The scientific and technological (S&T) goal of the project is to develop and validate an innovative approach combining phytoremediation and production of biomass on heavy metal contaminated (HMC) areas which could be used as local energy carrier. The S&T objectives of the project are as follows: Objective1) selection of optimal plant species suitable for phytoremediation driven energy crops production. Experimental plots will be established in Poland (arable land) and Germany (extreme HMC site) to test the pre-selected species Miscanthus gigantheus, Sida hermaphrodita, Spartina pectinata, Panicum virgatum. Guidelines on selection of the most appropriate species will be elaborated using brownfields management tools. The technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental benefits of the approach will be also analysed. Objective 2) is to develop a microbiological method stimulating the biomass yield and phytoremediation effect at HMC sites and. Interactions between plant and microbes will be investigated and tested as they play a crucial role at sites where plant growth is affected by HM contamination. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, bacterial endophytes and mycorhizal fungi enhancing growth of the selected species will be identified. They will help developing innovative inocula to be applied respectively to the brownfield management target (i.e. cleanup or use for biomass production). Objective 3) is to demonstrate an environmentally safe way of converting the HMC biomass into energy in a small scale local installation with special focus on gasification as a promising technology which may become a competitive niche alternative for handing HMC biomass. Cost effectiveness and environmental benefits of this method will be evaluated together with technology optimization guidelines for this type of fuel. The S&T objectives will be realized by transfer of knowledge: secondments and external recruitment between 6 consortium partners from industry and academia.