Learn about the newly started projects

Task 36 is in full swing, with seven of the nine projects included in the current triennium programme now actively underway.

The year began with the kick-off of the collaborative project “Decentralized Energy Systems – A Part of the Global Energy Transition.” This initiative will present four implemented, well-functioning, and innovative decentralized energy systems that support the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and less fossil-dependent energy system. These cases are intended to serve as inspiration for strategic planning and policymaking. The project will be finalized in autumn 2026, and the case studies will be presented in an open webinar. This collaborative effort involves IEA Bioenergy Task 32 Biomass Combustion, Task 36 Material and Energy Valorization of Waste in a Circular Economy, and Task 44 Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration, and is led by Task 36.

In February, the kick-off of the Inter-Task project “Expanding the Resource Base for Energy and Products” took place. This project aims to increase knowledge on underutilized, low-value residual streams and their potential application in thermochemical conversion processes—such as combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification—for bioenergy generation or material recovery. Participating IEA Bioenergy Tasks include Task 32 Biomass Combustion, Task 33 Gasification of Biogenic and Waste Feedstock for a Sustainable Future, Task 34 Direct Thermochemical Liquefaction, Task 36 Material and Energy Valorization of Waste in a Circular Economy, and Task 43 Biomass Supply in a Nature Positive Circular Economy, with Task 36 leading the initiative. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.

Visit the Expanding the resource base for energy and products | Task 36 webpage to learn more about this project

Photo:  Participants in the Kick-off meeting for the Inter-Task “Expanding the Resource Base for Energy and Products,” February 2026.