BioFuel Region
– a region that leads the world in biofuels
BioFuel Region is the propelling force in a long-term process where regional co-operation is used to implement the development and introduction of renewable fuels, based on biomass from forests, fields and recycling. For the most part, the counties of Västernorrland and Västerbotten make up the region.
The vision for BioFuel Region is to be a world-leading region in sustainable transport based on biofuels and bioproducts from renewable rawmaterials. Therefore we focus on being in the forefront of societal change, industrial and regional development, and to increase the availability of renwable rawmaterials.
BioFuel Region’s strategy is to promote and lead development by mobilizing, committing and activating as many potential forces as possible in each respective region. BioFuel Region was inaugurated in 2003 and at the present time there are about 25 stakeholders that represent municipalities, county councils, county administrations, federal authorities and private enterprises.
Work is organized in relatively independent groups, which are closely connected within different areas of the biofuel developmental chain, that is to say raw materials, production, distribution, vehicles, laws and regulations, and consumer information. The work groups in question are as follows: Adult education and commitment, School, Research and development, the Public sector, Development of filling stations, Raw material issues, Industrial development, and Long-term financing. In total, there are approximately 150 individuals participating in the work groups.
The motivating forces behind BioFuel Region are the key problems of climate change and energy supply. As part of the EU's work, these questions were addressed in a directive in May 2003 of the European Parliament that declared that 2 % of all gasoline and diesel fuel in the transport sector shall be replaced by the year 2005. This percentage shall be increased each year so that by the year 2010 it will total 6 %. This means that the volume will increase 10-fold in seven years. A system and technology will have to be developed that is more sustainable than that what exists at present, not to mention supplying facilities that produce the 20 billion litres annually that will be needed in Europé alone up to 2010—and even more in the future. BioFuel Region has a great potential of being a winner since we can capitalize on our knowledge and experience.
Many things that are going to be implemented in BioFuel Region are activities that the municipalities and the other stakeholders are required to achieve in their normal environmental work. However, through co-operation, exchanges will be greater and the image of the region as a global model will become even clearer and more focused from an international perspective.
Uppdaterad: 2008-01-15
BioFuel Region AB,
Storgatan 35,
903 25 Umeå.
Tel 070-2635162,
info@biofuelregion.se
