Background

The use of biomass for power generation can only be established permanently when it is for sustained use, meaning that it must be economically sustainable, ecologically safe and socially acceptable. To achieve this aim, the DBFZ was given the task of advancing the development of suitable technical solutions.

In addition, the DBFZ will have to analyse potential fields of conflict between different aims related to the develop development of bioenergy and to come up with preventative approaches. Issues that need to be tackled in this context include the improvement of energy efficiency, the optimisation of the logistics chain and the avoidance of emissions into soil, water and in particular into the air. In addition, there is dynamic growth in the utilisation of biomass in many other European and non-European countries which influences national development and development opportunities in many ways. The scientific research of the DBFZ also needs to reflect this trend adequately.

Among target groups for the findings of the research and development teams are technical communities - and here in particular the agricultural and forestry communities -, the biomass/bioenergy industry and of course end consumers, who have great interest in an environmentally safe, low impact, economically presentable and socially acceptable provision of bioenergy. In addition, the DBFZ cooperates closely with the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) and with other federal and regional German ministries, as well as with many national and international public and non-public organisations. Moreover, the DBFZ aims to extend the overall knowledge of the potentials and limitations of the use of biomass for energy production. In doing so, it wants to contribute to protecting Germany’s position and renown as an important "industrial nation”. The DBFZ develops its new processes, methods and concepts in close cooperation with small and medium-sized partners in the industry and with other research institutions. This approach also intends to encourage the initiation and support of networks in the industry. At the same time, the DBFZ is actively building public research networks with agricultural, forestry and environmental institutions. Its networking partners include research departments of the BMELV, large-scale extramural research institutes (in particular the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)), regional research institutions, selected universities and other German, European and international institutions which are active in the field of biomass research.