Bioenergy Study Trip to Germany
Experience German Expertise in Bioenergy Firsthand

Travel to Germany on a study trip to meet with German industry, political, and academic leaders who produce & promote both proven and cutting-edge practices in the realm of biogas & bioenergy.
Dates: July 6th-11th, 2015
America’s strength as one of the world’s largest agricultural producers has had the concurrent effect of spurring massive investment in bioenergy technologies, particularly in the field of biofuels. However, investment in biogas and bioenergy technologies for heat and power generation has been much smaller by comparison.
Germany, on the other hand, has emerged as a global leader in the heat and power bioenergy market, setting numerous benchmarks for innovative technologies. Gasification, cogeneration, combined heat & power, and gas processing technologies for biogas are technologies being actively deployed in Germany, all of which can serve as references for new development and application in the US.
In the spirit of showcasing German bioenergy expertise, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, under the banner of the “renewables – Made in Germany” initiative, invites you to participate in study trip to Germany, organized by GACC Midwest and energiewaechter.
The official application deadline has passed, but please contact us to explore last-minute opportunities to participate in the trip.
For information on program cost and coverage, please refer to our application package. If you are having trouble typing into the application package in the browser, please save a copy to your local drive and complete offline.
FAQ
Why should I participate?
- Gain immediate access to the technologies that have helped German businesses and organizations reduce their energy costs and fossil fuel use, while improving environmental performance.
- Learn firsthand about the policies that have helped bioenergy sources produce over 8% of Germany’s power and become an invaluable source of rural economic growth.
- Expand your network of international bioenergy contacts and explore opportunities for collaboration.
- Enjoy German culture, hospitality, and traditional cuisine and brews.
Who is eligible to attend the Study Trip?
This trip is open to bioenergy stakeholders including:
- Industry representatives
- Policy makers
- Researchers
- Potential system end users
Agenda
Monday, July 6
Morning |
| Individual arrival in Berlin |
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Afternoon | Kick-off policy event in Berlin with German bioenergy stakeholders | |
Evening | Group Dinner and sightseeing in Berlin |
Tuesday, July 7
Morning |
| Visit to biomass CHP plant Berlin-Hennigsdorf |
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Afternoon | Visit to wastewater treatment plant Berlin-Schönerlinde incl. biogas facility | |
Evening | Free time, overnight stay in Berlin |
Wednesday, July 8
Morning |
| Visit to organic waste processing facilty BSR (Berlin's waste utility) |
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Afternoon | Tour of bioenergy village Feldheim | |
Evening | Group dinner and overnight stay in Leipzig |
Thursday, July 9
Morning |
| Visit to German biomass research center (DBFZ) in Leipzig. Topics to be covered include grassy biomass/miscanthus, CHP-Technologies, holistic concept of bio energy villages, and hydrothermal carbonisation |
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Afternoon | Visit to Biogastiger, a transportable turn-key biogas plant for smaller amounts of food and agricultural waste in Marktredwitz | |
Evening | Group dinner and overnight stay in Bayreuth |
Friday, July 10
Morning |
| Visit to Heizomat, a manufacturer of multi-fuel biomass boilers able to burn grassy biomass in Gunzenhausen |
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Afternoon | Travel to Munich | |
Evening | Free time and overnight stay in Munich |
Saturday, July 11
Morning |
| Individual departure |
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(Agenda subject to change)