Supergen Bioenergy Hub officially launched at Aston University, UK

Aston University's Supergen Bioenergy Hub has officially launched its new impact-focused phase to increase sustainable biomass production and use in the UK.
The project aims to re-energise the biomass and bioenergy community and develop new partnerships, according to the university.
In July 2023 UK Research and Innovation committed £5 million (€5.7 million) to fund the hub’s continued exploration of renewable energy over the next four years.
The hub will be focusing on new technology projects to lead innovation in key sectors such as aviation, hydrogen, heat and products.
Meanwhile, cross-cutting projects will move research from development to deployment level, aiming to increase sustainable biomass production and use in the UK while minimising greenhouse gases, said Aston University.
The three main aims of the hub’s new phase were set out on the official launch, which took place on 14 November.
These phases are to develop new research ideas to identify commercial potential, share UK research to support deployment and to use UK research knowledge to provide support for sustainable bioenergy deployment.
Over the next four years, Professor Thornley and her colleagues will be working with key industrial partners such as Rolls Royce, Uniper and the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA).
Government partners include the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Professor Thornley said: “We’re hoping to reenergise the biomass and bioenergy community and develop connections and partnerships with new people.
“I’m excited and eager to begin the work of the new impact-focused Supergen Bioenergy Hub.
“We will be building on our existing strengths in technology development and stakeholder engagement while going further to deliver innovation and sustainable deployment.”