Bioenergy from Seaweed in Nordic Regions (BENIGN)

PROJECT NEWS

Don’t miss: “Future of Offshore Wind – Governance and Green Transition in Practice“, a workshop combining two very important projects: BENIGN & PERMAGOV!

The workshop will take place on 23-24 October, both in presence at Nordic Folkecenter and online. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. You can register on: https://www.folkecenterevents.net/

ABOUT THE PROJECT

BENIGN, Bioenergy from Seaweed in Nordic Regions focuses on developing and optimizing value chains for seaweed-based bioenergy capable of producing biogas, bio-oil, and bioethanol — thereby advancing the transition to fossil-free energy.

BENIGN is a Nordic research and innovation project that brings together partners from five Nordic countries with the aim of promoting the sustainable use of seaweed resources in the region. The project explores innovative, efficient, and circular value chains based on seaweed, addressing the environmental, technological, and societal dimensions of a growing bioeconomy.

Through analysis of seaweed quantities and properties, identification of data gaps, and assessment of sustainability and efficiency in value chains, BENIGN develops strategies for green innovation. Key technological approaches include cascade biorefining, cold anaerobic digestion, and the valorisation of by-products such as mannitol and fibrous residues — all with the goal of maximizing resource use and minimizing waste. The project seeks to support the efficient use of seaweed in bioenergy and bioproduct applications, with a strong emphasis on both environmental and economic sustainability.

BENIGN places great importance on knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement through workshops, online outreach, and a central stakeholder seminar in Greenland. These activities foster collaboration, mutual learning, and the development of strategic recommendations and a shared roadmap for seaweed-based bioeconomy in the Nordic region.

Project Period: March – November 2025
Participants: A cross-disciplinary consortium from five Nordic countries — including research institutions, industry partners, and stakeholders from Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Denmark.
Activities: Workshops, seminars, analyses, and development of strategic recommendations
Focus Area: Sustainable value chain development for seaweed in the Nordic region
Funding: The project is part of the Bioenergy Value Chain Programme under Nordic Energy Research
Focus: Sustainable development of seaweed as a bioenergy resource

SDGs IN THE PROJECT

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The project focuses directly on the development of bioenergy from seaweed, including biogas, bio-oil and bioethanol.
• Promotes renewable energy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

• BENIGN is a research and innovation project that develops new technologies such as cascade biorefining and cold anaerobic digestion.
• Promotes the development of circular and efficient value chains based on seaweed

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

• The project aims to maximize resource utilization and minimize waste, including through the valorization of by-products (such as mannitol and fiber residues).
• Emphasis is placed on sustainability analyses and data bases in the value chains.

SDG 13: Climate action

• The development of fossil-free bioenergy contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Supports a broader transition to climate-friendly solutions in the Nordic region.

SDG 14: Life in the Sea

• The project deals with the sustainable use of marine resources, especially seaweed.
• Increases knowledge about the environmental consequences and potential of seaweed harvesting in northern sea areas.

SDG 17: Partnership for action

• The project involves transnational collaborations between five Nordic countries.
• Includes knowledge sharing, workshops, stakeholder engagement and the development of a common strategy and roadmap.