Under the patronage of Saxony’s Minister of State for the Environment and Agriculture, Mr. Thomas Schmidt, the “Biomass to Power and Heat” conference was held for the sixth time at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences from May 31 to June 1. The event welcomed over 90 participants, who primarily discussed issues related to the efficient use of solid biomass for energy. The related issues of decentralized electricity and heat generation from biomass were examined by the speakers from many different perspectives, thereby laying the groundwork for lively discussions during the breaks.

In addition to the aspects and possibilities of sustainable biomass supply, another key focus was the presentation of various system solutions for the decentralized generation of useful energy from biomass and their application, including the associated thermal and electrical engineering aspects. In addition, various representatives presented activities related to the use of biomass for energy currently underway abroad. The concluding session of presentations focused directly on technical solutions and issues related to the thermochemical conversion of biomass.

The speakers had traveled from all over Germany, as well as from the Czech Republic and Switzerland. They primarily represented privately and publicly funded research institutions, as well as specialized federal and state agencies.

In parallel with the plenary session, various companies and associations once again showcased their work at small exhibition booths, providing conference participants with additional opportunities to ask detailed questions and offer suggestions.

The main focus of the event has always been the intensive exchange between science and industry—an added value appreciated both by the practice-oriented researchers at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and by those companies and institutions that deal with the topic of energy from biomass on a daily and practical basis.

Following the symposium, conference proceedings will be compiled and published in collaboration with the individual speakers. The organizers plan to hold further events on this topic at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in the coming years.

Organizational and financial support was provided by the following partners and sponsors:

· German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ)

· Program Management of the “Energy Use of Biomass” Funding Program

· Renewable Energy Promotion Association e.V.

· Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Zittau Branch

· Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden

· Energy Saxony e.V.

· Spanner Re² GmbH

· Burkhardt GmbH

· Biotech GmbH

· USE MY ENERGY GmbH