I want to thank everyone who attended the International Biomass '08 Conference & Trade Show that was held in Minneapolis in April. It was great to visit with people in the industry and to witness firsthand the enthusiasm that we try to convey in Biomass Magazine.
Although I couldn't possibly make it to every session of the conference, the ones I attended covered everything from biomass processing to permitting and life cycle assessment to project finance. If you didn't get a chance to attend the conference, check out the Event feature that starts on page 18.
I think it's clear to most Americans that we can no longer solely rely on petroleum and coal for our energy needs. I have to agree with Lee Lynd, cofounder and chief scientific officer of Mascoma Corp., and a speaker at the conference, who noted that it will take a host of solutions including the use of renewable fuels, increased vehicle fuel efficiency, increased crop and biomass production on underutilized land, increased crop and biomass yields, and advanced biomass processing methods to wean us from our dependence on fossil fuels. His comments about agriculture were thought-provoking, particularly when he said that we need to "re-imagine agriculture to accommodate large-scale energy production."
I think that's already starting to happen to some extent as farmers look into the prospect of growing switchgrass and develop equipment to harvest corn, cobs and stover to make cellulosic ethanol. No doubt, the pressure on farmers to produce crops for food, feed, fuel and the export market has intensified. However, I'm confident, as I saw farmers out planting crops this spring, that with help from scientists, engineers and plant breeders, they are up to the task.
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS,MINNESOTA
Serving the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
Taking place in September, the North American SAF Conference & Expo, produced by SAF Magazine, in collaboration with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) will showcase the latest strategies for aviation fuel decarbonization, solutions for key industry challenges, and highlight the current opportunities for airlines, corporations and fuel producers.View More
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER | NASHVILLE,TN
Now in its 19th year, the International Biomass Conference & Expo is expected to bring together more than 900 attendees, 160 exhibitors and 65 speakers from more than 25 countries. It is the largest gathering of biomass professionals and academics in the world. The conference provides relevant content and unparalleled networking opportunities in a dynamic business-to-business environment. In addition to abundant networking opportunities, the largest biomass conference in the world is renowned for its outstanding programming—powered by Biomass Magazine–that maintains a strong focus on commercial-scale biomass production, new technology, and near-term research and development. Join us at the International Biomass Conference & Expo as we enter this new and exciting era in biomass energy.View More