The political opening of the conference provided a clear reminder of Europe's target of reaching 20% renewable energy by 2020 and the need to achieve this target in an environmentally sustained way.

From the 3rd of June 2013 representatives from research, industry, finance and politics from over 60 nations have been gathering in Copenhagen for the 21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition. This year the event features 270 plenary and oral presentations, more than 460 visual presentation and 80 exhibitors representing once again one of the most important and stimulating international key platforms in Europe and worldwide for knowledge exchange on the latest scientific and industrial results, developments in policies and deployment in the biomass and bioenergy sector.

The political opening of the conference provided a clear reminder of Europe's target of reaching 20% renewable energy by 2020 and the need to achieve this target in an environmentally sustained way. Denmark, the host country, presented their very ambitious target to become totally fossil-free by 2050 with biomass contributing a large proportion to the fossil-free future.

In the fight to limit global warming to +2°C the conference was informed of China's progressive plans for a large expansion of bioenergy to supply its growing energy needs. With many years experience in biofuels production, Brazil reported its plans to push ahead with environmentally sustainable biofuels and bioenergy projects that will no longer rely on economic support from the government. Bioenergy and biofuels are becoming of age.

Something for everyone

Whether an energy newcomer or specialist, this annual event is seen by international research, governmental, and business communities as Europe's leading science-to-science, business-to-business and science-to-industry biomass conference and exhibition. As every year the conference programme touches on all the different subjects of the biomass sector during the week. An important number of oral and poster presentations are focused on how to assess and ensure sustainability along biomass value chains, by means of certification, standardization and enacting correct policies.

First and foremost, how do we secure a sufficient supply of energy for the future? Do we have sufficient biomass? Can we find the most efficient ways to use the sustainably produced biomass? How can we most efficiently handle and treat our waste - and in particular the biowaste - so that more is recycled and vital nutrients are returned to the soil? How can we develop technologies where we can use biomaterials in new areas, not least those that today are based on oil?

These are just some of the questions being addressed this week in Copenhagen by global investors and decision-makers from research, industry, finance and politics.

Further information:

This conference is supported by: European and international organizations such as the European Commission, UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Natural Sciences Sector, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, DEA Danish Energy Agency, WCRE - the World Council for Renewable Energy, EUBIA - the European Biomass Industry Association, Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster, Danish Bioenergy Industries Association, INBIOM Innovation Network Biomass, City of Copenhagen, Wonderful Copenhagen and other organizations.
www.conference-biomass.com