Germany’s energy supply comes from a number of different sources, with renewable energies set to become more important in the future (renewable energies currently account for approximately 5.3% of primary energy consumption). Biomass (bioenergy) accounts for about 70% of all renewable energies used, the largest renewable energy contribution to the production of electrical energy, heat and fuels. The European objective is for renewable energies to provide 20% of the primary energy supply by 2020, and so it can be safely assumed that the use of bioenergy will triple in relation to the current situation. However, the goal of utilizing the bioenergy potential presents enormous challenges for research and technology. Researchers have to focus on finding ways to exploit the potential of cutting-edge methods, in particular in the fields of systems biology, genome research and biotechnology.

The major goal of research is the increase in the net energy yield per unit of area in terms of the efficient conversion of biomass. Research projects seeking funding within the aforementioned programmes can address the whole range of potential usage of biomass (fuel, electricity and heat), in particular the use of specific energy plants and the use of biological remainders and waste. The funding is planned to cover three different modules – “Biorefinery of the future” (module A), “Energy crops” (module B) and “Bioenergy idea contest” (module C) – which represent different approaches in terms of raw materials and conversion with different medium- and long-term objectives. The research activities in all the modules are required to focus on a holistic reflection of the technological challenges along the value creation chain, whilst also taking into account current and future economic and ecological requirements.

The BMBF has commissioned the following project management organisations in Jülich to coordinate the programmes. In the first phase, an outline of ideas (module C) or a proposal (modules A – B) must be sent to the Project Management Organisation Jülich, Division of Biotechnology (address listed below), in paper and electronic form up until 14th May 2008.

Source: BMBF - 23.01.2008

Further information:
For the topics "Biotechnological processes" and "Energy crops":
Project Management Organisation Jülich
Research Centre Jülich GmbH
Biology Division
D-52425 Jülich
Contact:
Dr. Rudolf Straub
Tel.: +49 (0)2461/61-4460
Fax: +49 (0)2461-61-2730
E-mail: r.straub@fz-juelich.de

For the topics "Chemical and physical processes" and "Zero waste concepts":
Project Management Organisation Jülich
ERG Division
Research Centre Jülich GmbH
D-52425 Jülich
Contact:
Dr. Hans-Joachim Krebs
Tel.: +49 (0)2461/61-4624
E-mail: h.-j.krebs@fz-juelich.de