Efficient use of biomass potential for energy production

HUB BERN | Project AUE-2

Our goal:

To promote more efficient use and recycling of regionally generated biomass. This can support a circular economy and contribute to regional value creation and the transformation toward a climate-neutral society. 

Biomass can be used to produce climate-neutral electricity, heat, and fuel. Graphic: “Energy from biomass”, SwissEnergy, Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) 

In a nutshell:

The potential of locally generated biomass like wood, farm waste, biosolids, and food waste for climate-neutral energy production has been underutilized to date. The same applies to material recycling—that is, the recycling of biomass waste into secondary raw materials. For example, scrap wood can be recycled and used to produce new furniture. It can also be used as an energy source when burned to produce heat.  

A system analysis conducted jointly with stakeholders from public administration, research, and the private sector led to development of a common understanding of the existing system of biomass utilization. The amount of biomass that can be generated and harvested in the Canton of Bern was also surveyed, and a vision for future biomass use was created. On this basis, existing conflicts, obstacles, and false incentives were identified, and directions for possible measures were proposed. Concrete implementation projects are now being planned.  

More information:  

Nachhaltige und effiziente Biomassennutzung im Kanton Bern: Hintergrundbericht (Background report on sustainable and efficient use of biomass in the Canton of Bern; in German) 

Nachhaltige und effiziente Biomassennutzung im Kanton Bern: Vision, Zielkonflikte und mögliche Stossrichtungen für Massnahmen (Report “Sustainable and efficient use of biomass in the Canton of Bern: Vision, conflicting goals, and possible approaches for measures”; in German)  

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In collaboration with:

Office for Environment and Energy of the Canton of Bern (AUE) 

Status: Ongoing project