02/08/2017 Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Koch from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) visited Novi Sad 1st – 2nd August. The meeting focused on the development of the Local Action Plan (LAP) in the field of Biofuels which will be defined and later implemented within the Made in Danube project. The meeting was hosted by the representatives of the regional initiative: Prof. Dr. Milan Martinov and Asst. Prof. Djordje Djatkov from the Faculty of Technical Sciences of the University of Novi Sad (UNS-FTS).

On the first day both partners discussed the objectives of the LAP and agreed on the following contexts:

1. Finding solutions to regional challenges require innovative approaches;
2. SMEs should be in the focus when transforming innovations into market implementation;
3. The results should have a real impact throughout the Danube Region at least or even wider.

Both parties further agreed on the different demands of involved target groups: higher education and research institution, like the UNS-FTS, pay particular attention towards a high level of academic professionalism. Therefore it is envisaged to record the achieved results in form of a scientific publication.

Then again, the civil society as end-user demands for economically acceptable results.

In any case however, environmental aspects, mostly defined by EU and national legislation and policies, play an important role and have to be respected under any circumstance.

The meeting outcomes can be summarized as follows:

Challenges of the regional initiative:

1. Reduction of flue gas pollutants for combustion in small boilers and stoves, especially for agro biomass;
2. Biogas, electricity or biomethane generation, based on crop residues as co-substrates, instead energy crops (food/feed);
3. Corn stover and cobs sustainable procurement for production of biofuels.

Innovation needs:

1. Low-cost solution for pollutants reduction by utilization of agro biomass;
2. Solution for crop residues pre-treatment for biogas generation;
3. Harvest and storage procedure(s) of corn stover and cobs.

On the second day, discussions revolved around specific issues related to LAP Biofuel. It was proposed, and unanimously decided to establish an Innovation-Information Hub (IIH) at UNS-FTS. This IIH shall collect innovation needs-requests and offers, including the distribution of information via online portals (web site, social media), accessible for all stakeholders.

As a next step a final report under the topic “Biofuels Status and Prospects in Danube Region” shall be published and used as vademecum for all stakeholders in the field of biofuels.

The experts further plan organize a joint meeting of all three regional initiatives in Budapest during 6th Annual Forum of the EUSDR to harmonize their approaches and coordinate foreseen activities.