D1.4 - Report on the validation and prioritisation of BBTs per region

This report summarises the outcomes of the T1.3 workshop, titled “Validation and Prioritisation of Bio-Based Technologies (BBTs) per Region”, conducted with FANs (Forestry and Agricultural Networks) from each Represented Region (RR). Aligned with the BBioNets grant agreement (GA), this workshop forms a crucial step in validating and refining the early prioritisation of BBTs identified in the BBioNets Assessment Tool (D2.2) and mapped through European initiatives in T2.1 “BBioNets Inventory and Knowledge Collection” alongside the information collected by partners in the D2.4 Report on the high-level study of regional dynamics. The insights documented in this report D1.4 are intended to enhance the BBT Assessment Tool (D2.3) and, ultimately the D2.5 Roadmap for BBTs implementation.

The workshop served three primary objectives:

(i)                  Validation and Feasibility Assessment: In a follow-up workshop, BBioNets project partners in each RR met with the FAN members in their region. FAN members reviewed the early prioritisation of BBTs, assessing their feasibility and relevance for their respective regions based on local resources, needs, and regional challenges identified in the preceding “Resources and Needs Workshop” (meeting No.2).

(ii)                Recalibration and Information Gathering: New information was collected to align with updated inventory fields in T2.1. This process refined BBT parameters and generated weighted variables for the assessment tool.

(iii)               Promotion of European Transnational Regions (ETR) Meetings: The workshop also laid the groundwork for upcoming ETR meetings, held in December 2024.

The discussions and decisions from these workshops are captured in this report captures, providing region-specific validation of BBTs, prioritisation outcomes, and recalibrated needs and resources. These insights contribute to a more tailored and impactful application of bio-based technologies across regions, promoting alignment with EU goals and enhancing regional circularity innovation.

Some of the findings are in a similar trend to the ones of Deliverable 1.5 ‘Identified regional needs and challenges’, i.e., the recalibration of regional needs and resources and the suitability of BBTs to each region aligned strongly with the nature of regional agricultural and forestry strengths.

In Italy, the agronomic use of bark and pruning residues was the BBT most aligned with the resources and needs of the region due to its potential for enhancing soil quality and reducing fossil-derived peat dependency. Needs shifted focus to projects that emphasise investment resources and sustainable materials. While biochar and composts were perceived as the most economically valuable resources. There was a focus on the Olive Industry in Spain: Technologies related to olive by-products dominated prioritisation, reflecting Andalusia’s agricultural profile, while in terms of needs, these shifted towards financial support and infrastructure readiness. Olive pits and pomace were identified as high-value resources. Similarly, in Greece olive-mill by-product recovery technologies (e.g., OLEOVALORIZA) emerged as key technologies while manure was a significant biomass resource. Needs in the region shifted to increase focus on farmer education and demonstration schemes. In the Czech Republic 97 stakeholders participated in the FAN workshop to validate technologies like biogas systems and biochar-enhanced compost. In terms of resources, agricultural residues and innovative biomass utilisation was highlighted, as was a greater emphasis on the need for value chain development. In Ireland, technologies focusing on soil health and resource efficiency were prioritised, including composting agricultural residues and utilising mixed biomass for energy and soil enhancement. Regional funding for shared technology and infrastructure emerged as the top priority. Priorities like green biorefineries gained attention for their potential to valorise biomasses, while technologies such as slurry separation remained critical for managing agricultural waste. Finally, in Poland, BBTs aligned to the region’s needs and resources included emissions control in slurry management, and the enhancement of composting with biochar. While resources remained unchanged, prioritisation of needs shifted with increased focus on forestry resource optimisation and carbon-rich biomass production. Improved machinery for collecting wood biomass and biomass coaling installations rose in priority.