Created on: 11/2007 Contract nr: EIE/07/273/SI Duration: 11/2007 – 04/2010 IEE project M.O.R.E. Market of Olive Residues for Energy

Project summary The project aims at addressing the problems of the olive oil producers, offering a way to solve the problem of wastes by using them for energy purposes. The project will be carried out by a consortium made up by 6 partners from 5 countries, of which 3 energy agencies (from Italy, Spain and Greece), 2 research institutions in the agricultural field (from Croatia and Slovenia) and 1 network of chambers of commerce (Italy). The main expected outcome is the establishment of 5 local, exemplar supply chains and energy facilities for the sustainable use of olive-oil residues for energy purposes. Regional Steering Committees, gathering relevant local stakeholders, will act as advisory bodies to ensure the set up of the stable olive- residues-to-energy market. Source: TDC Olive project reports

Background  The EU is the leader for olive oil production (80% of total volume)  1.9 million tons of olive oil are processed each year.  Approx olive mills, most of which are SMEs.  Generation of Residues.  3.4 million tons per year of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW).  Environmental concern.  Disposal strategy for OMW today: mainly evaporation or deposit in olive plantations.  OMW contains high levels of phytotoxic components and release a strong unpleasant smell.  National legislations in European olive oil-producing countries prohibit the disposal of OMW in rivers.  Competitiveness.  Energy use of olive-oil residues for energy can contribute to increase the competitiveness of the EU olive oil market.

Solutions /other initiatives  yyy  xxx

Objectives and main steps  The main objective is the creation of a sustainable “olive- residues-to-energy” market.  Support will be provided to the creation of 5 local supply chains for energy from olive residues. Key public and private stakeholders will be involved through Regional Steering Committees (RSC) with an advisory role.  In areas selected in a fair and transparent way, 5 business plans will be developed for the set up of exemplar energy facilities for the joint management of olive residues for energy purposes.  Lessons from the project, and potential for replication will be communicated in other EU regions.

Expected results  5 viable and cost effective solutions (business plans) for the establishment of energy plants able to use olive-oil wastes.  A methodology, with local peculiarities, for support schemes, policies, legislations, actions plans, agreements, management structures for promotion of olive oil-energy supply chain and how to address and reduce environmental problems  Training sessions for personnel working at the mills  set up of Regional Steering Committees with specific intents and tasks composed by: market operators, energy agencies, chamber of commerce, technology suppliers, policy makers, experts, etc. supporting the deployment of the olive-residues- to-energy chain

Partners and contacts  Coordinator: Roberta Casapietra ARE Liguria Spa, Italy Tel:  Partners:  Unioncamere Liguria, Italy  Anatoliki SA, Greece  Energy Agency of Jaen, Spain,  University of Primorska - Science and Research Centre Koper, Slovenia  Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Poreč, Croatia