e-zine - biopad · workshop in finland together with the pielinen karelia bioenergy program (pikes)...

E-Zi

ne IS

SUE

6

September 2014

The BioPAD Story

IntroductionBioPAD (Bioenergy Proliferation and Deployment) is a European project promoting the use of bioenergy. Bioenergy brings local jobs, benefits local businesses, helps local economies and replaces imported fuels so it provides important opportunities for rural and remote areas. Using bioenergy improves security of energy supply, contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions and stimulates the local economy, creating jobs and keeping payments for energy within the local community.

BioPAD is working to ensure that we increase bioenergy use in our region and other partner regions and that we do it in a way that makes the most of the opportunities it brings to local economies and communities. BioPAD is a transnational project funded by the Northern Periphery Programme (www.northernperiphery.eu). BioPAD began in November 2012 and will close at the end of September 2014.

E-Zine September 2014

The BioPAD Story

BISCUIT

Sustainable Energy Opportunities Final Event

BioPAD blog and social media

E zines

BioPAD events

Stakeholder involvement

Finland Study Tour

Assessment of local economic and social impacts

Emissions

Local supply chain actions

The carbon story

BioPAD and policy

Marine Biomass

Supporting policy change

Launch

Visit to Güssing

This eZine presents the story of BioPAD and its achievements.

BISCUIT

Launch


The BioPAD project was formally launched in Donegal on the 10th October 2013 by Joe McHugh TD a member of parliament for Co. Donegal. The launch was attended by more than 70 people. Presentations were given by BioPAD partners, highlighting the benefits of using bioenergy, showcasing BioPAD work on supply chains and objectives for influencing policy. The launch provided an excellent opportunity to broaden the BioPAD network and involve stakeholders in the project.

BioPAD developed the BISCUIT (BioPAD Supply Chain Unique Integrated Tool) which is an online tool that offers easy access to expert information about Bioenergy Supply Chains, outlining the steps required to take natural raw materials and turn them into valuable energy sources. There are three different supply chains covering Wood, Energy Crops and Other Biomass. Each Supply Chain in BISCUIT includes raw materials, procurement and combustion/conversion. Try out the BISCUIT at http://www.biopad.eu/biscuit/ or check out the video on our home page.

BioPAD supply chain tool, BISCUIT, is also available to download as an App from Google Play and the App Store. BISCUIT help the bioenergy market grow in remote and rural regions of Europe and to highlight business and enterprise opportu-nities to those looking to enter the sector.

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry

BioPAD events

The BioPAD project had an important dissemination and communications focus ensuring that the findings and work of BioPAD reached stakeholders.

A key element of project was the organisation and implementation of BioPAD dissemination events and bioenergy study tours. Events were held in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Finland, and Iceland, with the aim of increasing awareness of bioenergy issues, facilitating discussions surrounding bioenergy issues, and aiding the development of professional networks.


BioPAD organised a Bioenergy Study Tour and Workshop in Finland together with the Pielinen Karelia Bioenergy program (PIKES) and another Northern Periphery Programme project, REMOTE. The event was held in Nurmes and Joensuu in North Karelia on February 2014. During the meeting participants were able to see a small, farm-scale CHP plant, forest energy procurement in challenging winter conditions, the CHP district heating plant in Nurmes, Tulikivi soapstone fireplaces and the first industrial scale pyrolysis oil plant in Joensuu. Workshop discussions were concentrated on the key elements for the successful use of biomass in energy production and what kind of bioenergy businesses could be successful in Northern Periphery Programme areas.

The study tour also provided participants from the partner regions with opportunities to meet each other, exchange ideas, discuss local practices and develop business contacts. This was one of the most successful elements of the study tour.

Finland Study Tour

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry

Press and media

Videos

Seven videos were created for BioPAD. The videos were used by partners in engaging with stakeholders to promote the BioPAD project. As well as being presented at workshop sessions, the videos were uploaded to BioPAD social media pages. The videos focused on different themes including the BISCUIT tool and App, the policy learning trip to Güssing in Austria, and other dissemination events and study tours in Scotland, Rep. of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, and Iceland.

For key events including the launch of the project and the supply chain tool, BISCUIT, press releases were targeted to appropriate media within the region, and articles included within newsletters.


The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry

A range of social media have been used to provide information to stakeholders on the latest updates of the BioPAD project, in addition to wider bioenergy issues. Through regular updates on BioPAD dedicated LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ pages, and on a dedicated blog http://biopadbioenergyblog.wordpress.com/, we have been able to engage our audience, and build our user network. This regular social media output has proved to be a very successful element of BioPAD to keep stakeholders updated on bioenergy issues, and maintain their involvement in the project.

BioPAD blog and social media

E zinesStakeholders receive regular BioPAD e zines. The first e zine was published following the project launch highlighting BioPAD activities and project objectives. The second e zine focused on bioenergy policy and the policy study visit to Güssing in Austria. Bioenergy policy in the partner countries was discussed and the outcomes of the policy seminar held in Northern Ireland in November were described. A third e zine was published in March 2014 with a focus on the study tour and dissemination in Finland and the BioPAD marine biomass report. The fourth e zine showcased the BISCUIT tool and App and the fifth e zine highlights the supply chain cases. This is the BioPAD Story, the sixth and final e zine. All editions of the e zine are all available on www.biopad.eu

Stakeholder involvement We engaged with our stakeholders at every opportunity, to promote the key BioPAD outputs, and to help inform and shape the work of BioPAD in response to the needs and requirements of the bionergy sector. The production and distribution of feedback forms allowed direct contact with stakeholders, and provided a better understanding of key issues such as the dissemination events and study tours, BISCUIT content and performance.

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry


BioPAD commissioned a study to demonstrate the local economic and social benefits of bioenergy and highlight the contribution bioenergy development can make to rural and peripheral areas. The focus of the study was the Western Region in Ireland. The study examined the bioenergy supply chain in the Western Region and investigated how this contributes to positive local economic impact. It has a practical emphasis, rather than theoretical, looking at the supply chain from the investigation of existing bioenergy suppliers and projects in the region. The research used a case study approach, selecting eight examples working within the bioenergy supply chain. In addition, a short report on the socioeconomic value chain was prepared by the Finnish partner, Metla.

Assessment of local economic and social impacts

EmissionsBioPAD researched and complied a report which assessed the potential differences in greenhouse gas emissions arising from the use of wood chips and wood pellets for the Kilbeg village site of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO). The choice of fuel was between wood pellets transported 102 miles from a factory in Invergordon, or local wood chips from a community trust, which would require a higher capital cost for equipment.

The work undertaken by BioPAD was cited as “crucial in helping the College decide in favour of woodchip a its preferred fuel for its new building at Kilbeg.” Sabhal Mòr Ostaig subsequently awarded the contract to supply and install a 99kW biomass system to provide both space heating and hot water to the new building.

Local supply chain actionsBioPAD addressed different barriers to development along the bioenergy supply chain including issues for suppliers, support services and users.

In Ireland a series of case studies were prepared on SMEs which were experiencing obstacles to growth along the bioenergy supply chain. The cases are illustrative of common issues for different fuel types and different conversion methods. Each SME received advice and support from bioenergy experts on options for overcoming their difficulties. The cases are described in short reports so that key learnings and advice can be available to others.

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry


Under the right circumstances the use of bioenergy can lead to a reduction of carbon emissions. This significant benefit provides bioenergy with an advantage over some other fuel types, and helps incentivise its use and encourages uptake. However, care must be taken to ensure an accurate understanding of carbon emissions, and the flow of carbon through different supply chains associated with anaerobic digestion, energy crops, and the combustion of wood. To aid a better understanding of carbon emissions of bioenergy, we have developed a carbon story, which outlines the flow of energy and carbon flows within bioenergy supply chains. Carbon stories are embedded within the BISCUIT to promote the development of a sustainable bioenergy sector.

The carbon story

BioPAD and policy Policy is what underpins the framework within which countries can deliver on their energy and bioenergy targets. BioPAD was faced with the task of assessing how effective bioenergy policy making has been in the partner countries, particularly with respect to supply chains. We have also been involved in making recommendations that would improve the situation on the ground, make supply chains more robust, help to remove some of the barriers and implement change at a local level.

Marine BiomassAcross Northern Europe some biomass types such as wood products are more commonly used and have better developed supply chains than biomass such as marine macroalgae, the use of which is still in its infancy. The BioPAD project produced an overview of the current status of the use of macroalgae as a renewable energy source within the partner regions of Scotland, Finland, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland, indicating the future potential and key barriers to the development of this sector.

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry


As part of the investigation of successful bioenergy policy delivery in Europe the project facilitated a study trip to Güssing, in Austria where renewable energy development has successfully driven local development. Güssing is recognised as an example of what can be achieved if policy is developed and delivered in a coherent way. BioPAD identified several key characteristics of Güssing’s success and these can be found in the full report on the BioPAD website: http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/G%C3%BCssing-Austria-Policy-Learning-for-BioPAD.pdf

While some of the success factors are specific to Güssing circumstances, most of them are generic and can be applied to other situations to ensure bioenergy development brings local economic and social benefits.

Visit to Güssing

Final BioPAD event: Sustainable Energy Opportunities in the Northern Periphery

The Final BioPAD event entitled “Sustainable Energy Opportunities in Northern Periphery” will be held in conjunction with the REMOTE project. The conference will bring together different stakeholders to listen to and discuss the outcomes of both projects, and to explore opportunities for the future of sustainable energy. The conference takes place in Joensuu, Finland on 11th of September.

Supporting policy changeBioPAD has been particularly active in Ireland in supporting groups, such as the Irish Bioenergy Association, IrBEA, and Bioenergy Northern Ireland, BENI, to develop policy, communicate with policy makers and overcome obstacles in the bioenergy supply chain. The actions have had a positive benefit for many projects and groups and it is hoped that there will be a legacy of expertise in the supply chain sector to support further policy influence after BioPAD finishes.

The

Bio

PAD

Sto

ry


Donegal Woodland Owners Society Limited (DWOSL).DWOSL, are a wood fuel supply co-operative who entered the bioenergy Energy Supply Contract (ESCO) market. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study-for-Donegal-Woodland-Owners-Society-Limited-DWOSL-.pdf

Údarás na Gaeltachta.Údarás installed a 300kW woodchip (locally sourced fuel) boiler and upgraded an existing heating network in 2012 at their head office. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Udaras-case-study-for-BioPAD-for-website-01.08.14.pdf

Willow growing at Brook Hall Estate, L’DerryBrook Hall Estate currently grows c.130 ha of short rotation willow and processes, dries and grades c.3,000 tonnes of dry woodchip each year. The full report can be found at: http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study-of-willow-growing-at-Brook-Hall-Estate.pdf

AFBI Agri Food and Bio Sciences InstituteAFBI have a 30kW anaerobic digestion plant, generating bioenergy from animal slurry and grass, and are currently installing an additional 99kW capacity. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study-of-AFBI-Northern-Ireland.pdf

Wick District Heating Scheme (Ignis Biomass Ltd)This district heating scheme uses woodchip to generate heat by combustion, supplying steam to a distillery and providing heating to c.130 homes and public buildings. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study-for-Wick-District-Heating-Scheme.pdf

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye – Comparison of GHG emissions wood chip and pelletsSabhal Mòr Ostaig, is part of the UHI, and this case study highlights the potential differences in GHG emissions arising from the use of wood chips and wood pellets. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Sabhal-M%C3%B2r-Ostaig-GHG-emissions-wood-chip-and-pellets.pdf

Kuhmo Local Bioenergy ProductionKuhmo is a city of 9,200 inhabitants on the eastern border of Kainuu, which utilises a 28 km district heating network in the city, with majority of buildings connected to it. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-Study-for-Kuhmo-local-bioenergy-production.pdf

Fortum Joensuu CHP plant (Kontiosuo)This CHP plant produces heat for Joensuu on a 180km district heating grid and electricity for the national grid. In November 2013, fast-pyrolysis unit was integrated to the existing CHP unit and is estimated to produce 50 000 tons per year bio oil (pyrolysis oil). The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-study-of-Fortum-in-Joensuu.pdf

Kuittila farm/Kuittila Power LtdKuittila Farm, situated in Nurmes established a 140Kw CHP plant, based on gasification of wood chips and provides heat and electricity for a workshop, two households and a dairy farm. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-study-of-Kuittila-Farm.pdf

Bioenergy and Forestry in Treeless landThe BioPAD project participated in a study tour of the forest supply chain in Iceland, where more than 80 % of total energy consumption is based on renewable energy. The full report can be found at:http://www.biopad.eu/wp-content/uploads/Case-study-of-forestry-development-in-Iceland.pdf

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Republic of Ireland

Case Studies:As part of the BioPAD project a number of case studies were carried out on different fuel types, conversion technologies and supply chains in each of the partner regions. Each partner region selected case studies from which knowledge and experience in bioenergy could be transferred. A brief overview of the case studies is provided below. Futher information on the BioPAD case studies can be found on the BioPAD website: http://www.biopad.eu/case-studies/

Iceland

Finland


BioPAD is led by the Western Development Commission

It is funded under the European Regional Development

Fund (ERDF) Interreg IVB Northern Periphery

Programme (NPP) . Northern

Periphery Programme Statement: “Innovatively investing

in Europe’s Northern Periphery for a sustainable and

prosperous future”.

BioPAD has partners in Scotland (Environmental

Research Institute, (ERI, ), Northern

Ireland (Action Renewables

and Finland (Finnish Forest Research Institute, Metla

www.facebook.com\BioPAD

@BioPAD_NPP

Search ‘BioPAD’

www.northernperiphery.eu

www.wdc.ie

http://www.metla.fi/

http://www.eri.ac.uk/http://www.actionrenewables.org

For more information on the BioPAD project, and for details on how you can get involved please see:

Official Website: http://www.BioPAD.eu/

Blog: www.biopadbioenergyblog.wordpress.com

)

e-zine - biopad · workshop in finland together with the pielinen karelia bioenergy program (pikes)...

Documents