining aebiom

Make your voice matter in ongoing EU debates on bioenergy. AEBIOM communicates as a single and united voice the opportunities and concerns raised by its members towards EU decision makers, business representatives, the media and other stakeholders present in Brussels. By being involved in AEBIOM, you will be provided with analyses and updates which will improve your organisation’s understanding of the European policy process and help in the optimization of your long-term strategic decisions.

Get key EU market data and legal analyses of European legislation affecting bioenergy business. Throughout multiple publications along the year, like the AEBIOM statistical report and the Weekly News, AEBIOM offers its members a comprehensive insight of the European bioenergy market and of the opportunities opened up by recent regulatory changes. Our team of experts stays at the entire disposal of its members anytime they need support and/or answers.

Benefit from a unique EU networking platform and get direct business contacts. For over 25 years AEBIOM has worked on the development of its international network – a huge benefit to every member. AEBIOM is offering a wide range of opportunities to develop business contacts along the year through meetings, workshops, social media engagement, communication campaigns and its annual conference in Brussels.

Improve your visibility at EU level by benefitting from AEBIOM’s communication channels. AEBIOM regularly solicits the participation of its members in its communication activities whether it deals with delivering interviews, speeches within conferences or writing articles on the latest business issues. In order to provide real tailored services, AEBIOM also gives priority to its members’ specific sponsorships and visibility opportunities.

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AEBIOM Membership Opportunities AEBIOM proposes 2 main types of membership:

Full Membership All national or regional bioenergy associations or alike organisations.

Associate Membership All companies and organisations (research centres, universities or any other kind of body) not covered by the definition of full members, willing to support the work of AEBIOM in the bioenergy sector.

MAP OF 2015 MEMBERS

AEBIOM is the umbrella organisation of the European Pellet Council (EPC), the European Industry of Pellet Suppliers (EIPS) and the International Biomass Torrefaction Council (IBTC). All AEBIOM Members have the opportunity to join one or several of such networks:

IBTC MemberSHIP IBTC members are European and international companies developing biomass torrefaction technology, pellet / briquette machine manufacturers, the technical division of the utilities and national or sectorial associations as well as other bodies or groups dedicated to the promotion of the use of torrefied biomass. IBTC has three main members’ categories:

1. IBTC Full Members Parties active in production or consumption of torrefied biomass as well as system or machinery suppliers to

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the torrefaction industry, i.e. those already producing and most benefitting from any kind of promotion - respectively removals of limitations and barriers. Full Members constitute the IBTC Steering Committee, and therefore have not only the right to particpate in all IBTC activities but also to govern it.

2. IBTC Developing Members Parties with the clear objective to become a producing member with their project(s) under development. Already on their way to become a full producer but they don´t have a commercial production yet (no production intended to be marketed).

3. IBTC Associated Members Any other company, organisation or individual with an interest along the value chain of torrefied biomass and supporting the objectives of IBTC is eligible to become Supporting Members (e.g. ports/terminals, logistic providers, shipping companies, stevedores, consultants, association, research institutions, certification companies, insurances).


4 key reasons to join IBTC • Take part in initiatives and projects dedicated to biomass torrefaction market development such as: collection of statistical data, standardization issues, certi cation of and permissions for the product, policy initiatives or matters related to health and safety

All companies focused on the wood pellet business: pellet producers, traders and other stakeholders involved in the supply chain and willing to represent their interets at European level. EIPS has two membership categories: •

Full members: European pellet producers or traders

• Share your experience and views on the market in a common platform, not only with pro ect developers but also with logistic providers, consultants and research institutions •

Supporting members: pellet brokers, ports terminals, logistic providers, shipping companies, e uipment suppliers, certi cation companies, law rms, insurances, consultants, etc.

EPC MEMBERSHIP All national pellet associations and alike associations with activities in the wood pellet sector and willing to contribute at its sustainable development at European level. EP has two membership categories: Full members Observers

4 key reasons To join EPC •

Share know-how and experience among 20 national pellet associations on common sectoral issues such as market data, safety, logistics, certi cation of pellets, etc.

•

Be part of key international pellet sector discussions: the group is in regular contacts with pellet associations from outside Europe

•

Make your voice heard at EU level: the group provides information on pellets and express the views of national pellets associations on policy les to EU policy makers and stakeholders

•

EIPS MEMBERSHIP

• Overcome certain market barriers that could not be solved by individual companies

• Network and gain visibility: besides regular meetings among its members, IBT organises relevant conferences where its members have the opportunity to present their latest developments.

• •

ontribute in running E plus, a very successful pellet uality scheme.

Network and gain visibility: the group is having regular internal meeting and co organise events which allow the members to exchange recent information on developments in their sector. Also, the group and its members represent the European pellet sector at related public events.

4 key reasons to join EIPS • Make your voice heard at the EU level: we provide information on pellets and express the views of pellets suppliers on policy les to EU policy makers and stakeholders; • Be part of key international pellet sector discussions: the group is in regular contact with US and anadian pellet producers and represents the European pellet suppliers towards utilities Sustainable Biomass Partnership); • Share know-how and experiences on common sectoral issues such as market data, safety, logistics, certification of pellets, etc.; • Network and gain visibility: the group is having regular internal meetings which allow the members to exchange recent information on developments in their sector. Also, the group and its members represent the European pellet sector at related public events.

Membership Management If you have any uestion regarding the costs, the bene ts, the pro ects or les that AEBIOM is currently following, please visit our website or don t hesitate to contact us:

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FULL MEMBERS (as of 1

st

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of JANUARY 2016)


associate MEMBERS

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The European Biomass Association (AEBIOM) is the common voice of the bioenergy sector with the aim to develop a sustainable bioenergy market based on fair business conditions. AEBIOM is a non profit Brussels based international organisation founded in 1990 that brings together 29 national associations and around 90 companies from all over Europe thus representing more than 4000 indirect members including mainly companies and research centers. AEBIOM holds a strong position representing all bioenergy sectors and has a unique possibility to influence European policies, communications and various other EU papers.

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www.aebiom.org

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