A region on the way to a bio-based economy
The Rhenish mining area, one of the largest lignite regions in Europe, is particularly affected by the advancing climate change and the resulting climate targets of the Federal Republic. Economy and society are also facing further changes. Innovation and sustainability are particularly in demand in the areas of environmental protection and mobility.
As part of the German government's immediate program to phase out lignite, the Rhenish mining area is to become a model region for sustainable bioeconomy and a role model for resource-efficient and sustainable economic activity.
The BioökonomieREVIER Rheinland coordination office is located at the Research Center in Jülich and is developing a regional strategy together with local stakeholders. The first ideas for promising bio-based value creation concepts are already being put into economic practice.
An interview with plant researcher Ulrich Schurr on the possible role of the bioeconomy in structural change
From lignite to the bioeconomy
Fossil raw materials have been the fuel that has brought progress and prosperity to the major industrial nations. However, the ecological consequences of their use are becoming increasingly threatening. So threatening, in fact, that people in this country are currently preparing to phase out coal production. The first power plant units in the Rhenish mining area are to be taken off the grid as early as 2022.
What does this mean for a region that has traditionally defined itself strongly by the energy source "lignite", but at the same time is one of Europe's favourable regions for sustainable and productive agriculture and home to a very strong food industry and is surrounded by markets that need food but also sustainable raw materials for the chemical industry?
to the Interview (german)
