Advanced Manufacturing for Energy‑Related Applications
About the Pilot
The Bioeconomy Pilot, initiated in 2016 and led by Lombardy and Randstad, is an ambitious collaboration initiative focused on establishing interregional value chains within the bioeconomy sector. With over €50 million in mobilised investments, we have united 19 regions, along with 50+ industries, universities, and research institutions from across the Vanguard Members.
Our primary aim is to foster the development of new industrial applications and high added-value bio-based products that surpass conventional uses in food, feed, and fiber. By harnessing the potential of terrestrial and marine biological resources, as well as waste, we unlock new business opportunities, attract private investments, and drive the market adoption of sustainable business models.
Strategic partnerships for collaborative advancement of bio-based innovation.
We prioritise creating new integrated bio-based value chains and fostering collaboration across chemistry, agro-food, bioenergy, and biofuels sectors. Through matchmaking events and engagement with potential users and technology providers, we facilitate synergies and foster innovation in the bioeconomy.
Collaborating with the Biobased Industry Consortium, representing the private sector of the Bio-Based Industry Joint Technology Initiative (JTI), we maximise resources and enable common activities. Additionally, we leverage European Commission (EC) initiatives via the Industrial Modernisation platform and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform.
Activities & Long Term Goals
Europe’s regions pioneering in advancing Offshore Energy Value Chains.
ADMA’s regions are dedicated to deepening their knowledge and understanding of the offshore renewables sector. Feasibility studies drive breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing technologies covering design, functionality, integration, automation, materials, and communication for components and systems.
The Pilot supports demo cases to reach commercialisation by facilitating funding access for pilot activities and demonstration projects. Collaboration between larger companies and innovative SMEs stimulates sector growth and strengthens supply chains across Europe, providing new business opportunities and expansion for smaller companies.
Powering Cross-Sector Innovation.
The ADMA Energy Pilot recognises the significance of cross-cutting issues, cross-sectoral knowledge exchange and synergies with other Vanguard Initiative Pilots as well as complementary EU networks and initiatives. One notable connection is with the Hydrogen Pilot.
In a specific demo Case, the ADMA Energy Pilot envisions electricity production, both offshore and onshore, to support the production of green hydrogen. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of renewable energy generation and the potential for offshore energy to contribute to the production of clean hydrogen.
Additionally, ADMA collaborates closely with the VI Nano-enabled Products Pilot, focusing on manufacturing new materials, as those hold immense potential enhancing the performance and durability of offshore energy components and systems.
Co-Leading Regions
Lombardia
Emilia-Romagna
Randstad Region
Pilot Contact:
Stefano Valentini
Emilia Romagna region
Carmen Di Santo
Lombardy region
Participating Regions
Asturias
Basque Country
Dalarna
Flanders
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Lombardia
Małopolska
Scotland
Demo Cases
ADNA Energy
ADNA Energy
ADNA Energy
Latest Updates
Webinar “On-Demand Spare Parts and Repair Manufacturing”, 9 June 2026
The Vanguard Initiative 3DP Pilot is pleased to invite organisations from its member regions to participate in the upcoming webinar focusing on “On-Demand Spare Parts and Repair Manufacturing”, taking place on 9 June (10-12 CEST). The webinar will focus on how...
Webinar “VInnovate 2026” – 30 June 2026
Are you based in one of the VInnovate participating regions and looking to build an international innovation project? This webinar is for you. Join us online on 30 June at 10:00–11:30 CEST to pitch your project idea and connect with potential partners across Europe....
Ensuring Europe’s innovation and competitiveness leadership
To the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council, Europe stands at a critical point. As negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) advance, the choices made in the coming months will determine whether the European...
VInnovate Call 2025 Results: Strength in Numbers
In Europe’s industrial transformation, scale is everything. Companies and regions must internationalise partnerships, combine investments and bring technologies to market faster than any single territory could achieve alone. This is precisely where VInnovate operates....
Annual Report 2023: Bioeconomy
The report is available here.
Annual Report 2023: Hydrogen
The report is available here.
Demo Cases
The increase in offshore wind turbines size implies an increase in the total weight of the turbines which would reach weights that can make handling, logistics and installation tasks difficult. At the same time, materials with better characteristics against the harsh conditions of the marine environment are required.
These two points represent a big challenge for the offshore turbine manufacturers along with the reduction in the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE) and operating expenses (OPEX).
Considering that the main material in offshore wind turbines is steel, the goal of this democase focuses on the substitution of the commonly used steels in offshore wind turbines by steels with advanced mechanical properties in order to develop lightweight solutions, better protection against corrosion and increase durability.
The best components of the offshore wind turbines for replacing will be determined and the best steel to be used will be designed. Feasibility studies will be undertaken, modelling of components will be carried out and testing in sea conditions will take place.
Participating regions
Asturias – Dalarna – Basque Country – Flanders
Demo Cases
The goal is to enable adhesive bonding as alternative joining method in the primary structure in shipbuilding and offshore constructions. Steel and composites can be bonded using adhesives, forming a hybrid (steel-composite) joint that presents several advantages with respect to bolted and welded joints. Despite of the many benefits of composite and hybrid joints, the lack of correct guidelines for approval and design has prevented their uptake by the maritime and offshore industry. This is partly because the long term behaviour and failure of hybrid joints is not yet understood.
Demo Cases
The ‘Power Transfer in the Sea’ project brief focusses on integrating offshore renewables at sea, the use of offshore energy to produce alternative vectors, including storage, as well as power for related industries at sea, among others. In that respect integration with onshore activities (port) and energy distribution (including green hydrogen production) is taken into account.
Pilot Contacts
Stefano Valentini
Emilia Romagna region, primary contact person stefano.valentini@art-er.it
Pilot Contacts
Carmen Di Santo
Lombardy region, secondary contact person c.disanto@confindustria.lombardia.it