Objectives
Despite its unique set of attributes, the development of the Short Rotation Plantations (SRP) sector is still limited by unfavourable legal framework conditions, missing financial support as well as various technical and non-technical barriers. The ROKWOOD project enforced the co-operation between 6 regional clusters respecting the triple-helix concept (a business entity, a research entity and a public body) to understand the reasons for this lack of penetration and propose measures to reverse this trend and kick start the industry.
Objectives
Despite its unique set of attributes, the development of the Short Rotation Plantations (SRP) sector is still limited by unfavourable legal framework conditions, missing financial support as well as various technical and non-technical barriers. The ROKWOOD project enforced the co-operation between 6 regional clusters respecting the triple-helix concept (a business entity, a research entity and a public body) to understand the reasons for this lack of penetration and propose measures to reverse this trend and kick start the industry.
Activities
Based on the evaluation of their state of play, the 6 clusters developed a SWOT analysis identifying the most relevant barriers and success factors. Following this analysis a cross-regional Joint Action Plan was created as a strategy to drive economic development through research and technological development activities. The available financial resources for the development of innovative products and services in the SRP sector were enquired and described in a comprehensive document. In tandem with the JAP, the consortium developed an International Co-operation Strategy identifying potential partner regions, SMEs and research institutions. Each cluster ran training workshops, conducted site visits and engaged in staff exchanges. The Rokwood consortium developed a catalogue of 50 fully formed project ideas covering harvesting and processing, end use of SRP products and multifunctional uses of SRPs. A book of best practice case studies covering every step of the biomass supply chain was also produced. Throughout the project the consortium promoted the SRP industry through effective dissemination activities (website, marketplace, social networks, video, joint publications, events).
Additional information
The project website provides access to valuable information and useful documents (Swot analysis, Joint Action Plan, Final Publication, Policy briefs and joint publications). These are important tools to overcome the barriers hindering the development of the SRP sector in EU.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other EU research and development funds
- Project acronym
- Rokwood
- Agricultural sectors
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- Forestry (wood & timber)
- Other non-food crops
1 Practice Abstracts
Rokwood identified and set up a strategy to overcome the main obstacles limiting the SRP sector.
The JAP makes available an efficient strategy based on 6 priority areas to disclose the potential of SRP on EU scale. This strategy was communicated to a wide range of stakeholders including research councils and EU level policy makers in order to influence significant development in the EU CAP and in the regional policies of the MS. The policy briefs made available further recommendations for policy makers, public authorities and government agencies to support the development, production and use of SRP derived woodfuel.
The book of best practice case studies describes widely repicable initiatives and showcases opportunities for multifunctional benefits and efficient land use. This document in conjunction with the demonstration and dissemination activities is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer and encourage farmers, SMEs, investors and public bodies to implement new SRP projects.
Contacts
Valeria Magnolfi
valeria.magnolfi@eubia.org
Project coordinator
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ttz-Bremerhaven
Project coordinator
Project partners
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VEREIN ZUR FOERDERUNG DES TECHNOLOGIETRANSFERS AN DER HOCHSCHULE BREMERHAVEN E.V. (TTZ), Germany
Project partner
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REGIONALE PLANUNGSGEMEINSCHAFT ALTMARK (RPAA), Germany
Project partner
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AGRALIGNA GMBH (AGRA), Germany
Project partner
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Mazowiecki Osrodek Doradztwa Rolniczego w Warszawie (MODR), Poland
Project partner
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GMINA ZALUSKI (GZ), Poland
Project partner
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EKSPERT-SITR OKREGOWY OSRODEK RZECZOZNAWSTWA I DORADZTWA TECHNICZNEGO SP. Z O.O. (EKSPERT) Poland
Project partner
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INSTITUTO ANDALUZ DE INVESTIGACION Y FORMACION AGRARIA PESQUERA ALIMENTARIA Y DE LA PRODUCCION ECOLOGICA (IFAPA) Spain
Project partner
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ASOCIACION AGENCIA PROVINCIAL DE LA ENERGIA de Granada (AAPE) Spain
Project partner
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BIOAZUL (BIOZ), Spain
Project partner
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ASOCIACION AGRARIA JOVENES AGRICULTORES ASAJA GRANADA (ASAJA), Spain
Project partner
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CENTRE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY LBG (CSE), United Kingdom
Project partner
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DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL (DCC), United Kingdom
Project partner
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CROPS FOR ENERGY LIMITED (C4E), United Kingdom
Project partner
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SP SVERIGES TEKNISKA FORSKNINGSINSTITUT AB (SP), Sweden
Project partner
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KOMMUNFORBUNDET SKANE (SEA), Sweden
Project partner
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SALIXENERGI EUROPA AB (SEE), Sweden
Project partner
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DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (DIT), Ireland
Project partner
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MIDLAND REGIONAL AUTHORITY (MRA), Ireland
Project partner
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BIOTRICITY LIMITED (BL), Ireland
Project partner
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EUROPEAN BIOMASS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (EUBIA), Belgium
Project partner