The biotechnological conversion of biomass to energy and/or materials enables a cascading and sustainable use of resources. We develop biotechnological methods for converting residues (CO2, wastewater, industrial and agricultural residues, digestates, manure, …) to a broad range of different products including energy carriers (gaseous or liquid), basic chemicals (alcohols, acetic acid, …), high-quality products for the chemical industry (bioplastics, pigments) or biofertilizers. Another focus is on the development of efficient energy and waste management concepts for medium and large-sized companies. Our key areas include: - Biogas technology - Recycling of industrial and agricultural residues - Algae biotechnology - Gas fermentation (e.g. based on CO2) - Wastewater technology - Biofertilizer production

BEST undertakes a variety of activities in order to estimate the resource potential of solid biofuels as well as to assess the fuel with respect to technological, ecological and economic aspects. In the field of raw material supply and logistics, BE2020+ deals with the assessment, development and optimisation of the entire resource chain from the field or forest, to the storage of raw material or the end-user. The respective harvesting technology is evaluated particularly with respect to quality relevant aspects whereby new solutions are gathered for transport logistics. In the field of solid biofuel designs, BEST is engaged in the targeted development of biofuels with particular characteristics achieved by resource pre-treatment, blending, additives and conditioning. The processing steps for biofuel production such as drying, crushing, separation, conditioning and compacting (e.g. pelletizing) are continuously optimised and developed. We continuously carry out analyses of a large variety of fuels and ashes. The identification of the technical characteristics of biofuel (e.g. calorific value, …) and element analyses thereby play a significant role. The characterisation of the combustion behaviour of solid biofuels is another focal point of BEST. In this regard, we analyse the slagging affinity and the emission characteristics of harmful gaseous and corrosive compounds. In this context we also test the utilisation of new materials for individual device components. BEST actively works on the promotion and development of national and international standardisation activities. Through the improvement of the utilisation aspects of biofuels, BEST examines the possibilities and processes for the re-use of residue from biomass combustion such as technologies for the recovery of biomass ashes in the agriculture and forestry industries.

The services of BEST: - Contract research - consulting - analyses - fuel evaluation - functional tests - trainings