How can economic efficiency and climate-friendly energy supply be combined? A current project by the Brüning Group provides an answer to this question. Kevin Sammann, Head of the unit Fresh Wood Biomass, and Jasper Wendelstein, International Business Development Manager, travelled to a West African country on behalf of a customer to conduct an internal audit. The aim was to gain insights into the value chain of an agro-biomass product and to assess its potential for sustainable energy recovery.
ACTING ON BEHALF OF RESPONSIBILITY: AUDITING A GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
The audit covered the entire supply chain: Kevin and Jasper visited production sites, storage facilities and logistics infrastructure, focusing on local processes and conditions. The project centered on a by-product generated during the processing of an agricultural product. A typical example of agro-biomass that was long treated as a useless waste product but can now be put into good use – for example, as a climate-friendly fuel in combined biomass heating and power plants. With its high energy density, the material is an attractive addition to the fuel mix of classic woody biomass such as wood chips or bark.
Just a few years ago, large quantities of this material were burned in open fires or simply disposed of. The energy obtained was released unused into the atmosphere. Thanks to new possibilities for use and local investment, the material now flows into the sustainable energy cycle. This creates income, secures jobs, and reduces emissions. These developments impressively demonstrate how ecological and economic potential can be combined and how supposedly insignificant by-products can become a cornerstone of energy supply when they are identified and utilised as resources.
SUSTAINABILITY IS NO COINCIDENCE
Our audit shows: sustainability does not begin with the end product but is created along the entire supply chain. Our impressions on site demonstrate that responsible future-proof utilisation of biomass is possible if processes are designed proactively and opportunities are sensibly harnessed. For us, this means taking a close look at the conditions under which our raw materials are sourced and specifically promoting projects that combine ecological sensibility with economic value. Because projects like these are the future – and we are proud to be contributing to them.