Expertise

Feedstocks

With a diverse background, we have the ability to deliver strategic and practical expertise for producers, processors and end-users of feedstock from agriculture, forestry, municipal and industrial wastes. Resource assessments have been undertaken across all feedstock types for developers, investors and national Government; identifying and addressing risks and providing confidence to enable projects and policies to get off the ground. We also advise on handling, storage and conversion to ensure raw materials are efficiently and sustainably sourced, technically compatible and economically robust.

Policy

Based on the company’s origin as a National Centre and adviser to UK Government, and having been involved in the development of the current bioeconomy policies, we are in an unrivaled position to offer advice to public and private sector clients on the current and developing policy landscape. We are frequently called upon to provide independent evidence to support policy reviews and consultations. We also have experience of overseas policies through involvement in EU-funded projects. We support clients in navigating the complex matrix of policies and financial support schemes, and have successfully prepared applications to secure accreditation for our clients in record time.

Technology

Our team has a broad blend of skills and industrial backgrounds spanning the bioeconomy, including chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science, biology, crop science, agricultural production and land use. This breadth supports our ability to undertake techno-economic assessments in biofuels, bioenergy, bio-based products and materials sectors. Ensuring compatibility with regulations and support- or funding-schemes, maximising returns, systems integration and optimising performance are fundamental to our core business. Our direct involvement with developers enables us to keep at the forefront of new developments.

Market

One of our core strengths is our extensive network and resultant comprehensive market knowledge. We undertake market surveys, deliver bespoke market reports for public and private sector clients, and publish annual market reports in dynamic sectors. We take a multi-faceted approach to market research, providing crucial knowledge to investors, developers and suppliers. Our methods include desk-based research, direct regular contact with stakeholders and participation in industry conferences, exhibitions and expert working groups. We also work with clients to identify business strengths, develop new business models and identify opportunities for further value creation.

Sustainability

Having been involved with the development and implementation of sustainability standards and regulations in the energy and materials sectors, we are supporting clients and policy makers with life cycle assessments (LCA), specific greenhouse gas (GHG) calculations, data gathering and reporting, and more strategic sustainability assessments which contribute to improved corporate social responsibility (CSR). A broader bioeconomy strategy is fundamental to sustainable development and we are working with industry, government and overseas authorities to encourage and influence a more strategic approach in the UK.

Case Studies

CHP Conversion – Site Assessment

Whilst the industry awaits the outcome of the GGSS Mid-Scheme Review, NNFCC has been engaged by a UK AD project developer to assess the potential for CHP conversion to Biomethane, and to identify priority sites for development, should support become available in the future.

AD Market Entry Support

NNFCC was engaged by an overseas corporate investor looking to appraise their own business strengths in relation to the UK AD market, to develop strategic partnerships with established businesses, and to identify acquisition targets to enable future business growth in the AD sector.

EU Biomethane Market Analysis

NNFCC was approached by a global sustainable energy producer with a keen interest in investing in the European AD market. With good knowledge and data of markets across Europe, and strong connections in key active and interested member states, NNFCC was engaged to explore and analyse market opportunities.

Straw availability assessment for potential cellulosic ethanol plant

NNFCC were contracted to carry out a straw availability assessment as part of an in-depth feasibility study for a major client who were considering developing a large cellulosic ethanol plant in Northern Germany.

Developing business models for specialty chemicals

NNFCC was tasked with outlining business models for a range of high-added value compounds developed as part of the EU ShikiFactory100 project.

EIC biomethane opportunity appraisal

NNFCC were tasked with evaluating the potential of converting CHP sites for biomethane production, to quantify the scale of the opportunity, and to explore novel ways of connecting and injecting gas into the network.

Valuable chemicals from sugar beet pulp

The client was interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the options for processing their sugar beet pulp to value added polymers and chemicals.

Bioresources & biogas market review

NNFCC to undertook an annual review of the biogas and bioresources markets to learn about any significant changes towards biogas and ancillary markets in the last 12 months.

Protein feedstock assessment to support scale-up of protein based biodegradable film

A commercial client who has developed a material process using engineered protein, commissioned NNFCC to review the protein supply landscape in the UK.

Review of caddy liner acceptance in Composting and AD

A bio-based polymer manufacturer commissioned NNFCC to carry out an independent expert review on the materials used to manufacture caddy liners, and their suitability for composting and anaerobic digestion (AD) if used for food waste collection in the UK.

UK Biomethane Market Entry Strategy

NNFCC was commissioned to evaluate opportunities for investment in the UK biomethane market to inform the client’s business plan.

Waste Gasification Feasibility Study

Technical, economic and regulatory study into the feasibility of producing advanced biofuels and/or chemical products via waste gasification.

$Latex market research$

Latex market research

NNFCC was commissioned to carry out market research into latex by an academic entrepreneur developing a novel process for latex extraction from guayule, a plant native to Mexico.

Assistance with RHI and FIT accreditation and reporting

In the closing months of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes, NNFCC helped 12 anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to obtain accreditation.

Biogas Market Proxy Calculations

Establishing a fair market price for the biogas generated by a wholesale water and sewerage servicer.

BEIS Biomethane Cost Review

Establishing the current costs of deploying and running an anaerobic digestion facility for biomethane injection into the national gas grid

Circular Malton

Circular Malton & Norton - A circular Market Town

The DAFIA Project

NNFCC was a project partner in DAFIA, a 4-year project that concluded in December 2020. DAFIA was a collaborative research project involving 15 institutes from across Europe, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme.

A business case for the development of a BioLPG supply chain in the UK

NNFCC was selected by Liquid Gas UK to demonstrate the potential for domestic BioLPG production in the UK with a view of achieving a 100% transition.

Biopropane opportunity appraisal & deployment pathway

Biopropane: Feedstocks, Feasibility and our Future Pathway.

Review of bioliquid heating options for BEIS

Evidence gathering for off-gas grid bioliquid heating options.

Re-establishing the sugar beet industry in Scotland

An Assessment of the Opportunities for Re-establishing Sugar Beet Production and Processing in Scotland.

Biobased Solvent Market Research

NNFCC conducted extensive market research for Circa's biobased alternative solvent.

Investigating Markets for Waste-derived Polymers

NNFCC worked with Fiberight on multiple projects regarding lactic acid and polylactic acid.

Market Review for Biobased Molecules

NNFCC worked with Plaxica to identify near-term commercial potential for bio-based molecules accessible from mixed sugars.

Regulatory Landscape Assessment of Shellfish Waste

Pennotec commissioned NNFCC to perform a regulatory review of the use of shellfish waste in the production of speciality chemicals.

$Biomass fractionation technology landscape assessment$

Biomass fractionation technology landscape assessment

NNFCC were approached by a biobased polymer producer to undertake a technology landscape assessment focused on biomass fractionation and pre-treatment.

Biobased epoxy resin market research

NNFCC was selected by a polymer producer to carry out a piece of market research on bio-based epoxy resins.

Sustainability Data Analysis

NNFCC analyses sustainability data supplied by generators to regulators, with wide-reaching applications.

Influencing Rural Economy Strategies

NNFCC are experts in non-food crop management, providing solutions that have influenced national policy decisions.

Financial support scheme accreditation & compliance

NNFCC will assist bioenergy project developers with every step of their application to government financial support schemes.

Carbon Calculation for Bioenergy

NNFCC has performed carbon calculation services for clients, to ensure their bioenergy solutions meet sustainability criteria.

Bioenergy Options Appraisal for UK University

Review of the most appropriate bioenergy options for the site

Health supplement market landscape

Insight into the potential market for a new bio-based product.

Biohorizons

Coordination and policy analysis of a bioeconomy survey for Climate-KIC.

Industrial Biotechnology Capability Assessment

Assessment of UK pilot equipment capacity for industrial biotechnology process scale up.

Bio-ethanol from waste

Evaluation of the potential to supply residual biomass to ethanol producers.

Bio Base NWE

Supporting SME innovation within North West Europe’s bioeconomy

Energetic Algae

Assessment of the potential for algae based bioenergy in North West Europe.