Pioneering International Research Institute To Launch At Aston University

June 27 2008

A new pioneering research institute will be launched at Aston University on Monday 30th June 2008, paving the way for world class research into all aspects of bioenergy.
The European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI) will carry out international research into all aspects of bioenergy, ranging from fundamental research in the field through to collaborating with industry in developing the deployment of innovative technologies. It will also offer unique opportunities for joint activities between industry and researchers from all over Europe.

The events of the grand inauguration will take place on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July 2008 at Aston Business School, and are sponsored by Locate in Birmingham. The launch will be led and attended by internationally recognised speakers, delegates and experts in the field of bioenergy, from countries as far as Norway, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Germany. The opening speech will be given by Aston University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Julia King, who will be followed by a number of presentations exploring the latest topical issues in bioenergy research.

The wide range of activities the EBRI will carry out include: fundamental and applied research, analytical and test services for companies, consultancy for companies and governments, assessment of biomass conversion opportunities, training courses for industry, policy and decision makers and researchers. The Institute will also develop and operate a demonstration scale CHP (combined heat and power) plant to be used for research and training and for industry to assess the feasibility of using different types of biomass in an advanced plant.

The EBRI, led by Prof Andreas Hornung, will promote and manage the implementation of bioenergy technologies at a local, national and European level. It will also provide operational and test facilities for industry and provide heat and power to the local Aston Science Park.

The EBRI’s activities and complementary research at Aston University will integrate the work of local and national Universities and act a focus for pan-European activities on scientific and technological aspects of biomass production, conversion and utilisation of products used for renewable power, heat, transport fuels and chemicals.

Mike Loftus, of Locate in Birmingham, said: ‘Everyday the media headlines reinforce the need to identify and implement new ways of generating energy. I have no doubt that the EBRI initiative will ensure that this region plays a fundamental role in this achieving this important task.’

Locate in Birmingham, the city's Inward Investment Agency, is working closely with Aston University on the EBRI initiative as part of the Science City agenda which looks to build on Aston University's strengths in research into bioenergy.

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