CoLAB BIOREF
CoLAB BIOREF – Collaborative Laboratory for Biorefineries – is a private non-profit association whose main goal is the valorization and transfer of scientific knowledge, technologies, and innovation in the development of biorefineries.
CoLAB BIOREF is composed of:
- 23 members – 10 academic institutions and 13 companies (large enterprises and SMEs)
Vision
To be an international reference in biorefinery technologies, with a multipurpose and multiproduct approach.
Strategic Objectives
To be recognized as the reference in biorefineries in Portugal and internationally, and as a provider of excellence in technology.
Promote new value chains based on biomass and related technologies for the decarbonization of industry.
Promote a market-oriented R&D and technology agenda.
Mission
To improve the competitiveness of the biorefinery sector by contributing to a very low carbon economy through the generation of new value chains, job creation, and the promotion of the bioeconomy.
CoLAB BIOREF focuses its research and innovation (R&I) activities on developing key technologies for the implementation of advanced biorefineries, with a focus on energy- and bio-based products. Our work spans several strategic areas, with emphasis on the following goals:
In bioenergy and renewable gases:
- Development of biofuels for the aviation and maritime sectors, based on sustainable and economically viable technologies.
- Implementation of technologies for the production of renewable gases and biofuels, including biomethane, e-methanol, and methanol, in a sustainable and economically viable way.
In sustainable bioeconomy:
- Development and optimization of bioprocesses for producing biofuels, biocatalysts, and other value-added products from renewable resources.
- Creation of sustainable biomass value chains from the agricultural, forestry, and algae sectors.
The development of advanced technologies for biofuel production is crucial for the rapid decarbonization of the aviation sector, which accounts for 12% of CO₂ emissions from transport. Despite the promising potential of biofuels as sustainable alternatives for aviation, they face challenges such as high production costs, limited availability of raw materials, and sustainability concerns. Using algae as a third-generation feedstock in processes that are both cost-effective and sustainable may overcome supply chain challenges, driving major progress in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector.
Amid rising fossil gas prices and sustainability concerns, the European Union has identified a clear need to expand the production of renewable gas and synthetic fuels, including synthetic natural gas and biomethane. These fuels play a strategic role in decarbonizing sectors such as manufacturing (e.g., cement, steel) and heavy transport (e.g., long-haul road freight and shipping). Promoting more carbon- and energy-efficient technologies for producing biofuels and e-fuels will be decisive for advancing the renewable gas and synthetic fuel sectors.
CoLAB BIOREF also invests in developing technologies for producing high value-added products such as algae-based derivatives and lignocellulosic residues, which represent significant advances across several bioproduct sectors.
