• IFRF seeks Expressions of Interest in Biofuels Research Infrastructure

    Date posted:

    • Post Author

      espadmin

As part of its ongoing ‘European Flame Research Initiative’ (EFRI), the IFRF is participating in an FP7 Capacities (Research Infrastructures) proposal to the European Commission for funding of a new Europe-wide network of Second-generation biofuels test facilities.  IFRF’s Swedish Member Organisation KTH is coordinating the proposal in which a number of the IFRF’s European Members will also take part.

A comprehensive list/database of European test facilities covering all the processes relevant to the production and use of second-generation biofuels has already been established through KTH and the EFRI network. The IFRF is now seeking to identify potential Users for the proposed network.  Users stand to gain the following benefits:

  • Access to a Networking Activity which, through conferences, training seminars and web based dissemination, will facilitate and expand the IFRF’s existing information exchange programme regarding facilities, techniques, procedures and experimental data into the second-generation biofuels arena.
  • EC supported opportunities for Transnational Access to a network of laboratories.  Users’ researchers may influence and participate in coordinated experimental tests at more than 20 EU Research Centres in the fields of biofuels characterisation, torrefaction, gasification, pyrolisis, cleaning, catalytic conversion, utilisation and other techniques relevant to the production and use of second-generation biofuels. Users will also gain access to scientific services such as specialised and state of the art measurement techniques and instrumentation appropriate to the test rigs involved.
  • EC supported opportunities for Users’ research staff to monitor coordinated Joint Research Programmes aimed at developing and enhancing research techniques relevant to the production and use of second-generation biofuels.  All Joint Research Activities will be themed against current global issues such as greenhouse gas reduction and the use of renewable fuels.

The IFRF would now like to hear from potential ‘Users’ in industry and research environments.  Whilst IFRF Member Organisations eligible for EC funding under the FP7 Capacities programme will automatically be included as potential ‘Users’ of the new network, we would still appreciate their comments and suggestions. Organisations which are currently not IFRF Members but would like to be considered as ‘Users’ are also warmly invited to make themselves known to the IFRF.

No commitment to make use of the new Research Infrastructure is required at this stage.

Members and non-members alike should contact IFRF’s Neil Fricker as soon as possible.