Page 56 - European Energy Innovation - Spring 2017 publication
P. 56
56 Spring 2017 European Energy Innovation
BIOMASS
Valorisation of lignocellulosic
biomass side streams for
sustainable production of
chemicals, materials & fuels
using low environmental impact
technologies – A COST network
By Dr Rafael Luque, Chair of this COST network
In the dawn of the 21st century, transformation of such residues. researches from all over Europe and
scientists have been prompted to interconnecting different technology
seek alternative feedstocks and This opportunity arose thanks to hubs which aim to convert residues into
resources for the production of the funding from the European valuable products (waste-to-wealth).
materials, fuels and chemicals using low “Cooperation in Science and
environmental impact technologies and Technology” programme (COST), which For the last two and a half years, the
greener methodologies. Lignocellulosic enables the creation of a unique, highly Action’s achievements have been
residues such as forestry waste, skillful, multidisciplinary and solid numerous and significant. More than
branches and related agricultural European network. This COST Action 50 European groups (150 active
products, can constitute a highly was created with the aim of providing participants) from 31 countries, plus
promising (and currently largely under- a range of innovative approaches to six international partner countries
utilised) feedstock with significant add value to lignocellulosic residues. (New Zealand, Hong Kong, Colombia,
potential to be converted into useful In particular, the focus is set on Argentina and USA) with diverse
end products. However, a joint hemicelluloses and lignin fractions from backgrounds such as chemistry,
multidisciplinary effort from several the pulp and paper industry to produce physics, biology, agronomy,
disciplines including (bio)chemistry, chemicals, materials and fuels. engineering and other related
biology, (bio)chemical and biological disciplines, have actively participated in
engineering, forest products sciences, Since its start in May 2014, the COST all activities of the Action. The network
as well as environmental sciences and Action FP1306 has been able to bridge was divided into four working groups
experts in economic assessment, in gaps between academic disciplines in to allow for scientific discussion. There
liaison with industry, is required to academia and industry. It has done so were also several multidisciplinary sub-
appropriately address the efficient by bringing together expertise from groups targeted at the scientific and
technological advances on the field
and further initiatives in the EU arena
were developed.
The synergies created during the
meetings, workshops, short-term scientific
missions and training schools, have led
to the design and study of improved and
new methodologies for lignocellulose
pretreatment, as well as to the valorisation
of the carbohydrate (hemicellulose,
cellulose) and lignin streams via
chemo- and bio-catalytic routes.
In addition to the targeted research
and technology innovation, activities
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