EU biorefinery outlook to 2030 - Studies on support to research and innovation policy in the area of bio-based products and services

A circular bio-based economy is seen as an important element of a European low carbon economy, and is expected to increasingly contribute to GHG emission reductions, decreased dependence on fossil resources and drive economic growth over the next decades. This study presents scenarios on how demand and supply for bio-based chemicals and materials could grow to 2030, and provides roadmaps with actions required to increase the deployment of chemical and material driven biorefineries in the EU. The study also presents the key elements of the analysis which have supported the preparation of the scenarios and roadmaps. This includes a biorefinery classification system, a database of operational or announced biorefineries (developed in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre) for the EU and 10 non-EU countries, a detailed opportunities and barriers analysis and a market outlook to 2030 with a focus on eleven biorefinery pathways. The study was developed by E4tech (lead), BTG, Wageningen Research, FNR and ICONS with the support of over 100 stakeholders from the bio-based industry, the chemicals and materials industries, academia & research institutions, the investment community and policy makers through active participation in stakeholder workshops, meetings and interviews. The study will support policy-makers and industry in further developing strategies, policies and deployment plans for European biorefineries.