An increased use of bio-energy contributes to a decreased reliance on fossil fuels and thus decreased CO2 emissions and can at the same time provide new business and employment opportunities and can be a driver for rural and regional development.

The bio-energy strand of the Top-Level Research Initiative supports innovation in the field of 2nd generation bio fuels. To support the aim of a carbon neutral future, no less than four projects are looking into various relevant aspects, from basic research to the actual application of bio-fuels in engines. All Programme and project actors met on 19 and 20 September in Oslo to discuss the projects’ progress as well as the requirements and barriers to the commercialization of bio-fuels.

Project partners presented their latest findings and innovative developments and exchanged views on the barriers they have encountered. On the second day, a lively discussion was facilitated by Edd Anders Blekkan from NTNU on the projects’ contribution to the advancement of bio-fuels and what is needed for 2nd generation bio-fuels to be introduced to the market at a large scale. The discussion touched upon questions of subsidy security, the competition from electric vehicles and how business can be convinced to invest in more sustainable fuels.

To learn more on BioFuels visit the Programme pages on our website.