JemsBioWaste2Energy
Priority Axis 2: Green investments in environmental protection and efficient risk management
Operation start date: 1 September 2026
Operation completion date: 31 August 2028
Budget: EUR 964.353,36
Number of partners: 5
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The BioWaste2Energy project aims to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon, circular economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by developing and demonstrating an integrated, cross-border model for producing and utilizing advanced biofuels from locally available biowaste streams. . The project addresses the challenges of inefficient biowaste management and dependence on fossil fuels by applying circular economy principles and establishing an integrated biofuel value chain. Through the installation of pilot biofuel production units, dual-fuel heating systems, laboratory equipment, and the retrofitting of a ferry engine to operate on biodiesel, the project will demonstrate the practical use of second-generation biofuels in public heating and maritime transport. In addition, a shared digital platform will connect biowaste producers, collectors, processors, and end users, improve coordination and support the development of the regional biofuel market. By combining innovative technologies, pilot investments, and cross-border cooperation, BioWaste2Energy will promote the wider adoption of renewable energy solutions and provide a replicable model for sustainable waste management and energy transition across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), University of Montenegro, Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor (ME), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. It leads the implementation of Work Package 2, which focuses on the production and real-life testing of advanced second-generation biofuels. The University establishes and operates the pilot biofuel production unit, coordinates the testing of advanced biofuels in public building heating systems and maritime transport, supervises project implementation and reporting, and ensures the transferability and long-term sustainability of project results through the development of joint methodologies, guidelines, and cross-border cooperation.
Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro (ME) is responsible for implementing and validating the maritime pilot activities. It coordinates the testing of advanced biofuel blends in one of its operational ferries, monitors engine performance, fuel consumption and emissions, supports the adaptation of marine systems where necessary, and contributes to evaluating the technical and environmental feasibility of advanced biofuels in maritime transport. The partner also provides operational expertise and facilitates the transfer of project results to the maritime sector.
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (HR), provides scientific and technical expertise in advanced biofuels, marine engineering, and renewable energy technologies. It leads Work Package 1, responsible for territorial diagnosis, mapping of regional biowaste streams, assessment of available technologies, and development of the best practices framework. The faculty supports pilot implementation, evaluates the performance of advanced biofuels in heating systems and fishing vessels, contributes to life cycle and technical assessments, and provides technical guidance for the development of the joint biofuel production model.
City of Metković (HR) is responsible for implementing pilot biofuel production and application activities in Croatia. It leads Work Package 3, coordinates project communication and dissemination, organises stakeholder engagement, workshops and awareness-raising activities, and manages demonstration activities related to small-scale biofuel production. The City also coordinates pilot testing of bio heating systems in public buildings and promotes the replication of project results among local authorities and communities.
City of Čapljina (BA) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by installing and operating an advanced biofuel heating system in a selected public building. It coordinates local stakeholders, provides technical and logistical support for pilot implementation, organises public awareness and training activities, monitors the performance of implemented solutions, and contributes to validating and replicating the cross-border model for sustainable biofuel production and utilisation.