The international thematic workshop “How to increase social acceptance of bioenergy policies” was organized by the Regional Development Agency Centru from 6 to 9 March. During the event, attendees benefit from several study visits. It concluded with a project management meeting.
In Zabola Village, they had the opportunity to visit a biomass system used to heat the facilities. In Bertis company (Sfântu Gheorghe), an automatized biomass oven used for bakery production. Also in Sfântu Gheorghe, they could visit a building heated by a biomass system from the Association of Small and Medium Size Enterprises of Covasna County. Finally, attendees visited Biomass heating system used to provide heating for greenhouse flowers, from Dalia company in Valea Crișului Village.
The event brought together project partners, regional/local stakeholders from the European partner regions, and other experts from the bioenergy sector. Presentations and discussions during the meeting focused on models of raising awareness of local communities on bioenergy policies. More especifically, on these topics:
· The importance of communication campaigns for the public opinion
· Dissemination between technical prescribers through technical events
· Governance as an item able to raise social awareness through focus on biomass benefits, sustainable forest management, technologies available and good practices to avoid air pollution
· The difficulties to implement policies without financial availability to support related measures
