Get involved with the SPIRE Roadmap Consultation!

The European Process Industry, through its newly-created Association SPIRE (A.SPIRE), has launched a public consultation on the strategic multi-annual research and innovation roadmap developed for the proposed SPIRE Public-Private Partnership (PPP). SusChem is a major supporter and contributor to the SPIRE initiative.

This public consultation is a unique opportunity for all interested parties to have their say on this initial 92 page, cross-sectorial research and innovation roadmap. The document provides the pathway for Europe to decouple resource consumption from human well-being and achieve increased competitiveness in the European process industry. The consultation process will run until 1 October 2012.

The consultation survey must be undertaken online but a pdf preview of the questions can be downloaded here.

The consultation on the proposed SPIRE PPP is also accessible via the European Commission’s Industrial Technologies webpage on Public Private Partnerships in Research together with other open consultations on current PPPs Factories of the Future and Energy-efficient Buildings.

What is SPIRE about?
The realisation of SPIRE is essential in order to rejuvenate the European process industry and to ensure that economic growth is decoupled from resource impact – a key factor to enable sustainable economic growth.

The sectors, including the chemical industry, united in the SPIRE initiative represent a major part of the manufacturing base in the European Union involving more than 450,000 individual enterprises with over 6.8 million employees and generating more than €1.6 trillion annual turnover.

The cross-sectorial research and innovation roadmap produced by SPIRE provides the pathway for the European Process Industry to decouple resource consumption from human wellbeing and achieve increased competitiveness in the Europe. The roadmap is the result of an extensive process of collecting input from the eight process industry sectors actively participating in SPIRE, in consultation with other sectors such as glass, paper and pulp, and the European Commission through a provisional Ad hoc Industrial Advisory Group (AIAG).

The roadmap represents the collaborative efforts of public research and technology organisations and academia as well as industry stakeholders throughout Europe, along and across the value chain.

The SPIRE research and innovation roadmap was developed with two key resource and energy efficiency targets in mind and a time horizon of 2030:

• A reduction in fossil energy intensity of up to 30% from current levels by 2030 through a combination of, for example, cogeneration-heat-power, process intensification, introduction of novel energy-saving processes, energy recovery, and progressive introduction of alternative (renewable) energy sources within the process cycle, and
• Upto 20% reduction in non-renewable, primary raw material intensity compared to current levels, by increasing chemical and physical transformation yields and/ or using secondary (through optimised recycling processes) and renewable raw materials.

For both targets a full life cycle cost analysis is required to consider all effects along the value chain and to prove the sustainability advantage. In addition both targets will make a significant contribution to the political and societal objectives of drastic efficiency improvement in CO2-equivalent footprints of up to 40% by 2030.

Key components, key actions
SPIRE will implement its research and innovation roadmap through six Key Components that are at the core for a resource and energy efficient process industry:

1. Feed: Increased energy and resource efficiency through better preparation and product mix of raw materials, higher levels of alternative and renewable feedstock (including waste and waste water), as well as better managing increased quality variations in material resources.
2. Process: Solutions for more efficient processing and energy systems for the process industry, including industrial symbiosis.
3. Applications: New processes to produce materials for market applications that boost energy and resource efficiency up and down the value chain.
4. Waste2Resource: Valorisation and re-use of waste streams within and across sectors, including recycling of post-consumer waste streams and new business models for eco-innovation.
5. Horizontal: underpinning the accelerated deployment of the R&D&I opportunities identified within SPIRE through sustainability evaluation tools and skills and education programmes as well as enhance the sharing of knowledge and best practices.
6. Outreach: Reach out to the process industry, policy makers and citizens to support the realisation of impact through awareness, stimulating societal responsible behaviour.

Key Actions have been developed for each Key Component, enabling an ambitious, realistic and measurable agenda driven approach towards fulfilling the SPIRE objectives and consequently achieving impact overcoming technological and non-technological barriers.

The SPIRE roadmap will be updated through an open and consultative process during the lifetime of the PPP to reflect progress as well as possible changes in priorities. You can take part in the initial public consultation by clicking the survey button below.

Investment Forum for Biotech Enterprise at BioSpain 2012

The SusChem supported European project BIOCHEM will be at BioSpain 2012 in Bilbao on 19 to 21 September to hold an industrial biotechnology investment forum. This is the first time BIOSPAIN has organised such a forum, which has the objective of presenting start-up projects or SMEs in an initial development phase, or having high potential, to an audience of international investors and financiers who are specialised in the bio-based market segment.

Participation in the investment forum at BioSpain 2012 is free and will allow entrepreneurs to present their projects to an international panel of expert investors and industrial representatives who will be able to asses and evaluate their ideas, increasing the chances of finding the right investor and partners. You only need to complete a short profile of your company to participate. The registration and profile form can be found here.

BIOCHEM uses the term “Accelerator Fora” for these events that are targeted at biotechnological SMEs, researchers and entrepreneurs. As part of Accelerator Fora activities a Business Plan Competition, technological transfer sessions and bilateral meetings with International representatives will also take place. for more information, please visit the BIOCHEM page on the BioSpain 2012 website.

Support to Entrepreneurs
BIOCHEM is a European Project that offers a unique promotion and financing opportunity to entrepreneurs and researchers who plan to start a business in the biological product sector. This is enabled via ‘Accelerator Fora’ events that bring together potential partners from industry, academia, venture capital and laboratory facilities throughout Europe.

BIOCHEM was launched in February 2010. It is a European initiative with the participation of 16 partners, two of which are Spanish: Feique and Madrid Network‐Biocluster. The project is co‐financed by the European Commission’s INNOVA programme to support companies who wish to access the growing biotechnological based chemicals product market. For more information visit the BIOCHEM website or to register with the BIOCHEM collaboration platform visit the dedicated site.

Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock

Increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions due to human activity are seen as largely responsible for the greenhouse effect and thus for inducing climate change. Reducing global CO₂ emissions is an international political priority. And chemistry is playing its role in exploring how CO₂ may be used as a chemical feedstock to make a range of useful materials and products. The 'Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock for Chemical and Polymers' conference in Essen, Germany will showcase recent developments and emerging technologies.

At first sight it may seem paradoxical to wish to use energy-poor, inert CO₂ molecules as a chemical feedstock. But considerable research and development efforts in recent years have led to new and innovative CO₂-recycling technologies and a possible vision of a sustainable CO₂ economy.

The conference, that takes place in the Haus der Technik in Essen on 10 and 11 October 2012, will highlight a range of advanced research projects and commercial solutions that are pioneering possible pathways to using CO₂ as a feedstock for the chemical industry. Participants at the conference will gain an invaluable overview of the current successful processes, as well as learning about the solutions international leading companies, universities and research centres have envisaged for the short and medium term.

Chemicals and polymers
The conference will focus on chemical and polymer production based on CO₂ gases (including PPC/PEC production, polyols and polyurethanes), CO₂ fermentation, carbonation of glycerol and other chemicals, bioelectrochemical CO₂ conversion and other techniques. Presentations will not only give a complete picture for these themes, but will also cover topics such as solar fuels (both photovoltaic and CO₂ conversion to fuels), use of algae and much more.

The conference will consist of six main sessions covering:

• The CO₂ economy – Vision, drivers and framework
• CO₂ purification and technical preparation: how to render CO₂ a suitable feedstock
• CO₂ as carbon source for innovative chemistry
• CO₂ fixation for polymer synthesis
• Innovative fermentation strategies using CO₂ as carbon source
• CO₂ reduction as starting point for renewable and sustainable fuels.

The Essen event will be the biggest conference on this important topic this year.

For more information download the Conference flyer which includes a preliminary programme. The conference will also host an associated exhibition and an extensive poster session. SusChem founding partner Cefic is also a partner for the conference and Cefic members can receive a 10% discount on registration.

A.SPIRE for Sustainable European Competitiveness

Today (July 18) saw the establishment of the legal entity that will manage and implement the proposed SPIRE Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The A.SPIRE AISBL was launched at a signing ceremony (picture below) at Cefic offices in Brussels.

"Today marks a very special day in the history of the European Process Industry and the overall European industrial scene," said Ed d'Hooghe, Executive Director A.SPIRE. "We believe that never before has such a large group of representatives from such a broad cross-section of industrial sectors formally organised themselves to participate in an innovation programme of the European Commission."

"The initiative signals the commitment and expectations that these sectors have for the SPIRE Public-Private Partnership to provide the innovations that will make Europe the most sustainable region in the world from social, ecological and economic perspectives," he continued. "A.SPIRE looks forward to welcome additional partners that wish to play an active role in re-shaping the European Process Industry landscape through innovation to once again be the most competitive region in the world."

Significant achievement
Commenting on this significant point in achieving the SPIRE initiative. SusChem Chairman Dr. Klaus Sommer said: "The process industry in Europe represents 20% of production, jobs and sales. The European Commission is setting up Horizon 2020 to give industry more room to shape the framework programme for the next seven years so that important issues that directly influence the competitiveness of Europe are focus areas of the programme. The process industry has used this opportunity and designed and promoted SPIRE. We have attracted very good support from stakeholders, national institutions, European Commission and the European Parliament."

"Today marks a significant milestone because we are formally implementing the structure that can carry us through the next 1+7 years. It is a very happy and proud moment to see the strong representation from industry, academia, and research and technology organisations. And as always with milestones we should use the opportunity to pause for a moment and celebrate what we achieved so far. We still have a lot of work in front of us but we are confident that through hard work and joint efforts we can reach our goal."

What is A.SPIRE?
A.SPIRE AISBL is an association formed to represent the private sector as a partner in a new Innovation Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to be launched as part of the Horizon2020 framework programme.

The Sustainable Process Industry through Resource and Energy Efficiency (SPIRE) PPP proposal has the objective of developing the enabling technologies and solutions along the value chain that are required to reach long term sustainability for Europe in terms of global competitiveness, ecology and employment.

A.SPIRE is an open association that represents more than 45 industrial and research process industry stakeholders from over a dozen countries spread throughout Europe. A.SPIRE was founded through the joint efforts of the chemical, steel, engineering, minerals, non-ferrous metals, cement, ceramics and water sectors.

To find out more about the SPIRE PPP initiative visit the SPIRE website.

FP7: SusChem welcomes €8 Billion Call for 2013

Today, 9 July, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, announced the final and biggest work programme of the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme for research and development (FP7). The call’s work programme will inject over €8 billion into Europe's research and innovation system to stimulate competitiveness and boost Europe's prospects for growth and jobs.

Announcing the call Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said: "Knowledge is the currency of the global economy. If Europe wants to continue to compete in the 21st century, we must support the research and innovation that will generate growth and jobs, now and in the future. The high level of competition for EU funding makes sure that taxpayers' money goes to the best projects that tackle issues that concern all of us."

The calls will target both innovation and a range of societal challenges, building a bridge to Horizon 2020, the next funding programme for EU research from 2014-2020. In total €4.8 billion is dedicated to thematic research priorities. Industrial innovation will be supported through close-to-market activities such as piloting, demonstration, standardisation and technology transfer. Special attention will be given to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in a package worth up to €1.2 billion.

SusChem support
SusChem welcomes this challenge-based approach that brings together resources and knowledge across different fields, technologies and disciplines, including social sciences and the humanities. The platform particularly welcomes the reinforced focus on innovation-related activities, such as piloting, demonstration, test-beds, and support for public procurement and closer-to-market activities in Horizon 2020.

SusChem will be running a dedicated FP7 Brokerage day on September 18 at the Sheraton Hotel, Place Rogier, Brussels covering these calls. SusChem will be joined by a range of other Technology Platforms and research associations to make this SusChem's biggest brokerage event yet.

Some calls of particular interest to SusChem and partners are innovative technological solutions to address the challenge of managing fresh water resources, which will be supported with €98 million of funding including some €40 million to be devoted to a Water European Innovation Partnership in 2013 where SusChem is heavily involved. Enhanced investment on research and innovation is critical for the European water industry to consolidate its position in the global market.

In addition, €75 million is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable supply of raw materials to the EU for its industry and society as a whole and with a budget of €358 million, the 2013 FP7 work programme also promotes efficiency in the processing of biological resources, development of bio-based products and processes with the aim of building a bio-resource efficient Europe.

Around €365 million is also available for technologies that will transform urban areas into sustainable "Smart Cities and Communities".

Most of the calls for proposals will be published tomorrow (10 July), with some further specific calls to follow in autumn 2012.

Stimulating growth
It is expected that the €8.1 billion announced today will leverage an additional €6 billion of public and private investment in research. This in itself will generate 210,000 new jobs in the short-term and boots growth by an estimated €75 billion over a 15 year period.

When it was launched, FP7 was the largest research funding programme in the world with a budget of €55 billion for 2007-2013.

For further information a press release on the funding announcement and an associated memo are available.

ChemWater Workshop Three in Brussels

The SusChem FP7 project ChemWater has announced that it will hold its third workshop on 5 September in Brussels. The venue will be the offices of ACQUEAU. The workshop will further develop the vision for what a water sustainable process industry should look like by 2050 and identify the necessary tools and methodologies needed to realise that vision.

The workshop will focus on those processes, materials and technologies needed to reach the vision that were defined in the previous two ChemWater workshops. Active discussions on allocation of skills, competencies, coordination and funding needed to reach the vision will be discussed focusing on the following topics:

• Chemical process engineering, reaction and process design
• Emerging water treatment technologies
• Identification and development of (nano) materials

The output of the ChemWater project will be directly linked to the forthcoming European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water, and will provide information to set the priorities for research and innovation in the Strategic Implementation Plan of the EIP and therefore the reference for future calls. The aim of the EIP on Water is to position Europe as the world leader in sustainable water management by boosting innovation.

Participation in the workshop is your chance to bring forward your ideas for research and innovation programmes in this important strategic area and give direction to a roadmap on sustainable water use.

More information

The preliminary programme for the meeting is available on the ChemWater website and a flyer for the event is also available.

Please feel free to forward details of the workshop to colleagues who may be interested in the event. If you need more information on the workshop, please contact either Nienke Koeman or Albert Jansen at organisers TNO.

To register for the workshop please send an email to Inge Huiskes with your name and affiliation (as you would like it printed on a name badge) preferably before 15 August 2012. Participation in the workshop is free of charge.

BIOCHEM goes Bilbao

BIOCHEM, the European Bioeconomy Innovation project, offers unique promotion opportunities to entrepreneurs and researchers considering launching a business in the bio-based product sector. BIOCHEM facilitates introductions to European investors and other industrial stakeholders that can enable budding bio-entrepreneurs to find the financing and advice they need. And the next BIOCHEM event takes place in Bilbao.

BIOCHEM Accelerator Fora combine several activities, including bilateral meetings to bring together and introduce potential partners from industry, academia, venture capital investors, and test facilities based throughout Europe.

BIOCHEM has organised four events specifically focused on biotechnology sector SMEs, researchers and entrepreneurs. The first of these events took place in Milan in October 2011, the second happened during Achema in Frankfurt in June 2012 and the next will take place in Bilbao from September 19 to 21. The final event is scheduled for London during January 2013.

The Bilbao Forum is organised within the framework of Spain’s largest biotechnological event, BioSpain 2012. This should promote attendance and synergies amongst a wide spectrum of experts and offers a three day programme that will include BIOCHEM’s Business Plan competition final, Venture Capital Sessions and bilateral meetings for potential partnering.

Three days, three activities
The first activity is the Business Plan competition that will award and promote the most promising ideas to stimulate the creation of biotechnology businesses. The competition is open to universities, research centres and technological transfer offices.

In addition, six of the Business Plan Competition finalists will have the opportunity of presenting their projects to a venture capital investor expert panel during the second day of the Forum.

The Forum will also offer the opportunity to celebrate bilateral and technological transfer meetings to help identify potential partners from industry, academia, venture capital investors, and test facilities throughout Europe and share knowledge.

BIOCHEM, was launched on February 2010. It is a European initiative with the participation of 16 partners, two of which are Spanish: Feique and Madrid Network-Biocluster. The project is co-financed by European Commission’s INNOVA programme to support companies who wish to access the growing biotechnological based chemicals products market.

For more information on BIOCHEM visit the project website. There is also more information on the project section of SusChem-Espana website.