Bioenergy

Biomass resources 
We evaluate the amount and the quality of biomass resources for energy purposes and materials. We are also conducting research into the properties of biomass in connections with its use for energy and materials.

Conversion technologies
Biomass can be converted into bioethanol (alcohol), biodiesel. hydrogen, biogas, syngas, heat or electricity. Or it can be converted into bioplastic or material fibers and form part of the so-called biocomposites.
We are developing new and more efficient methods with reduced energy consumption for conversion of the biomass and studying how the waste from the processes can be recycled.
Risø is also helping to pave the way for actual industrial use of the technologies via demonstration projects together with Danish and international companies.

Impact on society – increased sustainability 
We assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts that will result from producing and using the new biofuels. This may, for example, be a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases, reversal of nutrients or enhanced carbon sequestration in soil. The research shows ways to improve growing methods that may contribute to reducing the agricultural sector’s discharge of nutrients.
By means of technological foresight, we place the new technologies in a wider social context, and we analyse how the transport sector will be able to use biofuels and how the technologies can strengthen Danish companies’ innovative skills and growth.