BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-3186 - Establishment of the European Energy Crops Internetwork (EECI)

FAIR-CT96-3186
Establishment of the European Energy Crops Internetwork (EECI)

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Electricity : FAIR Area 2.2 - Bioprocessing : Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Solid Biofuels

	Type of Project	Concerted Action
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-3186
	Total Cost	400,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	400,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/08/1997
	Duration	24 Months

Establishment of the European Energy Crops Internetwork (EECI)

Background

Work on improving the access to data on energy crops, started in 1996 under the EECO project ( FAIR1-CT95-0512), is being continued under the European Energy Crops InterNetwork project. Up-to-date information on agricultural, technical, environmental, energy and economic aspects of the application of energy crops in 14 European countries is being supplied by the project partners on a quarterly basis. Three moderators arrange the information in four databases, which are made accessible through an Internet interface. Discussion groups, an electronic newsletter, a help desk and an electronic archive help bring those interested in the energy crops chain together, stimulating exchange of knowledge and experience between them.

Objectives

The main objectives of the EECI-Network are to stimulate the dissemination and exchange of information concerning energy crops, and hence to stimulate European activities relating to energy crops. The exchange and evaluation of data provides new insights, opens the way to innovative ideas, and optimises R&D efforts in Europe by avoiding overlap and increasing synergy. Utilising web pages on the Internet, the EECI-Network is intended to become a one-stop-shop for up-to-date information on energy crops application in Europe.

Technical Approach

Implementation of the EECI-Network started in September 1997 with the development of the structure of the Internet site and four databases. The Internet site contains general information on the EECI-Network, its members, goals, new developments, and an energy crops news bulletin. The Internet site provides easy access to quarterly updated databases: BioBase, ActorBase, Archive, and News Flash.

The BioBase is the central part of the EECI-Network. It contains contributions with information about the latest and most promising developments on energy crops. The combined contributions of all the country representatives provide an overview covering the latest and most promising developments on energy crops in Europe. To ensure that the information is up-to-date, the network members submit information on a regular basis, every three months.

The ActorBase contains brief information about institutes, organisations, companies and people that are active in the field of energy crops. The Archive contains electronic reports, papers, documents and commonly used references. Information on, and announcements of, conferences, workshops, study tours, and other events as well as press releases and other items less suitable for the structure of the BioBase are published in News Flashes.

A lot of effort has been paid to setting-up a logical and transparent structure for the EECI-Network. The result is that visitors to the EECI-Network can easily find their way between the large number of contributions.

A schematic representation of the structure of the EECI-Network

Results

An indication of the progress to date can be obtained by visiting the Internet site. From the EECI home page the BIOBASE button. gives access to contributions (over 250 in October 1998) covering various aspects of the production, harvesting and processing as well as utilisation of energy crops. These can be accessed and downloaded free by interested parties.

During the period from December 1997 to September 1998 (10 months) over 45,000 files had been downloaded by visitors, showing a broad interest in the EECI-Network.

Contacts

Coordinator

Douwe VAN DEN BERG / BTG Biomass Technology Group BV NETHERLANDS

Participant