Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Date of latest update: 2025-11-11

Description

Description (EN):

The Alps4GreenC project is focused on setting-the-scene for transnational utilization of biomass residues through investigation of biomass conversion opportunities in project partner countries and proposal of transnational biochar-based value chains. As such, we are tackling the challenges of the Alpine area pertaining to adverse effects of energy dependency and high energy prices, biodiversity losses and high vulnerability to climate change, while offering solutions for the use of greatly available biomass in the region. By proposing the necessary supportive measures through policy recommendations and practical testing and pilot production of green carbon to evaluate the potential of its utilisation for steel and agriculture industry, we will contribute towards creating the conditions for energy sufficiency and climate-protection of the region showcasing the innovation and resource potentials already present, but currently disconnected. The advantages of this transnational collaboration will be primarily experienced by those directly involved in the value chain (residue producers, tech providers and end users, hence large enterprises and SMEs), however other stakeholders in the ecosystem, such as national/regional public authorities, sectoral agencies and higher education and research organisations, will also benefit from comprehensive framework creation. The framework we propose includes mapping of stakeholders&resources, implementation of crowdsourcing campaign to collect biomass residues and raise awareness, testing and piloting of biochar and context&gap analysis of biomass conversion opportunities for green carbon supply. Without a transnational approach to this issue, appropriate technologies for biomass conversion will not be identified and upgraded, therefore the shift to green, post-carbon approaches might not be fully realised. It is the first time, transnational collaboration for the establishment of biochar production value chain is foreseen.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The Alps4GreenC project aimed to address pressing challenges in the Alpine region by promoting the use of biochar — a sustainable product made from biomass residues. The project targeted regional and sectoral issues to support the transition to a bio-based, post-carbon society. The Alpine region struggles with underutilised biomass residues from forestry, agriculture and the food industry, leading to waste and missed opportunities for sustainable development. In addition, companies developing innovative biochar systems face market entry challenges, as potential users often prefer conventional fossil fuel-based solutions. The specific problem addressed was the underutilization of biomass residues and the lack of awareness and acceptance of biochar as a valuable product. This issue derives from the fragmented biochar value chain and the absence of supportive policies to promote biochar use. Several key solutions were developed and tested in Alps4GreenC: 1) crowdsourcing campaign engaged stakeholders to collect biomass residues and raise awareness of biochar benefits.; 2) practical tests were conducted to produce biochar from biomass residues using pyrolysis and gasification technologies followed by analysis for agricultural and steel industry use; 3) Stakeholders in the biomass residue supply chain were identified and geographically mapped, with integration into the BioRural Toolkit to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among bioeconomy stakeholders across Europe; and 4) Policy recommendations were developed to support biochar production and use, considering various legal, socio-cultural, political, economic, and geographical factors. The solutions were developed collaboratively, engaging stakeholders from different countries. The crowdsourcing campaign launched in Austria, Italy and Slovenia collected biomass residues and involved 22 companies, crucial for raising awareness about biochar and stakeholder network formation. Practical tests in AT and IT research centers involved pyrolysis and gasification technologies, with biochar samples analyzed in SI for agricultural and steel industry suitability. Public accessibility of results via the Alps4GreenC Map https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/80049d83-4c8b-42e8-a611-23470b28f24f/page/p_kls693dsed enhance transparency, credibility and visibility. Eurostat statistics were used to identify the main actors in the biomass residue supply chain. This mapping helped to understand the dynamics of the supply chain and identify areas where biochar can be utilised more. By integrating solutions into the BioRural Toolkit, the project facilitated collaboration and the dissemination of best practises among bioeconomy stakeholders across Europe. Collaboration was fundamental to the success of the project. It enabled the pooling of resources and expertise, fostered innovation and provided comprehensive solutions. The partner organizations benefited from shared knowledge, expanded networks and improved biochar promotion skills. Alps4GreenC has brought about significant changes in the target regions and sectors. It increased awareness and acceptance of biochar and gave solutions for more sustainable management of biomass residues. The policy recommendations provided a supportive framework for the production and use of biochar and encouraged further uptake and development. The impact of the project on the target groups was significant. Stakeholders gained valuable knowledge and resources to utilise biochar effectively. The mapping and profiling of stakeholders helped create a solid network facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. Biochar providers received certificates with detailed analysis results, increasing transparency and trust. Several mechanisms ensure the sustainability of the solutions: 1) public accessibility of analysis results and certificates maintain transparency and stakeholder engagement; 2) integration into the BioRural Toolkit ensures continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing between bioeconomy stakeholders and 3) policy recommendations establish a supportive framework for biochar production and use to promote long-term adoption. Although the project has made significant progress, future challenges remain. These include increasing awareness and acceptance of biochar, removing regulatory hurdles and improving market uptake. However, there are also opportunities, such as the further development of biochar technologies, the expansion of stakeholder networks and the promotion of further innovations in the sustainable use of biomass residues. The Alps4GreenC project has created a solid foundation for the promotion of green carbon in the Alpine region. Through joint efforts, it has tackled the main challenges, developed effective solutions and created a sustainable way forward. The results of the project benefit stakeholders and the environment and promote the transition to a bio-based, post-carbon society.

Project outputs:
Biochar pilots(EN)
Alps4GreenC Policy recommendations (EN)

Thematic information

Renewable energy Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_AS_2) Carbon neutral and resource sensitive Alpine region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 071 Promoting the use of recycled materials as raw materials

Partners (7)

Lead Partner: Kemijski inštitut

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI33840890

Department: Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering

Address: Hajdrihova, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Department address: Hajdrihova, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ki.si/en/

Total budget: EUR 133 459.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 094.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 364.80

AIEL – Associazione Italiana Energie Agroforestali

Name: AIEL – Associazione Italiana Energie Agroforestali

Department: Technical department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 07091431002 (P.IVA)

Address: Viale dell’Università , 35020 Legnaro, Italy

Department address: Viale dell’Università , 35020 Legnaro, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: https://www.aielenergia.it/

Total budget: EUR 124 656.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 93 492.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 164.00

BioBASE GmbH

Name: BioBASE GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU76777249

Address: Rennbahnstraße , 3100 St. Pölten , Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.biobase.at

Total budget: EUR 75 000.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 56 250.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 750.20

Libera Università di Bolzano

Name: Libera Università di Bolzano

Department: Faculty of Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02232720215

Address: piazza Università, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Department address: piazza Università, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.unibz.it/

Total budget: EUR 119 350.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 89 512.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 837.50

BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH

Name: BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH

Department: Area 1 - Fixed Bed Conversion Systems Area 5.1 - Sustainable Supply and Value Chains

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU 56877044

Address: Inffeldgasse , 8010 Graz, Austria

Department address: Gewerbepark Haag, 3250 Wieselburg, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.best-research.eu

Total budget: EUR 175 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 750.00

Štajerska gospodarska zbornica

Name: Štajerska gospodarska zbornica

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI29710065

Address: Ulica talcev, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.stajerskagz.si

Total budget: EUR 113 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 85 050.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 350.00

Libera Università di Bolzano

Name: Libera Università di Bolzano

Department: Faculty of Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02232720215

Address: piazza Università, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Department address: piazza Università, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.unibz.it/

Total budget: EUR 119 350.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 89 512.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 837.50

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

AIEL – Italian Agroforestry Energy Association

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

BioBASE GmbH

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

Free University of Bolzano

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

National Institute of Chemistry

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Partners and Projects info

Free University of Bolzano-Bozen

Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Project acronym: Alps4GreenC

Project ID: ASP0200147

Project start date: 2022-09-01

Project end date: 2024-02-29

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

BRISKII (EN) | BRISK II (Funded by Horizon 2020) aims at establishing a centre of excellence in the field of 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels by uniting leading European research infrastructures. The BRISK II partners further develop techniques, methods and equipment needed for the utilization of biogenic feedstocks for production of valuable products. In addition, a Transnational Access Program allows researchers outside of the consortium to use the infrastructure of BRISK II partners for their own research. (EN), PyRes (EN) | PyRes is part of the BEST_2.0 COMET project funded by the Austrian funding agency (project number 869341). The project focusses on the pyrolysis of hardwood forestry thinning, characterization of product qualities (biochars and condensable fractions), identification of value chains and techno-economic analysis. Partners: BEST, Lumacon Holztechnologie GmbH, Forstunternehmen Schlöglhofer, GreenPlanet-EnviroTec GmbH (EN), BioPolyComp (EN) | The BioPolyComp project is funded by the Austrian research funding agency (Project number 877398, 2020-2023). The project focusses on the production of biochar for utilisation in plastic composite materials. This project gives deeper insight in the engineering of biochar product qualities. Partners: BEST and unibz, SYNCRAFT, Urbas Energietechnik GmbH and others (EN), Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership – Networks for the Transition to a Circular Economy (SRIP CE) (EN) | SRIP CE is a connection of all relevant stakeholders in Slovenia aiming to transition to circular economy. CCIS is the manager, NIC is the co-founder. It focuses its activities towards three important areas for the proposed project, Sustainable energy, Biomass and alternative raw materials and Green processes and technology. It functions as innovation cluster and provides advocacy to its members. We will make use of the experiences of SRIP as well as intertwine the already on-going activities. (EN), FlexiFuelGasControl (EN) | The experience gained during the project "FlexiFuelGasControl, Increased fuel flexibility and modulation capability of fixed-bed biomass gasifiers by means of model-based control" funded by Österreichischen Forschungsförderungs-gesellschaft mbH (FFG), would be beneficial for Alps4GreenC in terms of optimized technologies for the thermochemical conversion of biomass. Partners: BEST, unibz, and others (EN), FRONTSH1P (EN) | “FRONTSH1P: A FRONTrunner approach to Systemic circular, Holistic & Inclusive solutions for a new Paradigm of territorial circular economy” funded by the EU (Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, agreement No. 101037031), focuses on the development of circular systematic solutions for the valorisation of different waste streams. For example, it foresees the valorisation of wood packaging waste through gasification for the production of both gas and char. (EN), WOOD UP (EN) | Results of the project "WOOD-UP: Valorizzazione della filiera di gassificazione di biomasse legnose per l'energia, la fertilità del suolo e la mitigazione dei cambiamenti climatici" funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020, give a thorough overview on the application of char from commercial biomass gasifiers in agriculture and thus could be useful for the implementation of Alps4GreenC. (EN), ESTELLA (Horizon Europe) (EN) | ESTELLA will work on the design of novel bio-based epoxy resins with inherent recyclability capabilities thanks to the introduction of Covalent Adaptive Network (CAN) in the original epoxy structure. CAN will provide the thermosetting epoxy resin with the ability to respond to certain stimuli. Considering ESTELLA’s life cycle assessment, it will be possible to ascertain, which feedstocks are more relevant for such bio-based chemicals, while which for biochar, subject of present project proposal. (EN), GREEN-LOOP (Horizon Europe) (EN) | GREEN-LOOP addresses novel bio-based materials solutions, tackling the problem from a circular-business thinking perspective, which will enable overcoming the barrier for new manufacture tools, energy efficiency improvements and sustainable value chains. The main goal of GREEN-LOOP is to design and optimise 3 innovative bio-based materials and components for industrial sectors: construction, packaging, food… It will be possible to assess the applicability of present produced biochar therein. (EN), HYPELIGNUM (Horizon Europe) (EN) | Reshaping the life-cycle of electronics, from raw materials to end-of-life, is inevitably one of the fundamental steps to accomplish towards a sustainable economy and society. The ambition of the HyPELignum project is to propose and demonstrate a holistic approach for the manufacturing of electronics with net zero carbon emissions centred around additive manufacturing and wooden and derived materials. Biochar from Interreg project could be tested in electronics, providing samples to HyPELignum. (EN), BIOEASTSUP (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The transition of Central Eastern European countries towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy involves multiple actors. Governments should embrace strategic thinking at the national level. The role of multi-actor techniques for the development of new value chains must be emphasised and a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) should be adopted. NIC, being very active in BIOEASTSUP, will be able to align dissemination or to present results at the BIOEASTSUP workshops. (EN), CELEBIO (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The Bio-based Industries Consortium is the only industry-led European bioeconomy association pioneering investment and creating synergies. Consortium activities are not balanced throughout Europe, especially in Central European countries. The EU-funded CELEBio project will boost bioeconomy-related activities in countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Our propose project will build on implemented territorial mappings, gap analyses and stakeholders. (EN), RES4CARBON (EN) | The projects aim to use the biochar produced from a CHP plant for agronomical uses (soil fertilizer). The project also studies the economic aspects of the biomass supply chain to obtain a sustainable product both environmental and economical. The environmental sustainability is looked after by the PEFC’s Italian office. University of Padua is the leading partner in the biomass supply chain part. (EN), Rosewood 4.0 (Horizon 2020) (EN) | Wood mobilization and digitalization have a key impact in the development of the forest sector. The project, on a European scale, collected more than a hundred best practices in wood mobilization and digitization in the forestry sector doubling the one coming from the first version of the project. (EN), EUSALP AG9 - Energy (EN) | EUSALP Action Group 9's objective is, among other, to support better use of local resources while ensuring energy self-sufficiency in the region and reducing impacts on climate and the environment. We see direct synergies with Alps4GreenC aim, that is why we will establish close contacts and concrete cooperation with the group either through Steering committe or direct exchange of information via meetings and dissemination events. (EN)

Relevant mentions and prizes:

The project was promoted (1RP) through the programme TV on Slovenian television (RTV) in cooperation with the PiNA association and with the support of the EU-funded project "Green Cohesion" (Zelena kohezija).(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 740 866.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 555 649.50

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 75.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 555 649.50. Co-financing rate, 75.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Alps4GreenC Crowdsourcing campaign results report
Alps4GreenC Interactive stakeholder&resources map
Alps4GreenC Testing and pilot production report
Alps4GreenC Analysis report

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAlpineRegion Alps4GreenC directly addresses 3rd Thematic Policy Area: Environment and Energy by proposing renewable and reliable energy solutions for post-carbon society in the form of bio-based energy carrier development through the production of biochar. Transnational collaboration will connect currently dispersed available assets to seize the opportunities for sustainable and innovative development in the region.
Other Proposing to create the enabling environment and discover the potentials of biochar production value chain, we contribute to the goals of European Green deal which aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Namely, biochar use can contribute significantly to GHG reduction as it enables carbon storage, sustainable agricultural practices, it replaces fossil fuel carbon with carbon from biomass, etc.
Other The project also contributes to the topics addressed in the context of the Alpine Convention: climate change, energy, forests, green economy and soil conservation. We propose this transnational collaboration to promote and define the pathways for transnational utilization and valorization of biomass residues such as biochar due to its environmental benefits. For example 1 tonne of biochar is the equivalent of 3 tones of CO2 permanently sequestered from the atmosphere.
Other EU Circular Economy Action Plan is the building block of the European Green Deal, which introduces measures for more sustainable and circular practices in the EU. The exploration of transnational pathways for improved use of biochar which can be applied in several sectors (agriculture, construction, steel, textiles, energy, etc.), brings important advancements to the Alpine region and EU in terms of shifting to sustainable production and energy resilience.
Other SIRA 2030 sets out the main technological and innovation challenges to developing sustainable and competitive bio-based industries in Europe. Among its strategic orientations is also the creation of innovative bio-based products to outperform fossil-based counterparts. The objectives of our project fit into this strategic goal and will contribute important research and innovation outputs relevant for SIRA 2030.
Other Soil strategy for 2030 sets a vision and objectives to achieve healthy soils by 2050. By creating the conditions for enhanced use of biochar, which is the goal of Alps4GreenC, we will contribute to the Soil strategy, since biochar is known to permanently improve soil fertility and it has high water and nutrient holding qualities. Therefore, it reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 1.0
(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 1.0

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-11-11

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

46 / 46 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

467 / 467 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (7)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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