Valbiom

Valbiom, the Reference Center for the Bio-based Economy in Wallonia

Since 2002, Valbiom has been the reference center for the bio-based economy in Wallonia, serving public and private actors such as farmers, local authorities, regional public services, project developers, industries, and startups.Valbiom fosters, promotes, and sustains existing or innovative economic activities in Wallonia focused on the non-food valorization of biomass. Our mission is to implement bio-based economy solutions alongside you. With its hands-on expertise in bio-based materials and bioenergy, the Valbiom team is committed daily to achieving a more resilient, low-carbon society that creates local jobs.

Valbiom operates in three key areas:

1. Driving and developing new sectors

Through active monitoring or on request, Valbiom works to:

• identify new development opportunities for the Walloon bio-based sector, such as new crops (hemp, silphium), the exploration of available but underutilized resources (wool, grass), new valorization processes, or innovative logistics chains;

• assess the viability of these opportunities and support their development;

• respond to requests from various public and private stakeholders.

2. Supporting and implementing projects

To help stakeholders bring their projects to fruition, Valbiom offers various services:

• pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for bioenergy projects;

• territorial diagnostics and prospective studies (availability of raw materials);

• regulatory studies and legal interpretations;

• active monitoring and benchmarking analyses;

• communication strategies and tailored tools;

• personalized support.

3. Informing and raising awareness

Valbiom plays a key role in monitoring, informing, raising awareness, and advising. The organization also promotes knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Valbiom develops various tools (publications, reports, analyses...) and ensures the dissemination of acquired knowledge through field visits, events, press articles, and social media.

Scope of Action, Projects, and Services

• Regional subsidies: Valbiom supports Wallonia in developing biomass valorization sectors within the region.

• Support and customized consultancy services: Valbiom assists public and private stakeholders in their transition.

• European projects: Valbiom shares its expertise and know-how within the framework of various cross-border projects (communication and awareness-raising, technical and technological monitoring, Life Cycle Assessment…). The organization continuously explores new opportunities to build successful collaborations with neighboring regions, notably with the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).