The work, started during the Bioenergy Promotion-project, was continued in the framework of the “extension stage” instrument of the Baltic Sea Region Programme. The objective of the project activities of the 13 project partners during the Extension Stage was to extend the strategic outputs of the main stage project into the Baltic Sea Region and national political arenas and also into the daily grind of utility companies and local and regional administration.
The project consortium consisting of 13 former Bioenergy Promotion-partners and several associated partners (i. a. “Baltic 21”, national ministries and demo regions in each participating country) was led by the German Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR). The Extension Stage project started immediately after “Bioenergy Promotion” and ran for two years.
To increase the impact of the developed strategies for deployment of sustainable bioenergy, the Extension Stage triggered action on various levels: public procurement, corporate strategies of utility companies, proposing incentives within the reviewed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Rural Development Policy and Regional, Structural and Cohesion Funds.
Further to that the project maintained close contact to Baltic Sea Region relevant transnational forums such as the “Baltic 21” or the Nordic Council of Ministers. The strategic outputs on sustainable deployment of bioenergy found entrance into strategic and political discussion focusing on the Baltic Sea Region Strategy and Action Plan. In close cooperation with the responsible actors, the project delivered tailor made argumentation and input to such discussions.
On a more practical level, the Extension Stage activities provided direct support to so called demo regions implementing "Strategic Management Plans". These plans were developed during the main stage project phase and include the “Bioenergy Promotion” sustainability requirements, an assessment of local or regional biomass and bioenergy potentials and are also proposing suitable business models. As such, these strategic plans are integrated concepts to increase the use of bioenergy within a region but without harming the environment or posing a threat to food security. The project gave practical advice and training on how to mobilise local people, create acceptance for modern bioenergy applications and on general coordinating activities necessary to start the implementation process.
. The concepts tested within the extension stage were advertised in workshops and information events in order to recruit follower regions that copy the concepts. Thus the Strategic Management Plans were transferred to further regions and a multiplying effect was triggered. The documentation and a recommendation paper for regional value chains can be found on the project web page also after project termination.

For further information:

• www.bioenergypromotion.net
• Bioenergy Promotion 2 - From strategies to activities - Project results 2014