Towards a bio-based economy

1. Towards a bio-based economy Sarah Nilsson Head of Sustainable Development Växjö, Sweden

2. What is a bio-based economy, BBE? • Some definitions … • In a bio-based economy, renewable resources is used to meet our environmental, consumer and industrial needs. • Renewable raw material is the base for production. • Agriculture and forestry will replace fossil fuels

3. Fossil Fuel Free Växjö | View of Växjö

4. AFossil Fuel FreeVäxjö Main reasons for introducing bioenergy in the 80´s • oil crisis – very expensive energy for inhabitants • renewable fuel • local and reliable supply • local jobs • income to local forest owners, saw mills and contractors • tax income to the municipality • transparency and democratic control of the energy system Outcome 2005 • New jobs in the whole bio-energy chain • Domestic fuel makes the energy system less vulnerable • People get comfortable heat for low price • Companies have developed and export • The university has got a bio-energy centre • Environmental tourism and technical visits Fossil Fuel Free Växjö | waste material from forestry and the 104 MW co-generation power plant

5. Energy supply in Växjö 2005

6. Energy efficient wooden houses

7. Sustainable city development – energy optimised wood houses • Ecological • Energy efficient in an LCA perspective • Renewable and recyclable • Heating and electricity from waste • Economy • Fast building process gives lower costs • Regional raw material that is refined regionally gives regional growth • Future oriented with regard to energy- and raw material prices • Social • Cosy – low move rate • Regional work opportunities • Municipal plan states: wood as building material, district heating and energy efficiency.

8. A Public - Private co-operation - A win-win Co-operation Fossil Fuel Free Växjö EU Funding Växjö City Sweden Funding Wood: bioenergy and building Växjö University Industry Total 150 environmental companies Fossil Fuel Free Växjö | Triple Helix

9. One example: The Bioenergy Group Ltd • It´s purpose is to promote the use of bioenergy and to initiate and support R&D within the area of bioenergy. • Seven independent companies: • ÅF • VEAB • SÅBI • Södra • Sydved • Järnforsen Energi System • FLK • Alstom Power • The Bioenergy Group supports the Bioenergy Center at the University of Växjö supports the professor in Bioenergy economically and co-operates with the Bioenergy Center in research projects.

10. Product development 20 years experience of most every piece of equipment needed for the whole bioenergy cycle Fossil Fuel Free Växjö | Product development

11. BBE in a global perspective • A bio-based economy (BBE) is emerging, where renewable bio-resources are the feedstock. • Growth 5-20% per year, world market year 2010 600 B Euro, (OEDC) • Economic growth is not in opposition to environmental preservation and quality of life. Sweden showcase for decoupling. • New bio-based economic opportunities are emerging rapidly in such sectors as health care, agri-food, forest products, chemicals, plastics, energy and environment. • Bio-based products and processes are leading the way to a new industrial revolution like the fossil fuels did during the 2000th century? The bio-based economy is a key to sustainable development

12. Future products from the forest – biorefinery Vehicle fuel DME Cosmetics Biomass Ash Packaging Gasification to synthesis gas District heating and power Sawmill and pulp Paper Building material Antioxidantes chemicals