CARMEN
The Centrale Agrar-Rohstoff Marketing- und Energie-Netzwerk (CARMEN eV) is a non-profit registered association based in Straubing . Its task is to coordinate the cooperation between the state , science , agriculture and forestry as well as companies in the field of renewable raw materials , renewable energies and the sustainable use of resources. The aim is to achieve the following goals:
- the faster technical progress in the research and practical application of renewable raw materials
- thus increasing profitability
- the development of new areas of application for renewable raw materials
- promoting the overall social dialogue on the topics of renewable raw materials, renewable energies and sustainable resource use
history
The association was founded on July 6, 1992 on the initiative of the Bavarian State Parliament and has over 70 members from all parts of the value chain for renewable energies and renewable raw materials. These are companies , associations and local authorities . Until the end of 2000 it was based in Rimpar near Würzburg. At the beginning of 2001 the network moved to the KoNaRo competence center for renewable raw materials in Straubing. Although CARMEN eV was originally intended as a Bavarian coordination office, the network is now also active in the rest of Germany , sometimes internationally.
activities
CARMEN eV is divided into four departments that deal with different energetic and material topics. In addition to the management and the secretariat, around 40 CARMEN employees work in the “Biogas and Mobility”, “Biogenic Solid Fuels”, “On-Site Energy” and “Material Use” departments.
CARMEN eV:
- offers independent advice and project support: assessments of profitability, technical and methodical support and optimization of projects, e.g. B. in the implementation of energy concepts in municipalities
- organizes information events and specialist conferences on the topics of renewable raw materials, renewable energies and sustainable use of resources
- informs with extensive publications and other information offers: brochures, press releases, specialist articles, conference proceedings as well as an internet presence with current information, industry directories, calendar and much more
- is active with trade fair appearances and participations, exhibitions, guided tours and excursions
Departments
Biogas and mobility
The Biogas and Mobility department is divided into two areas of responsibility. In the field of biogas, all aspects related to energy generation and the use of energy crops are considered. The employees advise and inform biogas operators, manufacturers and consultants about commissioning, flexibility and connection regulations. With information events, technical discussions and close cooperation with the Fachverband Biogas eV, the department offers comprehensive advice. In addition, there is the offer for the preparation of reports and annual accounts.
In the area of mobility, e-mobility and alternative drives are discussed. The aim is to advance alternative drives and to steer public perception towards climate-neutral mobility.
Solid biofuels
The Biogenic Solid Fuels department coordinates and supervises projects in the field of solid fuels. This includes the preparation of expert reports and statements as well as a neutral project evaluation for investors and funding providers. In the funding area, the department develops programs and publishes statements. In addition, the employees evaluate and optimize existing systems through a quality analysis. New bioenergy projects are accompanied by a quality management process. The project managers of the department of supply areas and technologies of energy supply for cities, municipalities and rural districts can use screenings to evaluate. Price indices are also provided.
Energy on site
Solar and wind energy, geothermal energy, electricity storage, electricity marketing as well as efficiency and savings are topics that the local energy department deals with. Through technical discussions, lectures and publications, the employees of the department provide information and advice on current topics, techniques and fundamentals. Acceptance as an important aspect of the energy transition is also addressed in the form of technical discussions and public information events. In addition, CARMEN eV offers services on all topics relevant to the energy transition as part of the LandSchrachtEnergie project.
Material use
The main topics of the material use department cover the entire value chain, from raw materials to their recycling. This includes materials such as bio-based, compostable and natural fiber-reinforced plastics as well as materials for sustainable construction such as wood and natural insulation materials. Sustainable procurement in the form of office supplies, biolubricants, road building materials and cleaning agents is also part of the work of the department. In addition to statements, appraisals, supervision and evaluation of funding projects, the employees also organize technical discussions and carry out their own projects and market studies.
Office of the Expert Council Bioeconomy Bavaria
The Bavarian Bioeconomy Advisory Council was convened in 2015 by the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forests and is supported by the CARMEN eV office. With representatives from science and business, the Council, as an independent advisory body, gives recommendations on how the expansion of the bioeconomy can make a contribution to sustainable development.
Forest and wood network
The forest and wood network was founded in 2008 as a LEADER cooperation project of the districts of the Bavarian Forest between Cham and Passau. The move took place in 2013 and the organizational connection to CARMEN eV. Partners in the network were over 460 timber companies, institutions and private individuals from the districts of Cham, Straubing-Bogen, Regen, Freyung-Grafenau, Passau and Rottal-Inn. When the funding basis ceased to exist, the network had to close its doors on July 1, 2019. In order to fill the resulting gap and to preserve the wealth of experience from network work, CARMEN eV therefore deepened its work on the possible uses of the raw material wood. In the material use department, a new position has been created under the heading “Bioeconomic Impetus with Wood”, which provides information and advice on all aspects of the topic.
Web links
Coordinates: 48 ° 53 ′ 2 " N , 12 ° 35 ′ 2" E