Biorefinery test bed

"Innovative solutions are absolutely crucial for the vision of Sweden to become the world's first fossil-free welfare nation to succeed. A number of research and development projects in bioeconomy have placed Sweden in an internationally leading position regarding technologies, processes and products in the early development phase. A major challenge so far, is the lack of a joint industrial pilot and demonstration environment in Sweden where innovators, entrepreneurs, marketers and researchers can meet to realize new technology. By modernizing and supplementing RISE test beds for biorefinery in certain technology stages, Sweden can make better use of Nordic forest raw materials and improve the conditions for the commercialization of new solutions."

The text is taken from the press release where the Swedish Government announced the allocation of SEK 350 million to RISE over a two-year period to establish a world-class centre with test beds for biorefinery.

Flexible test bed environment

The hub of the investment is a flexible pilot hall with several different test beds that are built adjacent to the existing infrastructure and research environment in Örnsköldsvik. The goal is to create a world-class innovation environment where companies, researchers and entrepreneurs in the bioeconomy area can meet. In addition to the infrastructure and operator competence provided by RISE, it will be possible for companies to set up their own pilot equipment with staff in a dynamic innovation environment consisting of labs, pilots, offices and meeting places.

Simultaneously with the investment in the new test bed environment, a modernisation of RISE existing research infrastructure in the bioeconomy area is being carried out, where any development needs are reviewed in consultation with customers and partners.