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Biomass is attracting more and more attention as a source of energy, partly due to the scarcity and polluting nature of fossil fuels, the need to reduce our dependence on politically unstable oil-producing countries and – last but not least – the high energy prices. The Netherlands is currently trailing its neighbours in the field of biomass and needs to catch up. With its strong chemical, agricultural and logistical clusters, the Netherlands is well-placed to secure a prominent position in this area.
The up-coming changes in global commodity flows open up opportunities for the Netherlands as a mainport for the processing, utilization and onward transportation of sustainable biomass. In addition, local residual flows such as fruit, vegetable and garden waste, manure and other organic waste can be used. This bio-economy also offers opportunities for Dutch agriculture and horticulture as a producer of high-quality raw materials and a processor of imported biomass flows. One important catch-up strategy is bio-cascading: Bioport is aimed at the multiple use of biomass, where substances for high-grade applications (e.g. pharmaceutical products, flavouring and aromatic agents, and food) are extracted first, after which the bulk residual products are used as animal fodder, fibres and energy.
Cascading is only possible if the production facilities of diverse chains (e.g. chemicals, food, fodder, energy) can be linked at a single location. In this connection it is essential that existing hubs play an active role in steering and directing the processes.
The ‘Bioport’ concept involves ports changing over from fossil fuels to biomass. To achieve this changeover and create sustainable value, it is necessary to make multiple use of biomass: first of all, the materials with high-grade applications must be extracted for pharmaceuticals, flavour and fragrance additives, and food, after which the bulk residual products can be used for low-grade applications such as animal fodder, fibres and energy. This demands the carefully-managed formation of clusters and, of course, sustainably produced biomass.
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