The ABATE project aims to upscale and demonstrate in an industrial relevant scale a complete sustainable value chain based on the integration of thermochemical and biochemical technologies for the valorization of lignocellulosic residual and non-food/feed biomass into cost-competitive, carbon-neutral Advanced Bio-based intermediATEs (ABATEs) to directly substitute fossil hydrocarbons in conventional oil refineries. The technology was validated in TRL5 via a Horizon 2020 project (BioMates), which involved a two-step valorization of lignocellulosic biomass. In ABATE, residual lignocellulosic biomass is firstly converted into fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) and bio-char. CO2 from the FPBO production will be sequestrated and converted into methanol, enabling the mitigation of GHG emissions of the pyrolysis step as well as side-production of green methanol. Secondly, the FPBO is stabilized into a high-quality advanced bio-based intermediate, which can be directly fed in conventional refinery plants, enabling the direct decarbonization of the refining sector as well as of the transportation fuels and chemicals. The stabilization will be performed via a single hydroprocessing step which incorporates several innovation systems and designs (i.e. a novel catalytic system abiding to FPBO acidity and solids content, optimal energy integration, as well as its integration with green H2 and a biochemical CCU unit). The ABATE end use will be demonstrated via co-feeding with refinery intermediates, rendering hybrid marine and aviation transport fuels, as well as feasibility and business plans. ABATE technology may satisfy over 55% and 5% of the EU renewable marine and aviation fuels demand by 2035, respectively. The ABATE project aims to scale-up and intensify the technology to reach 90%-120% GHG emission reduction (according to RED) in industrial scale by optimized processes and their integration with RES components (i.e. green H2) minimizing the use of fossil energy inputs.

CEE2ACT will empower countries in Central Eastern Europe and beyond (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia) - CEE2ACT target countries - to develop circular bioeconomy strategies and action plans through knowledge transfer and innovative governance models enabling sustainability and resilience to achieve better informed decision-making processes, societal engagement and innovation, building on the practice of experienced countries serving as role models in this context (Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Sweden). Knowledge transfer and inspiration in creative formats that address the motivations, needs and knowledge gaps of each CEE2ACT target country will be realized through the CEE2ACT National Bioeconomy Hubs. A participatory, non-political, bottom-up approach will be applied throughout the project activities, tackling specific knowledge gaps and shortcomings of the top-down conventional approach, building closer interconnections between actors across public institutions, private sector, industry, energy, SMEs, feedstock providers (e.g., waste, side streams, farmers, foresters, fishermen), academia and research, NGOs, CSOs in the target countries. To achieve this, a baseline assessment will be carried out (socio-economic and environmental aspects), stakeholder engagement activities will be implemented ensuring the proper involvement and active participation of all relevant stakeholders. Digital solutions for sustainable governance will be created, exchange of know-how and best practices on technology transfer, building the capacities of the stakeholders to develop bioeconomy strategies. The findings will be synthetized, in an analytical framework, which will result in National-level Roadmaps for the Bioeconomy Strategies in Targeted CEE2ACT countries, boosting societal engagement in the countries’ transition towards circular bioeconomy.

The overall objective of the project is to boost green and digital transition of European manufacturing SMEs through the uptake of advanced technologies and social innovation. To that end, MANTRA will create and demonstrate an effective and highly scalable European-wide capacity building and demonstration programme to provide SMEs with the required assistance, network of partners and experts, and financial support to elaborate and implement tailored transformation journeys leading to sustainable business models and, more competitive and resilience SMEs. This innovation support ecosystem will be built on the capacities of a strong consortium and of available EU support networks and SME support initiatives.

The built environment and related construction processes are together responsible for up to half of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. The circular principles can contribute in important ways to achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality target in addition to the zero emissions 2030 target. INBUILT proposes and develops (1) a set of innovative design, retrofit and construction techniques for both existing and new buildings based on the use and/or reuse of locally sourced bio- and geo-materials along with reused and recycled components coupled with (2) a digital platform, as a multi-objective decision-support tool, for the optimisation of the integration such materials in buildings. This can build an integrated strategy in which sustainability and digitalization are embedded into the construction sector. This set of products includes Larged-sized rammed earth blocks, recycled fired and non-fired bricks (with/without bio-sourced insulation), hybrid straw-clay boards, recycled concrete blocks, prefabricated waste wood external and internal wall elements, smart windows with recycled glass and bio-PUR frames, bio-based prefabricated curtain walls, recycled waste paper and textile fibre insulation mats, bio-based recycled insulation sheet panels/infill, and second life PV panels. These solution techniques, already validated at the lab scale and designed following circularity principles, will be up-scaled, demonstrated and tested in real buildings and optimised using the digital platform in a solid life-cycle-based (and social LCA) perspective. A multidisciplinary consortium will support these objectives. Outcomes will positively impact i) European competitiveness of the construction sector in the field of “green” construction technologies ii) decarbonisation of the building stock, iii) increased digitalisation, iv) raise resilience thanks to circular economy, resource efficiency, eco-design and digitization of the INBUILT innovative systems.