The European project DIVERSE – Integration of bioDIVERSity conservation within bioEnergy production for a low-carbon energy mix in the Alpine Region – was approved last June as part of the 2nd call of the INTERREG Alpine Space 2021-27 program. RSE is the Lead Partner of the project, which began its activities on September 1, 2024, and involves 12 partners from 5 different countries, coordinated by RSE.

DIVERSE primarily focuses on supporting the development of coherent energy policies to enhance energy diversification in the Alpine Space regions, integrating the use of biomass for energy, using sustainability and biodiversity criteria. The project adopts an open dialogue approach to promote a holistic perspective, starting from an analysis of local energy sources, examining end uses, and proposing and valuing sustainable value chains.

Over three years, the project will develop an Open Dialogue Toolkit to guide transnational cooperation in achieving these goals. This will include creating a pilot project centered on two major Alpine value chains based on the use of wood biomass and agricultural residues, facilitated by the activation of Focus Labs in the partner regions. Consequently, project partners will collaborate to update energy plans, management practices, and bioenergy business models, incorporating nature conservation concepts through a bottom-up approach.

DIVERSE aims to explore the role that sustainable bioenergy can play in achieving important European goals for regional development, such as energy sufficiency and net zero emissions.

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