Solid Biofuels from Forest - Fuel Specification and Quality Assurance, Dr.gr.stip.

The project will develop and test methods, techniques and systems for a cost effective and accurate measuring of quantity and quality of biofuels based on established product definitions and international standards. Increased demand for tailored deliveri es and numerous new buyer groups pose new challenges to the parties and to the trade/transfer part of the value chain itself. The international bio energy market is expanding and now demand standards and regulations that can harmonise with international t rade. The stakeholders experience that inaccurate and inefficient forms of trade can be a barrier for increased trade and utilization of marginal forest resources. The project is meant to contribute to helping central stakeholders in Norwegian wood trade to adapt their efforts in accordance with these new challenges, make their efforts more efficient and network with research communities. Bio refineries - where the end products will be more diversified, and possibly posting more specific requirements for the raw material (tailored supplies). The stakeholders experience that inaccurate and inefficient forms of trade can be a barrier for increased trade and utilization of marginal forest resources. The stakeholders share a vision and an overall objective that, in time, contributions can be made to: - bridge gaps in skills and establish new competence; - initialize a network for users and researchers with a particular interest in measuring and valuation of forest resources for bio fuel, and strengthen th e contact between all stakeholders in the value chain so that the measuring activity is taking place at the right place at the right time, - "client adapted measuring and delivery"; - create the platform for a draft measuring regulation for bio fuel; - st rengthen the contact with international partners - in particular Finland and Sweden - due to the desire to harmonize different national measuring systems; - increase the access to forest biomass resources.