The nomination of Biogreenfinery for the 2024 REGIOSTARS Awards represents a European recognition of excellence for this initiative by the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC). The project offers an inspiring model for other regions in renewable solutions based on hydrogen for the supply of green fuels aimed at transportation.

Biogreenfinery, a strategic project for energy transition in the Canary Islands, has been selected as a finalist in the "Green Europe" category of the prestigious 2024 REGIOSTARS Awards, an annual competition organized by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission. These awards recognize EU-funded projects that have a significant impact on regional development. The initiative, developed by the ITC, which is part of the Ministry of Universities, Science, and Innovation led by Migdalia Machín, is one of 25 finalists chosen by a jury of academics from among 262 applications. The finalists compete in five categories, and the winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on October 9 in Brussels, held within the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek).

The REGIOSTARS Awards identify best practices in projects funded by the EU, offering solutions to common challenges and capitalizing on opportunities that can be applied in other regions. The awards are divided into five categories, aligned with the objectives of European cohesion policy: a Competitive and Smart Europe, Green, Connected, Social and Inclusive, and Closer to Citizens. Since their creation in 2008, the awards have become a European hallmark of excellence for EU-funded projects, inspiring regions to implement increasingly inclusive and effective regional policies.

Biogreenfinery will compete in the "Green Europe" category, which focuses on the green transition as a driver of regional development. The project positions itself as an innovative solution for producing alternative fuels, such as green hydrogen and other synthetic fuels, aimed at transportation sectors where 100% renewable options do not yet exist, such as heavy road transport, maritime, and aviation. This contributes to the decarbonization and sustainable development of this outermost European region.

Biogreenfinery, funded through the React-EU Fund with a grant of nearly €6 million under the European "Next Generation EU" instrument, aims to accelerate the decarbonization of transportation. Since its launch at the ITC facilities in Pozo Izquierdo last November, the 100% renewable hydrogen biorefinery has operated as a research platform for new zero-emission fuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting environmental, social, and economic benefits for the Canary Islands.

This pioneering project in Spain competes alongside other standout initiatives in the "Green Europe" category, such as Jomopans from the North Sea region, ECOGRES 4.0 from Portugal, Swipe for a Greener Future from Bulgaria, and Topsoil, also from the North Sea region. Each of these projects brings innovative and sustainable solutions reflecting the category’s theme, ranging from ecosystem conservation, circular economy, to resilience in the face of climate change.

The final of the 2024 REGIOSTARS Awards will take place during the "EU RegionsWeek" on October 8 and 9 in Brussels. In this phase, the finalists will present their projects before a live audience and undergo interviews with the jury. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on October 9. Additionally, the public can vote for their favorite finalist for the "Public Choice Award" starting September 2, through the REGIOSTARS website.

The 2024 European Week of Regions and Cities will be held from October 7 to 10 under the theme "Empowering Regions." This event will bring together thousands of local and regional administrations, EU institutions, political representatives, academics, NGOs, and the private sector in Brussels, providing a platform to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas on cohesion policy and its territorial impact.

Further information: https://regiostarsawards.eu/

Project website: https://biogreenfinery.com/