Elisabeth Wetterlund, Deputy Programme Manager of Bio4Energy and Professor of Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology.
2 June 2025
Turning residues into resources with the help of green technology
After 15 years of collaborative research, Bio4Energy has laid the foundation for new solutions in green chemistry and bioenergy. At a recently concluded researcher meeting in Luleå, progress was summarised, with Luleå University of Technology behind several key contributions.
How can we make use of forestry residues and industrial waste in the transition to a fossil-free society? This has been one of the central questions for Bio4Energy since the initiative began in 2010. The programme focuses on developing technologies that refine biological residues into fuels, chemicals and materials — with the aim of replacing fossil resources and strengthening the bioeconomy.
"Society must transition away from fossil fuels, and that requires new sustainable alternatives. Bio4Energy has played an important role in making use of resources that would otherwise go to waste," says Elisabeth Wetterlund, Deputy Programme Manager of Bio4Energy and Professor of Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology.
Over the years, researchers at the university have played a key role in several technological breakthroughs. A natural hydrogel for wound care has been developed using a method that reduces both energy use and waste. Research on fossil-free biochar has advanced as a potential replacement for fossil carbon in the steel industry, and zeolite membranes developed at the university contribute to more efficient biogas purification.
At the LTU Green Fuels pilot facility in Piteå, several of these technologies have been tested under real conditions. The facility also hosts research on how hydrogen can be produced and used more sustainably.
"Luleå University of Technology has also played an important role in bringing a broader perspective to Bio4Energy. Our system analyses of technologies and value chains — from environmental, economic and policy perspectives — have helped place the research in context and made it more relevant to society," says Elisabeth Wetterlund.
Another important contribution is the capacity-building aspect. Nearly 150 PhD students and 180 postdocs have been trained within the programme and are now active in industry, academia and the public sector.
The researcher meeting in Luleå became an opportunity both to reflect on achievements and to look ahead.
"We were able to highlight several successes, but also discuss what comes next. I believe the bioeconomy will continue to play a key role in the transition, particularly in combination with electrification and hydrogen," says Elisabeth Wetterlund.
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Elisabeth Wetterlund
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