Innovative model to drive energy security and diversity in the Danube Region via combination of bioenergy with surplus renewable energy
DanuP-2-Gas addressed the Danube Region’s dependence on imported energy and the underuse of local renewable resources, particularly biomass and surplus renewable electricity. The project developed and tested an integrated approach combining biomass, renewable electricity, energy storage and renewable gas to strengthen energy security and improve energy efficiency. Its distinctive approach was to connect electricity and gas systems through sector coupling, supported by energy modelling, legislative analysis and business model development, creating practical pathways for more diversified and flexible regional energy systems.
The challenge The Danube Region has significant renewable energy potential, but energy systems remain highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. At the same time, important resources remain underused: biomass and organic residues with energy potential; surplus electricity generated from renewable sources; opportunities to connect energy production, storage and consumption across sectors. Differences in infrastructure, legislation and market conditions also make it difficult to develop integrated energy solutions at regional and transnational level. The project idea DanuP-2-Gas explored how these resources could be connected into a more flexible and diversified energy system. The project focused on sector coupling – linking electricity and gas systems so that renewable energy can be converted, stored and used across different applications, including electricity, heating and transport. The project combined technical analysis with practical implementation perspectives: Resource mapping – assessment of biomass, organic residues and renewable energy potential; Energy modelling – development and testing of an optimisation tool for different energy system configurations; Legislative analysis – assessment of regulatory conditions for renewable energy, biomass, renewable gas and sector coupling; Business model development – exploration of pathways for turning technical potential into viable applications; Stakeholder cooperation – identification and engagement of relevant energy-sector actors across the Danube Region; Strategic planning – development of a transnational strategy and national roadmaps supporting future implementation. The transformation DanuP-2-Gas moved beyond the idea of simply producing more renewable energy. It explored how different renewable resources and energy infrastructures can work together to increase energy security and efficiency. By combining biomass utilisation, surplus renewable electricity, energy storage, renewable gas, modelling and strategic planning, the project provided a basis for more diversified, flexible and locally anchored energy systems across the Danube Region.
