CIRCE has organized, together with the Ministry of Agricultura and Asaja, the conference ‘Application of the circular bioeconomy for rural development through biomass’ in Madrid
More than 90 attendees have gathered at this event where the technological center has exposed the high potencial of agricultural pruning wood and plantation renovation as an energy source
uP_running project concludes after three years of intense work with a day in which CIRCE has positioned biomass as the engine of rural development. In the event, held in Madrid and organized by the Ministry of Agriculture through the General Directorate of Rural Development, Innovation and Forest Policy, CIRCE and Asaja, more than 90 attendees gathered. The day was defined by a first part based on the framework for the development of the bioeconomy and a second one where experiences, success stories and initiatives underway in the use of biomass in bioenergy production in rural areas were presented.
In this second block, Daniel García Galindo, on behalf of the CIRCE Foundation, as coordinator of the uP_running project, presented the results and main messages that can be extracted after more than three years of execution of the H2020 uP_running project.
This project, which seeks to unlock the high potential of wood from Agricultural Pruning and Plantation Renovation (PARP) in Europe and promoting its sustainable energy use, was presented as an example of collaboration between the agricultural and technological sectors of biomass. In fact, this project has been developed by a consortium of eleven companies and entities from seven different countries, including CIRCE and Asaja Huesca.
Daniel García shared with the attendees that PARP wood is a renewable energy, highly underutilized, and that it can be competitive in today’s market, providing a series of intangible benefits for the rural environment, reducing GHG emissions, improving health on farms, or the reduction of fire risks.
Angel Samper, Secretary General of ASAJA Huesca also took part in the conference; ENCE; the town hall of Vilafranca del Penedés; Athisa Biogeneration; Agro-Food Cooperatives; Basque energy entity; AVEBIOM; and several operational groups linked to the European Association of Innovation for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability presenting experiences and initiatives implemented based on the circular bioeconomy.
For his part, the Secretary General of Agriculture and Food, Fernando Miranda, said that in Spain there are about 30.5 million tons per year of “agro-waste” that is not boost, being the energy recovery of these an efficient and sustainable alternative to reorient the productive model towards a circular one based on the bioeconomy.
Next, the Director of Rural Development, Innovation and Forest Policy, Isabel Bombal presented the financing for the bioeconomy in the next framework program and in the CAP, as well as existing opportunities for the bioeconomy at national level, of the EAFRD funds (in programs for rural development) and for innovation (H2020 and other mechanisms).
In addition, this first block had the presentations of Ignacio Seoane, from the Environment, Climate Change, Forestry or Bioeconomy Unit; an expert from the National Institute of Agricultural Research and Technology (INIA); and a representative of the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).
The day showed various benefits of biomass such as job creation, revitalization of the rural environment or fire prevention and the need to promote collaboration between agents in the sector. It was also found that to use biomass as a source of energy it is necessary to bet on new facilities and technologies and work on new legislation.
The day was broadcast on streaming and you can watch it here.