Written by: Husain Sadeqi, MTU

Where is the bioeconomy development going in Europe?

On 13 May 2025, BBioNets had the privilege of attending the 4th All-Island Bioeconomy Summit at the Johnstown Estate Hotel in Enfield, Co. Meath, Ireland. This pivotal gathering brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to chart the future of the bioeconomy. Hosted by Foster Environmental, the Summit brought together key stakeholders and networks of the bioeconomy in Ireland to meet and discuss this year’s focus on areas such as the blue bioeconomy, commercial bioeconomy development and replacing fossil fuel products with new biobased products.

MTU and Teagasc, representing BBioNets, joined leading Irish exhibitors at the summit’s exhibition hall, showcasing the project’s effort to share knowledge on bio-based innovations and achievements, and distributing sustainable gifts to promote low-carbon solutions. The BBioNets stand facilitated discussions with stakeholders, highlighting the potential of bio-based solutions for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

The Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon launched the 4th All-Island Bioeconomy Summit and said, “Replacing fossil-based products with alternative biobased products will create opportunities for agriculture, forestry, and the entire food system. This is what the bioeconomy is all about: enabling the creation of new value streams, the valorisation of farm residues whilst strengthening the role of primary producers in the value chain, and generating new jobs in rural areas.” The Minister added: “That is why the programme for government indicates the government’s commitment to developing Ireland’s bioeconomy through a coordinated approach that harnesses Ireland’s natural resources and competitive advantage. An essential part of our coordinated approach is consulting with stakeholders, including industry, and the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit is a very important event to continue to do so.”

A panel discussion was then conducted on where the bioeconomy was going in Europe, in which policy, industry and research experts from across Europe discussed the status of the bioeconomy and the way ahead. A standout moment was the All-Island Bioeconomy Awards, where nominees earned the awards for their groundbreaking work in the bioeconomy. Their success exemplified how local enterprises can scale sustainable technologies, inspiring attendees to replicate such models across Ireland. The award categories included Bio Achievement of the Year, Top Bioeconomy Young Talent, Biobased Product of the Year, and Best Biomethane Development. This underscored the Summit’s role as a platform for recognising innovation, from small-scale farm solutions to industry-wide advancements, all contributing to a low-carbon economy.

The summit was followed by three distinct presentations themed on “synergies between biomethane and the bioeconomy”, “best in class” (bioeconomy facilities), and “blue bioeconomy”, where presenters discussed bioeconomy strategies, nutrient recovery and bio-based solutions, and bioeconomy opportunities within the marine sector. Afterwards, a panel discussion about foresight on developing synergies between biomethane and the bioeconomy on the island of Ireland was conducted, where panellists discussed the topic, followed by a Q&A session.

The event concluded with demonstrations of the latest bioeconomy research and developments, support and finance options available for bioeconomy projects, and Gas Networks Ireland’s initiatives. The 4th All-Island Bioeconomy Summit was a call to action, urging stakeholders to harness Ireland’s agricultural strengths for sustainability. Key takeaways included expanding bioenergy facilities, enhancing farmer training, and integrating policies to meet the EU’s sustainability goals.