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The European Council decided in March 2007 that 20 % of the European energy mix shall be covered by renewable energy sources until 2020 – a binding target for all EU member countries. Furthermore the greenhouse gas emissions shall be reduced by 20 % and the energy efficiency increased by 20 %. A historic decision documenting the political understanding that climate change and energy supply are two sides of the same coin. If we want to get global warming under control we have to change radically our energy system towards lower energy consumption and less use of fossil energy sources.

Biomass already covers two-thirds of the renewable energy and will play the major role in a future climate compatible European energy system, too. But to guarantee a sustainable bioenergy development it will be necessary to enforce efficient production chains – from raw material supply and treatment via energy conversion to final consumption – and so to use optimal Europe's potential acreage.

The Central European Biomass Conference 2008 wants to play an active part in the design of this future requirement profile and aims at providing an up-to-date overview of the latest political, economic and technological
developments in the field of bioenergy (heat, electricity and transportation fuels). A special focus lies thereby on the biomass raw material supply out from forestry and agriculture – a topic that, facing the enormous biomass boom, poses a big challenge as well as a big chance for the central European area.

In addition to this the conference provides an insight into the “best practice”: Technicsl visits to modern biomass plants, successful local companies and leading research facilities complement the oral presentations.
Above all there is an emphasis on technology and business: The “Industry forum” presents leading Austrian biomass technology and for entrepreneurs we are offering a special “Matchmaking event” (Business-to-business
meetings).

We shall be very pleased to welcome you in Graz at the Central European Biomass Conference 2008!


Heinz Kopetz
Chairmen of the Organising Committee
President of the Austrian Biomass Association

Winfried Eberl
Director of the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry

Erich Fercher
Managing director of Austrian Bioenergy Centre GmbH