Corn cobs to blow-in insulation: A new value
chain for the rural bioeconomy
Ronny Kittler, German Biomass Research Center
Triple-Helix Conference “Supporting the development of bio-based
economy partnerships in the Danube Region through a triple-helix
approach”
Budapest, 2016-07-20
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Introduction DBFZ
UFZ – Centre for Environmental Research, MicAS – Working Group Microbiology of Anaerob Systems 3
• Founded in 2008
• Owner: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
• Staff: 190
• 130 ongoing projects
• Third-party funding: 6 Mio. €/year
• Turnover: 12 Mio. €/year
Introduction Research Departments & Focus Areas
Pictures: Jan Gutzeit / DBFZ 4
Biogas pilot plant Combustion lab Fuel conditioning lab HTC test bed
Engine test bed Fuel technical centre Analytical lab Biofuels & Biogas lab
Introduction Research Infrastructure
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Energy & Environment
Network Leipzig
National HTP Innovation
Plattform
Transnational Renewable
Energy Cluster Danube
Business Incubator
DBFZ SMILE BUSINESS
COACH
Leipzig Network for Start-
ups & Innovation
Leading Edge Cluster of
the BMBF
SOJUS - International
Scientific Network
Bioenergy
Introduction DBFZ Innovation Ecosystem
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The Bio-based Economy in the Danube Region
A New Value Chain
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New Value Chain Bio-based economy in the Danube Region
Erich Westendarp / pixelio.de nachhaltigwirtschaften.at berggeist007 / pixelio.de ICS Energietechnik oekobau-gera.de
Corn cobs to blow-in insulation: A new value chain for the rural bioeconomy
Dotzauer/DBFZ
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Advantages A truly integrated & circluar value chain
Corn cobs – A promising resource for the bioeconomy
Icons by flaticon.com
Valorisation of
agricultural residues Increasing
field hygiene
Substitute for
mineral/wood insulation
CO2 storage Low-tech application Additional value chain
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Supply Side Danube Region among top producers of corn
Corn cobs – An abundant resource for the bioeconomy
Corn cobs (remaining moisture
12-13%) reaches a price of
around 115 Euro/1000 kg
Depending on variety 1.200 –
2.200 kg/ha (Germany)
Icons by flaticon.com
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Demand Side Growing market for insulating materials
Corn cobs – A possible niche market within the bioeconomy
In 2010 the market for insulating material reached 34 million m³ in
Germany and 193 million m³ in the European Union.
Fossil Resources
37%
Mineral Resources
59%
Wood
48%
Cellulose
32%
Flax, Hemp
9%
Sheep's
Wool
4%
Others
7% Renewable
Materials
4%
Insulating material produced from renewable raw materials overall German market
volume in 2004: 25 million m³
Fossil ResourcesMineral ResourcesWoodCelluloseFlax, HempSheep's WoolOthers
Source: fnr/GDI - Gesamtverband Dämmstoffindustrie
Icons by flaticon.com
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R&D Cooperation Upgrading and optimising rural value chains
Corn cobs – An interesting topic for R&D cooperation in the Danube Region
Farm operators
Icons by flaticon.com, Map: www.peopleandskills-danuberegion.eu
R&D Building Industry
Data & Markets
Certification & Regulation
Thank you for your attention!
Ronny Kittler DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH (German Biomass Research Center) Torgauer Straße 116 04347 Leipzig +49 (0)341 2434 470 [email protected]