ECOCOAL Biocoal with ecological and social added values for a globally competitive industry

Important results from the project

The ECOCOAL project aims to develop a renewable biocoal with ecological and social added values for sustainable, resource efficient and competitive replacement of fossil raw materials in the industry. The following objectives were specified for Step 1: * System clarified * Potential and performance estimated * Technology and stakeholder requirements identified * Consortium clarified * SWOT analysis completed * Plan and draft IPR agreement for step 2 * Updated goals and targets All objectives have been addressed in the project with high target fulfilment.

Expected long term effects

The consortium has been broadened during Step 1 and five new partners have confirmed participation in Step 2 (per 2015-12-30). We have come closer to the expected outcomes after step 3. For example, several of the coal using industries in Sweden are interested in participating in the project and test the biocoal in its processes, either in Step 2 or later in Step 3. The preliminary assessment is that the biocoal will have very high performance in terms of both climate performance, social and ecological added values and quality aspects.

Approach and implementation

The focus has been on activities to secure a continuation of the project. A workshop, several meetings and numerous contacts with existing and new potential stakeholders have been completed. The plan for Step 2 has been developed, a SWOT analysis has been conducted and sustainability and quality performance has been qualitatively assessed. Overall demands and potentials have been identified. Dissemination has been done by e.g. newsletters and presentations. For example, Carbon Wealth has been presenting the concept at COP21 in Paris.