The Biomasstep project presents a novel technology to analyze the quality of biomass

The analytical methodology developed by Biomasstep is based on NIR technology and allows the prediction of biomass quality parameters, such as humidity or chlorine, quickly and reliably. The fundamental innovation is the application of NIR Spectroscopy to the characterization of the quality parameters of native biomasses, that is, those with the greatest use and potential in Andalusia and the Algarve.

The quality of biomass is a key aspect for its energy application, since not all biomass sold has a quality certificate. The development of this technology and its transfer to companies in the sector will result in better energy use of indigenous natural resources, will promote advanced manufacturing processes and will favor the consolidation of a transparent and safe biomass market, essential for the deployment of the Bioeconomy. in areas where unemployment has become chronic.

Within the framework of the Biomasstep project, an Interregional Biomass Platform between Andalusia and Portugal is also being developed, which will function as a cross-border network between companies in the sector, research centers, universities, public administrations and companies.

The objective is to promote the implementation and transfer of the technology created by the project, as well as the use of quality biomass. The Interregional Biomass Platform is available on the project website and includes a company map and a sector map, information on the regulation of the sector in Spain and Portugal, news and reports and a development aid portal.

The project
With a budget of more than 600,000 euros and a duration of two and a half years, the Biomasstep project aims to achieve the development and transfer to bioenergy companies of an innovative NIR technology for the rapid and economical analysis of the quality of native biomass in the area. cross-border.

Furthermore, the project aims to transfer the tool developed to enhance the innovative capacity of companies in the sector, so that the research results are commercially exploited and allow added value to be generated.

Together with the UCO and CTA, the Andalusian Energy Agency, Prodetur (Seville Provincial Council) is part of this project; the Association of Renewable Energy Companies (APPA Renovables), AREANATejo – Regional Energy and Environment Agency of Alentejo; AREAL – Algarve Regional Energy and Environment Agency; LNEG – National Laboratory of Energy and Geology of Portugal and the University of Évora.