There is a strong need to develop new biofuels production technologies that can be integrated into existing infrastructures, leading to biofuels that are cost competitive compared to existing ones and conventional fuels, with the same level of performance and a lower carbon footprint. The 4REFINERY project will develop and demonstrate up to pilot, routes to the production of next generation biofuels from more efficient primary liquefaction processes integrated with upgraded downstream (hydro)refining processes, to achieve overall increased carbon yields of >45%. The strong consortium covering the full process value chain, will identify risk-mitigation pathways for successful implementation into existing refineries, including delivering a comprehensive toolbox for interfacing with existing refinery models. 4REFINERY will focus on optimal pathways for the transformation of bio-liquids from fast pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction into advanced biofuels, through intermediate process steps (fractionation, stabilisation) combined with downstream co-processes technologies at different levels of severities (temperature, hydrogen consumption, carbon yield): co-Fluid Catalytic Cracking, co-hydrodeoxygenation and co-hydrotreating. The project will establish relations between product’s properties, the quality of renewable feedstocks and the main process parameters. The study of these combinations will allow a full understanding of the influence of feedstock and treatment processes on product characteristics, describing, analysing and providing insight into synergetic effects. Tangible results include add-ons to existing flow sheeting programs/unit model, with the objectives to analyze different scenarios for further implementation into existing archetype refineries, and to be deployed in existing in-house programming tools used by the oil companies. The financial resources mobilized by the 8 partners represent a total grant of 5 965 474 € with a global effort of 549 PM.

BioGov.net project engages 10 experienced partners to mobilize local resources and stakeholders in eight EU states (Estonia, Italy, Netherland, Greece, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Portugal and Germany). The project aims strategically to support the establishment of innovative governance models in bioeconomy to achieve better-informed decision-making processes, social engagement of all actors and uptake of sustainable innovations in bioeconomy. With the specific objective to provide validated guidelines for bioeconomy training and mentoring based on case studies from 8 EU regions, BioGov.net undertakes to: - identify and assess from the perspective of using the good practices and successful case studies for novel training framework, - complete an assessment based on regional capacities, opportunities, barriers and potentials; - define regional needs and expectations, local feedstock availabilities and use, governance barriers, social and economic landscape; - identify needs for skills required by the novel business models and related social measures to enable consumers, industry and public bodies to switch to socially and environmentally responsible behaviour within their spheres (e.g. regulatory measures, corporate responsibility initiatives, education and training). The methodology of the project ensures the synergies between respective parties, transparency of actions and inclusiveness of all actors, incl the socially vulnerable groups. Based on the collected materials, analyses and Quintuple Innovation Helix approach, the project develops guidelines for the setup of the modern and inclusive training and mentoring frameworks and programmes in specific European regions targeting the local bio-systems, regulators and policies for building the bridge between knowledge, skills, bioeconomy and good governance.

BIOSWITCH main aim is to bring Europe to the forefront of the bio-based economy, encouraging and supporting brand owners to switching to bio-based approaches by following a holistic, systemic approach built on two pillars: (1) a framework where brand owners are placed as the centre of the public administration-bio-based industry-consumers triangle through a set of events and communication actions; and (2) the BIOSWITCH toolbox as the ultimate instrument that will assist them in the bio-based transition journey. Main novelty is a bio-based transition level self-assessment test to be done by brand owners so they can get access only to the tools that match their needs. The framework will support the mapping and analysis exercise, where information about brand owners needs, motivations and incentives will be gathered. Perceived risks and mitigation actions will be identified and awareness and discussions with consumers will be fostered. Then, the BIOSWITCH toolbox will be developed and validated through four brand owner driven cases studies (NOPA Nordic, ALPRO, ZAFER and Grupo La Caña) that represent four different bio-based transition strategies from chemistry, forest, food and agro sectors and different levels of bio-based transition level. A replication plan development and toolbox roll-out will be conducted. Both regional and pan-European approaches will be considered all along the project. Main impact to be achieved will be reaching brand owners that are not familiar with bio-based approaches (at least 81 clusters that are not BIC members), and increasing brand owners interest in bio-based strategies, as well as triggering their level of involvement and commitment to bioeconomy (it is foreseen that and at least 180 brand owners from partners networks can be reached). Bio-based product acceptance will be also increased as at least 550 attendees are expected in all project foreseen events.