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Report: BioDieNet project (EIE/06/090)

The objective of BioDieNet is the promotion of localised biodiesel production from used cooking oils (UCO) for transportation purposes, by means of the active involvement of local Energy Agencies in more than 10 European countries. The action will establish a working network of Energy Agencies and other market actors across Europe who are engaged in or planning to be engaged in the supply of locally-produced biodiesel from UCOs. The network will provide specific, practical information, education, dedicated tools and support to help set up and maintain projects which result in greater uptake of locally-produced biodiesel by public and private vehicle fleets as well as individual vehicle owners. Through the involvement of Energy Agencies traditional barriers of centralized biodiesel structures are addressed to enable easier introduction in higher concentrations (20-100%), reduce high risks involved for potential biodiesel producers, and create localized supply chains.

Biodiesel has a huge advantage over other alternative transport fuels in that it can be introduced immediately to transport fleets, providing a safe and problem-free route into the wider use of biofuels. The simplicity of the supply chain for biodiesel from used cooking oils also makes it ideally suited to the involvement of local Energy Agencies and public authorities, allowing rapid reductions in fleet CO₂ emissions, a degree of autonomy in transport fuels and local employment provided in the production and distribution of the fuel.

The direct outcomes of the project will be:

15 new biodiesel from UCO projects and 30 biodiesel filling stations initiated or established in partner regions and 2000 more vehicles running on biodiesel
>50 quick scan reports that study the techno-economic feasibility of localized biodiesel production by potential supply chain members
An electronic and printed handbook in 10 different languages providing comprehensive guidance to the setting up and maintenance of local biodiesel projects and the promotion of biodiesel as a fuel, relevant to all 25 Member States
A training programme combining workshops, seminars and distance learning materials to develop knowledge and expertise in this specific field for Energy Agencies and other market actors, coordinated fully with those planned under the COMPETANCE, e-ATOMIUM, eTREAM and Bio-NETT projects
A comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge and experience in the field including a set of case studies demonstrating how existing local biodiesel projects have been established, the barriers they have faced and how successful they have been in overcoming them
A common, adaptable template for the development of Business Plans for new local biodiesel projects, again relevant to all Member States
The formal establishment of a membership network across Europe tied in initially to the regional biofuels networks proposed under the existing Bio-NETT project
A website linked to the proposed common Bio-NETT website and other existing biofuel sites with strong interactive features, including message boards, to allow a cross-flow of information and expertise among network members

The potential impacts of the project are:

A major expansion of local biodiesel supply projects making a significant contribution to Member States' conformity with the Biofuels Directive
Increased opportunities for Energy Agencies to establish new biodiesel projects in collaboration with local and regional authorities, providing increased local employment and other economic benefits
A measurable decrease in the environmental impacts of waste oil disposal and transport emissions

The Partners in the project are: