Synergies for bioenergy supply chains in bioeconomy networks

The report “Synergies for bioenergy supply chain in Bioeconomy networks” describes valuable efforts to expand the current linear value chain perspective into a broader network-based view on bioenergy and bioeconomy systems. This perspective allows for the identification and leveraging of synergies among ecosystems, bioenergy supply chains, biobased materials and nutrient services. The report introduces a framework that enables the various actors to operate under a more holistic and integrated modus, so that they can interconnect with other segments and actors in the bioenergy and bioeconomy ecosystem, thus mutually influencing more coherent, efficient and resilient developments in renewable energy, bioenergy and the wider Bioeconomy.

Download the report: “Synergies for bioenergy supply chains in bioeconomy networks”

The report is the result of the Bioeconomy Synergies (BioSyn) Initiative, that was led by IEA Bioenergy Task 40 (Deployment of biobased Value Chains) during 2022-2025 aimed at improving the interoperability of the various IEA Bioenergy working Groups (Tasks).

The strategy of the BioSyn initiative is to offer the integrated approach to the IEA-Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP), for

• advancing knowledge on integrating bioenergy value chains into a broader Bioeconomy,
• enhancing resilience and supply security through system integration, and
• providing a foundation for further collaboration on biobased value chains and bioeconomy networks among and beyond the IEA Bioenergy TCP.

Some key insights that can be drawn from the report  are:

• Stakeholders, such as policy makers, innovation supporters and other should explore and raise awareness for (physical and social) structures, practices and technologies that provide flexibility, reliability and crisis preparedness
• Today initiative takers in bioeconomy practives and technologies often focus on either food, materials or energy issues. This scope could be widened further to also connect between these and other bioeconomy aspects, to further seize systems integration opportunities to strengthen flexibility, reliability and risk hedging for the ecosystem as a whole.
• Flexibility and reliability of a ecosystem/cluster of bioenergy and bioeconomy activities could be taken as a new basis for integrated impact assessments and ecosystems investment risk reduction opportunities.