LBNet announces call for projects to study the feasibility of lignocellulosic biorefineries in the UK

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LBNet (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy) is a UK community of industrial professionals and leading academics dedicated to creating economic value by developing novel chemical, material and fuel processes using lignocellulosic biomass instead of petroleum-derived inputs.

The network is focused on, among other issues, nurturing the development of high quality proposals in response to major national and international funding opportunities, fostering the development of substantive international collaborations in the area of biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass and providing input to UK and EU policies.

Figure 1. LBNEt scope (extracted from LBNet web page)

In order to achieve these goals, LBNet organises events and gives access to a range of funding. In this connection, it has recently announced a Proof of Concept (PoC) funding call for projects focused on feasibility studies and development of enabling technologies for the establishment of lignocellulosic biorefineries in the UK (funding value of up to £100K). LBNet has commissioned a landscape study on the potential for integrated lignocellulosic biorefineries in the UK based on a range of feedstock types. The document will inform applicants as to the indicative feasibility of various biorefinery scenarios that might be appropriate to the UK and will serve as a context for the funding call.

This new biorefinery landscape document together with the details of the PoC call will be presented this September 29th in a day-event that will take place in York. This event is free to attend and registration will open soon. The timeline for the workshop and the open call is available in this link.

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