model region for bioeconomy
For a successful energy transition, diverse and innovative solutions are needed to meet the increasing electricity demand in the future. One option is the combined use of land for photovoltaics and agriculture. The first agri-PV system is being operated as a demonstration facility in Morschenich-Alt as part of the structural change initiative BioökonomieREVIER, in collaboration with the Jülich Research Center and several partners. Engagement with local agriculture is explicitly encouraged in this project.
Another key component is the transformation of economic practices with sustainable, bio-based methods, which presents unique opportunities for structural change in the Rhineland region. However, what exactly are the employment effects, revenues, and the relevance of regional industry sectors for bio-based value creation? The BioökonomieREVIER coordination office at the Jülich Research Center has commissioned the nova-Institute to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the industrial potential of the region. An initial assessment indicates that the regional diversity of industries will be beneficial for establishing new, cross-sectoral value chains.
Areas of application are approx
- Specialty crops for industrial biomass utilization.
- Innovative food production.
- Industrial biotechnology for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
- Utilization of biogenic residual streams and CO2 from exhaust gases.
- Green naphtha and chemical recycling.
- Biochemicals and valuable materials.
- Textile and paper industry.
- Technology development and transfer.
The industries are in the process of reinventing themselves for a sustainable future. There are promising ideas across all key industries in the Rhineland region. The regional industry mix proves to be a fortunate circumstance,” says Prof. Ulrich Schurr, Director of the Institute of Plant Sciences at the Jülich Research Center and initiator of the model region for sustainable bioeconomy. In conjunction with the excellent research infrastructure in the Rhineland region and the networking of stakeholders, innovative approaches for new, sustainable value creation systems with regional and international appeal are emerging
