The project and the partnership are structured in a way to address in the most effective and efficient way the indicated needs. Involvement of expert organizations as partners guarantees focused and solution oriented approach while the involvement of direct beneficiaries from 11 municipalities in CBR ensures sustainability of the project results. The foreseen biomass potential assessments (AT2,3) and subsequent bilingual study Biomass Potentials in CB Region and biomass maps (AT4) will provide real, terrain data about biomass potentials in Pilot areas. Two planned trainings (AT6 and 7) will be directed to two main targeted groups: I/1-3 from 3.4 in AF and II/4-5 from 3.4 in AF. Training sessions will cover sustainable technologies for biomass plants breeding and harvesting (including short rotation crops); modern technologies for biomass processing and energy utilization, as well as EU legislation in the field, barriers for wider biomass use and most efficient ways to assist potential investors. Two planned study visits (AT8) for direct beneficiaries on both border sides will demonstrate best practices and facilitate transfer of know-how. Four investment studies (two per each Pilot area) will be drawn up (AT9), and used as concrete examples of sustainable biomass to energy utilization. Regional biomass-to-energy investment forum, first of that kind in CBR, will be organized (AT10) to gather interested entrepreneurs and investors from both border sides. Strategies for energy utilization of biomass for two municipalities (AT11) will be elaborated, providing necessary steps to be taken in order to satisfy energy needs in a sustainable way. Envisaged final conference (AT13) will summarize project results and ensure wide dissemination. Educative documentary film, promoting sustainable energy utilization of biomass, will be made (AT12) and broadcasted on local TV stations. Finally, follow-up study will be drawn up (AT14) to ensure sustainability of project results. Achievements: The project envisioned and achieved the following results:- Conducted assessment of the biomass energy potential in two municipalities – Tran (Bulgaria) and Pirot (Serbia);- Development of 4 feasibility studies of biomass energy projects – pelleting, briquetting, and fuel switch in two buildings;- Developed municipal strategies for biomass utilization for Tran and Pirot municipalities;- Organization of training courses on the biomass energy utilization – one for private market actors and one for public authorities;- Organization of study visits to the pellet factory in Gadzhin Han and the biomass-fuelled heating station in Ihtiman;- Organization of an Investment Forum and Final Conference;- Development and broadcasting of a promotional documentary film.- Development of a project web site: http://biomass-to-energy.euThe project was successfully completed in January 2014.