Smart Bioenergy - Innovations for a sustainable future
The DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH (DBFZ) is a federal institution founded in 2008 that conducts applied research into the energetic and integrated material use of biomass. The institution is represented by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. As of 12/2023, the DBFZ has 275 employees covered by collective labour agreements. The DBFZ is headquartered in Leipzig. The Supervisory Board of the DBFZ consists of representatives from five energy-related ministries (BMEL, BMUV, BMWK, BMBF, SMEKUL).
Latest News
From biogenic residues to renewable methane and green hydrogen: DBFZ puts modern pilot plant into operation
The ‘Pilot-SBG’ project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), is focussing on the provision of renewable methane as an energy source for transport sectors that are difficult to electrify. In the presence of around 120 guests from research, politics and industry, the new research plant was officially put into operation in a ceremony on 18 March 2025.
Read more
Nutrient-rich biochar for better soils and food security in Ethiopia
Since 2021, the ‘ETH-Soil’ project, which is being implemented by the DBFZ and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has been pursuing the goal of sustainably improving the living conditions of smallholder farmers in rural regions with food shortages by introducing new technologies and processes.
Read more
What requirements can/must biomass fulfil?
Biomass is a special component of the national energy supply and plays a central role in the growing bioeconomy with increasing demand. At the annual conference of the DBFZ on 11/12 September, around 160 participants from science, industry and politics discussed the topic of ‘Multi-talented biomass: basic raw material, carbon source and energy option’.
Read more
DBFZ Events
Show all eventsRecommendations
Knowledge and Technology Transfer
Despite a rapidly growing rate of photovoltaic and wind turbines within the global total primary energy supply, biomass remains the most important renewable energy source in the world, according to the IEA. However, the potential is limited...
Read more
DBFZ @ IEA Bioenergy
The IEA Bioenergy is an organisation founded in 1978 by the International Energy Agency with the aim of improving international cooperation and the exchange of information on bioenergy research. The DBFZ is currently represented with several scientists in five tasks.
Read more
Bioenergy Status Conference 2025
On 20/21 November 2025, the Bioenergy Status Conference will bring together researchers from the ‘Energetic use of biogenic residual and waste materials’ funding area with companies and associations for the 12th time in order to network and work together on a sustainable future.
Read more
Project ideas wanted
Until 1 September 2022, 2pm new project ideas on the subject of bioenergy can be submitted within the framework of the 7th Energy Research Programme. Please note the new topics such as energetic sewage sludge utilisation, biofuels, biogenic hydrogen production, etc...
Read more