Biomass Connect: Biomass Innovation and Information Platform
Biomass is the organic material from living organisms. In the context of Biomass Connect, the term refers to non-food crops where the whole aboveground plant biomass is harvested and used for a range of purposes including heat and electricity, fuel for transport, platform chemicals, and a range of construction, packaging, and cosmetic applications. Biomass crops are fast-growing, with a high potential energy content or calorific value.
Biomass Connect is a demonstration and knowledge-sharing initiative to showcase best practice and innovations in land-based biomass feedstock production. We seek to share knowledge and experiences that can make a significant contribution to agricultural, environmental and bioenergy policy development, practical on-farm advances, and overall growth in the UK’s biomass sector. The project also compares crop/variety performance in regions across the UK and demonstrates innovations which have the potential to maximise their economic and environmental benefits.
Biomass Connect Showcase Event
Harnessing Innovation, the Future of Biomass
Join us for our showcase event: Harnessing Innovation, the Future of Biomass on the 7th and 8th of November 2024 at The Slate, Warwick University, Warwickshire.
The event will showcase the latest innovations in biomass production and processing emerging from the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme.
Confirmed speakers include: Steve Smith, Oxford University… Jeanette Whitaker, UKCEH… Enrique Cornejo, OEUK… Tim Volk, SUNY College US… Paul Carver, New Energy Farms… Charlotte Powell, DESNZ.. Kerrie Farrar, Aberystwyth University… Kevin Lindegaard, Envirocrops… Jamie Rickerby, Willow Energy… Gail Shuttleworth, NNFCC…
Facilitated workshop sessions developing a blueprint for the future biomass industry.
Exhibition of planting machinery, aeroponics, decision support tools, breeding advances and other innovations from across the biomass supply chain.
Full programme available here.
All are welcome – please register to book a place. We look forward to seeing you there!
This event is free to attend thanks to support from the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme.
Eight demonstration hubs are located across the UK, in Ceredigion, South Ayrshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Edinburgh, County Down, Northumberland and Yorkshire.
Biomass Feedstocks Innovation
£32m of funding has enabled 12 organisations, including 7 small and medium-sized enterprises, to deliver commercially viable innovations in biomass production.
Crop information
Biomass crops vary greatly in size and form, ranging from towering 30-meter trees to fast-growing grasses. While they typically demand limited inputs and minimal cultivation, specific requirements vary among different crops, soil types, and climates (the impacts of different soils and regional climate variations is one reason we have our demonstrator hub sites distributed around the UK). Explore the Crop Information section of this website for comprehensive details on biomass crops featured in the Biomass Connect trials, as well as other promising candidates.
What’s On
Check out our diary of events and demos.
