Biogas, biofuels and biochar are key focuses of a European project.

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has joined an Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) consortium alongside Climaticus, an Irish sustainability and analytics consultancy business, and eight other partners across Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

The VALORANT project aims to develop a joint decision framework as a practical tool to help farmers, processers and industry identify horticultural and agricultural biomass valorisation pathways, pilot those new pathways and in turn build capacity for circular practices.

Commenting on the announcement, Stephen McCormack, research and development project lead at IrBEA, said: “Joining this consortium represents an exciting opportunity to work alongside leading parters in shaping the future of valorisation.

"Through our research and development capabilities, we aim to support the delivery of sustainable and commercially viable solutions that can have a real impact across the bioenergy sector."

Horticulture

Across north-west Europe, major quantities of fruit, vegetable and flower residues remain underused due to overproduction, harvest losses, or weather‑related disruptions.

These residues contain high‑value bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, as well as substantial potential for protein and bioenergy production.

The project will pioneer the various cascading pathways of biomass made possible from apples, pears, strawberries, lettuce, carrots and chrysanthemum and gerbera flowers, potentially opening new revenue streams and opportunities for growers and producers.  

Bioenergy

IrBEA will provide bioenergy expertise, coordinate a pilot pathway in Ireland and support Climaticus in completing a life cycle assessment and costing alongside organising training workshops, communication and outreach.

Dr. Sabine Van Miert, research manager, Centre of Expertise for Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences said: "The addition of IrBEA further enhances the multidisciplinary strength of the consortium.

"[Its] knowledge of the Irish and wider European bioenergy sector will play an important role in supporting collaboration, knowledge exchange and the advancement of innovative pathways."