Corn cobs to blow-in insulation: A new value

chain for the rural bioeconomy

Ronny Kittler, German Biomass Research Center

Triple-Helix Conference “Supporting the development of bio-based

economy partnerships in the Danube Region through a triple-helix

approach”

Budapest, 2016-07-20

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Introduction DBFZ

UFZ – Centre for Environmental Research, MicAS – Working Group Microbiology of Anaerob Systems 3

• Founded in 2008

• Owner: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

• Staff: 190

• 130 ongoing projects

• Third-party funding: 6 Mio. €/year

• Turnover: 12 Mio. €/year

Introduction Research Departments & Focus Areas

Pictures: Jan Gutzeit / DBFZ 4

Biogas pilot plant Combustion lab Fuel conditioning lab HTC test bed

Engine test bed Fuel technical centre Analytical lab Biofuels & Biogas lab

Introduction Research Infrastructure

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Energy & Environment

Network Leipzig

National HTP Innovation

Plattform

Transnational Renewable

Energy Cluster Danube

Business Incubator

DBFZ SMILE BUSINESS

COACH

Leipzig Network for Start-

ups & Innovation

Leading Edge Cluster of

the BMBF

SOJUS - International

Scientific Network

Bioenergy

Introduction DBFZ Innovation Ecosystem

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The Bio-based Economy in the Danube Region

A New Value Chain

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New Value Chain Bio-based economy in the Danube Region

Erich Westendarp / pixelio.de nachhaltigwirtschaften.at berggeist007 / pixelio.de ICS Energietechnik oekobau-gera.de

Corn cobs to blow-in insulation: A new value chain for the rural bioeconomy

Dotzauer/DBFZ

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Advantages A truly integrated & circluar value chain

Corn cobs – A promising resource for the bioeconomy

Icons by flaticon.com

Valorisation of

agricultural residues Increasing

field hygiene

Substitute for

mineral/wood insulation

CO2 storage Low-tech application Additional value chain

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Supply Side Danube Region among top producers of corn

Corn cobs – An abundant resource for the bioeconomy

Corn cobs (remaining moisture

12-13%) reaches a price of

around 115 Euro/1000 kg

Depending on variety 1.200 –

2.200 kg/ha (Germany)

Icons by flaticon.com

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Demand Side Growing market for insulating materials

Corn cobs – A possible niche market within the bioeconomy

In 2010 the market for insulating material reached 34 million m³ in

Germany and 193 million m³ in the European Union.

Fossil Resources

37%

Mineral Resources

59%

Wood

48%

Cellulose

32%

Flax, Hemp

9%

Sheep's

Wool

4%

Others

7% Renewable

Materials

4%

Insulating material produced from renewable raw materials overall German market

volume in 2004: 25 million m³

Fossil ResourcesMineral ResourcesWoodCelluloseFlax, HempSheep's WoolOthers

Source: fnr/GDI - Gesamtverband Dämmstoffindustrie

Icons by flaticon.com

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R&D Cooperation Upgrading and optimising rural value chains

Corn cobs – An interesting topic for R&D cooperation in the Danube Region

Farm operators

Icons by flaticon.com, Map: www.peopleandskills-danuberegion.eu

R&D Building Industry

Data & Markets

Certification & Regulation

Thank you for your attention!

Ronny Kittler DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH (German Biomass Research Center) Torgauer Straße 116 04347 Leipzig +49 (0)341 2434 470 ronny.kittler@dbfz.de