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ThermalNet: A new European network in thermal biomass conversion
27/04/2005

Renewable energy is at the top of Europe’s political agenda thanks to the EC’s unwavering commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. Aston’s Bio-energy Research Group (BERG) has been developing renewable energy, particularly bioenergy, for over 25 years. BERG’s proven expertise in the field has been recognized with major national, European and international research contracts on renewable energy projects, including management of SUPERGEN Bioenergy and core membership of the EC’s Bioenergy Network of Excellence. BERG’s latest project is ThermalNet - an integrated European network that looks at how to optimize thermal biomass conversion to produce power, heat and transport fuels. Biomass covers all renewable organic matter including trees, crops, agricultural feed and wastes and municipal wastes. Launched on January 1st, 2005, the network is coordinated by Professor Tony Bridgwater of BERG. The €2.8M three year contract is funded through Altener in the Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme. The network brings together 13 partner organisations from across Europe. This team of experts will champion the most effective methods for thermally converting biomass into energy. ThermalNet is a cluster of three networks, combustion, gasification and pyrolysis, each one representing a different thermal conversion process for biomass. BERG’s leadership in ThermalNet and its participation in other key energy projects in the UK and Europe mean its research is applied directly to European renewable energy strategies and policies. Through the Kyoto Protocol the EU promised to cut its combined greenhouse gas emissions by 8% from their 1990 levels by 2010, mainly by substituting fossil fuels with renewable energy sources (RES). With bioenergy expected to make up the largest share of RES in Europe, BERG’s R&D has never been more important. Additional Information: Tony Bridgwater, Emma Wylde or Emily Wakefield Bio-Energy Research Group Aston University Birmingham B4 7ET UK T: +44 (0)121 204 3381(Tony), 204 3438 (Emma), 204 3420 (Emily) F: +44 (0)121 204 3680 E: e.wylde@aston.ac.uk