International Knowledge and Technology Transfer

In spite of a fast growing rate of photo-voltaic and wind power within the global total primary energy supply, biomass remains the single most important renewable energy resource in the world according to IEA date. However, its potential is limited. It is therefore essential that biomass is used in an environmentally sustainable manner, considering the water, food security, energy and climate nexus.

Due to fluctuating energy prices, the so called “energiewende” meaning the transformation of the fossil energy system, limited financial resources or lack of access to modern energy sources in some remote areas, many countries focus on the energetic use of biomass. There is a broad range of applications and types of bioenergy use, from open combustion to high-end technologies. Meanwhile, it appears that many users have not obtained the necessary knowledge and technology yet although some of these countries have long lasting experience with bioenergy utilization and have found solutions for specific technical challenges. Against this background, DBFZ is aiming for the development and execution of concepts and demonstration projects to enhance these activities.

Technical know-how and knowledge shall be transferred allowing for an evaluation of possibilities and limits for the sustainable utilization of biomass for energy production while also considering the different framework conditions.

Country Experiences

Since its foundation in 2008, DBFZ has left traces on all continents. Although most of the projects have been realized in Germany and Europe, DBFZ has realized studies and projects in a variety of countries all over the globe (see map below). Over the years, DBFZ has established strong networks in some countries in order to establish close research co-operations and promote the interchange of PhD students and scientists (e.g. Brazil, China, Japan). In other countries, the DBFZ has conducted short-term studies, for instance on biomass potentials, utilization of different feedstocks for bioenergy provision or pre-feasibility studies for bioenergy pilot plants (e.g. Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Caribbean, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Vietnam). Please find more information on specific country experiences in the subsequent sites (see world regions).

International Memberships

DBFZ is active member in a variety of international boards and committees as, for instance, International Organization for Standardization (ISO, TC 238 and TC 255), Committee on the Sustainability of Biofuels and Bioliquids, European Biofuels Technology Platform (EBTP), International Scientific Committee of the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EU BC&E), European Bioeconomy Stakeholders' Panel, and European Biogas Association.

Another important organisation in which DBFZ is actively involved is the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bionergy. Currently, five DBFZ scientists are the national task leaders of different task groups in IEA Bioenergy. Through this committee DBFZ has published a number of reports on different aspects of bioenergy (e.g. biogas, pellets, bio-waste). These report are free of charge and can be downloaded here.

Competencies and Activities

In cooperation with international partners, DBFZ realizes feasibility studies and bioenergy projects in many countries worldwide. Different stakeholders from politics, administration or science as well as business partners are incorporated into these projects. Be it the improvement of the energy efficiency or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, be it the concept development for the use of agricultural residues or bio-waste, be it the research of biomass utilization along the whole value chain, DBFZ has a top-level expertise for bioenergy issues worldwide. In addition to the specific project outcomes, the results are also promoted at conferences and workshops.

In order to learn about the state-of-the-art research results, guest scientists (Post-Doc) and PhD students are invited to do their research at DBFZ and transfer knowledge to their countries of origin. Frequent topics, international researchers focus on during their stay at DBFZ, are such aspects of bioenergy like

  • Bioenergy potential analysis;
  • Integration of bioenergy into the energy system of the future;
  • Biogas and anaerobic processes;
  • Biofuels and biorefinery processes;
  • Combustion and heating technologies;
  • Catalytic emission control

In addition to its technical excellence, DBFZ guarantees high intercultural competencies, communication skills for a broad variety of languages (e.g. English, Spanish, Russian, French, Persian, Polish, Bulgarian, etc.) and long-term experience in the international context.