Role of bio-energy in EU energy mix + future persp

Biomass currently (according to 2006 EUROSTAT data) represents 6.02% of the EU final energy consumption and is estimated to reach around 13% by 2020 (according to the EREC Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap). In real terms, biomass currently represents more than 60% of the total EU renewable energy final consumption, and its total absolute contribution is expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

The industry requires more and more skilled people who are able to understand all uses of biomass (for electricity, heating & cooling, transport), and strive for its sustainability all along the supply chain.
In order to respond to the request from the industry, the bio-energy specialisation of the European Master in Renewable Energy is composed of:

• General introduction including the development of  sustainability criteria for biofuels and extending this to biomass, as introduced by the EU renewable energy directive
• The module on dry residual biomass and energy crops provides the students with the necessary knowledge to evaluate these resources and the processes and technologies used for their conversion, including related economic, legal and environmental concerns
• The module on municipal solid waste explores its characteristics, issues, and different treatments, including a detailed evaluation of the energy provided and the related residual water purification
• The module on wet residual biomass focuses on the process and technology available to produce biogas and its use as a fuel for thermoelectric generation
• The module on biofuels presents their characteristics, transformation processes, main technologies and applications, including an in-depth analysis of their use in alternative engines