AEBIOM Annual Report 2015

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
aveni@aebiom.org
Contents
Message from the President
AEBIOM, your partner in EU affairs
Bioenergy statistics
4
5
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
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14
14
14
14
15
15
15
3 / ACTIVITIES: COMMUNICATIONS

AEBIOMs 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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18
18
19
19
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20
20
20
21
22
4 / ACTIVITIES: NETWORKS

EPC - European Pellet Council

EIPS - European Industry of Pellet Suppliers
IBTC - International Biomass Torrefaction Council
24
28
29
2 / ACTIVITIES: PROJECTS

BiFFio
FROnT
KnowRES
LogistEC
RHC Platform
35
36
36
37
37
RECP
38
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 signicantly. Forest residues and biomass
industry bi-products can be used more eciently
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 eciency 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. Lets 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;
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
BIOENERGY STATISTICS
The complexity and diversity of the bioenergy sector makes it dicult 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 EUs 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 EUs 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 EUs gross inland consumption of biomass
for heating and electricity.
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 EuObservER, 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.
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.
2015, AEBIOM at a glance
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
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
10
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
11
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
13
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:
17 June 2015: A smart and resilient energy Union:

objectives and measures for the heat sector
(AEBIOM, EGEC, ESTIF common position paper)
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.
World Bioenergy Association a worldwide

organization representing the bioenergy industry
Public position papers
14
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
ovember 2015:
0th une 2015 and 1 th
Stakeholders workshop on the study The
optimi ed ascading Use of Wood
rowth
0th ovember 2015: Stakeholders workshop on

the study Resource eciency impacts of future EU
bioenergy demand ReceBio
Environment
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
th
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
15
16
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.
17
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
18

- 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
Argus Biomass Markets

for biomass AEBIOM
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
ue choisir
ranul s pour po les : hoisir les bons
granul s de bois en vrac ou en sac FR
Agrotecnica as Asociaciones Europea y Espa ola de la

biomasa reclaman una tasa de O2 ES
Biomass Maga ine

lobal pellet market forecasts
optimistic at WPA 2015
EUWI
Worldwide pellet production increased by
almost 11%
Black See rain

European Biomass Association:
Bioenergy accounts for 0% of EU renewable energy
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 years 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
21
SUPPORTING MEMBERS
44
MEDIA PARTNERS
Workshops
Beside its annual conference, AEBIOM organised
workshops covering both policy and technology aspects
all along the year:
1 .02.15 ick o workshop for Bioenergy4Business
1 .0 .15 Biomass ounts Biomass

for people and business
04.0 .15 Biograce workshop on O2 calculation methods
20
an economic asset
0.0 .15 ogistE workshop on energy crops
22.04.15 BASIS Pro ect Meeting on woodchip use
04.05.15 Biomass a local and renewable solution for

energy security Biomass ounts event
1 .0 .15 Reenergi ing Rural Europe

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

Innovation Biomass ounts event
20.10.15
Ocial presentation of AEBIOM 2015
Statistical Report
The ontribution

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 europennes et bionergie: tat des lieux
17.11.15 EIPS workshop EU

concerning medium scale plants
07.10.15 Adriatic Wood Days 2015 Renewables/

Bioenergy in Europe: legislation overview
19.10.15 Danish Regulatory Agency Biomass market

trends and bioenergy sector views on EU policy
11.11.15 WPAC AGM 2015, Halifax European Heat

Markets
03.12.15 Danish Bioenergy Association Annual Meeting

Opportunities and challenges for bioenergy in the
EU - Latest policy developments and BASIS results
17.11.15 - EIPS Workshop: European Medium Scale

Pellet Market
policy
framework
SElection of workshops and events in 2015

A selection of workshops and events AEBIOM has spoken
at in 2015.
27.01.15 Pellets 2015, Eskilstuna Overview of the

European pellet market
25.02.15 European Pellet Conference 2015, Wels How

to make pellet more competitive?
11.03.15 Valmet Energy Market Day EU policies

affecting the bioenergy sector Recent developments and
outlook
25.03.15 Dansk Trpillekonference 2015 Overview of

the European pellet market
16.04.15 ARGUS European Biomass Trading EU Policies

Affecting the Bioenergy Sector - Challenges ahead!
04.05.15 AEBIOM Bioenergy Conference Medium

Combustion Plant directive proposal view of the
biomass sector
17.06.15 RBCN networking event European Industry of

Pellets Suppliers
02.09.15 Bioenergy 2015, Jyvskyl, Bioenergy in EU Situation update
09.09.15 How Bioenergy contributes to Agriculture

development?
17.09.15 Advanced Biofuels Conference EU legislation:

What opportunities for advanced biofuels?
22.09.15 AVEBIOM Congress Bioenergy within the EU

2030 Climate and Energy Framework
21

information and new infographics
The Biomass Counts Campaign:

Biomass counts and the EU can count on biomass!
he 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:
22
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
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
As a sign of recognition, the last event of the

campaign has received the ocial support of the
European ommission
For the purpose of its campaign, AEBIOM

developed 4 factsheets containing rst-hand
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
networks
23
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 hasnt 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.
24
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 todays 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)
25
EPC Management
Christian Rakos
President, EPC
rakos@propellets.at
Gilles Gauthier
General Manager, EPC
gauthier@pelletcouncil.eu
26
Pablo Rodero
Vice-President, EPC
pablorodero@avebiom.org
Elena Dumitru
ENplus Management, EPC
dumitru@pelletcouncil.eu
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.
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
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
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
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.
27

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)
28
Anne Leibold
EIPS
Vice-President
anne.leibold@german-pellets.de
Gilles Gauthier
EIPS
General Manager
gauthier@aebiom.org
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 Caldern, 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:
29
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:
30
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 Caldern
AEBIOM Bioenergy Expert
IBT eneral Manager
calderon aebiom.org
31
32
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 AEBIOMs 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 BLTCs supply chain.
Project website: www.bioresproject.eu
Contact: Jori Sihvonen, sihvonen[at]aebiom.org
33
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
34
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
35

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 Commissions
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
36
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
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
37
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 Europes 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 Europes 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
38
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
Access to the online members area policy focus,

special documentations, presentations, reports,
etc.
Weekly ews
ewsletters
isibility of your brand in the ocial AEBIOM

communication material
0 communication
channels
Increase of your national in uence through

collaborations at EU level
Working Groups
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 ocials
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
40
Opportunity of business contacts
Discounts
EU projects
On the price of the Statistical Report for your

members (for AEBIOM Full Members only)
On the entrance price for AEBIOM Conference &

other events, network (IBTC, EIPS, EPC), partners
and members events
1
2
3
4
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 organisations 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 aecting 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.
Benet 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 benetting from AEBIOMs 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.
41
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 theInternational 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
42
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
dont 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:
43
FULL MEMBERS (as of 1
st
44
of JANUARY 2016)
associate MEMBERS
45
46
47
48
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 prot 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 inuence European policies,
communications and various other EU papers.
Visit
www.aebiom.org
49
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50

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AEBIOM Annual Report 2015