Our nation's forests are overly dense, plagued with insect and disease, drought, wildfire and forest health problems. The interagency woody biomass utilization group is attempting to utilize woody biomass coming from forest health restoration projects to generate bioenergy in the form of thermal and combined heat and power projects. The bioenergy projects are located throughout the U.S. working with Tribes and rural communities to provide a sustainable form of bioenergy.
The main thrust of BCAP, Biomass Crop Assistance Program is to assist in the expansion production of purpose grown woody biomass on the millions of acres of abandoned and under-utilized non-food U.S. farmland.
There was a round table discussion with Kelly Novak, USDA/FSA BCAP Biomass Crop Assistance Program, Eric Spomer, Catalyst Renewables, Derek Benson, TreeSource Solutions and P.J. Marshall, RPM Ecosystems.
State Department Side Event: The U.S. – Brazil Biofuels Partnership Room 158AB
The U.S. and Brazil are the world’s two largest biofuels producers and consumers. The U.S. and Brazil are cooperating on R and D, on promoting biofuels consumption in third countries, and on standards and codes. This side event allowed U.S. and Brazilian officials update participants on the bilateral cooperation, and afforded leading private sector actors from each country to discuss their progress to date in advanced biofuels.
Renewable Energy Dealmaking in 2010: Insight from Industry Leaders Hosted by: Hunton & Williams Room: 154
A special panel discussion featuring John Eber (JP Morgan Capital Corporation), Bradford Nordholm (Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC), J. Andrew Murphy (NRG Energy, Inc.), Thomas Plagemann (Infigen Energy US), and Carl Weatherley-White (Barclays Capital).
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Australian Trade Commission - Australia - Innovation and Opportunity in Renewables Room 152B
Australia’s strong economy and proximity to fast developing Asian markets together with innovative responses to climate change mean Australia’s clean technology industries are poised for growth. Available land, developed infrastructure, industry knowledge and world class R&D support, makes Australia an attractive destination for international investment in clean energy and technologies.
JETRO- Renewable Energy Japan Room 149AB
JETRO held a lunch seminar introducing some of the latest renewable energy products, technologies, and initiatives in Japan. The seminar featured presentations from JETRO Osaka, Nikko Company, Torishima Pump, and the Laboratory of Separation through Atomization. Japan is a global leader in low carbon energy solutions, and we believe our innovative technologies can play an important role in the US transition to a green economy.
Possible Changes for 1603 Grants and Taxes in 2010: The Effects on the Renewable Energy Industry and Otherwise Stoel Rives LLP Room 154AB
Stoel Rives LLP, a full-service law firm and recognized leader in the renewable energy industry, hosted a panel discussion with policymakers from the Senate Finance Committee and Treasury Department discussing possible changes in taxes and 1603 grants in 2010.
Covanta Energy Room 159AB
This panel discussed how improvements in integrated waste management systems can improve the country’s energy efficiency. Topics will include the European model for waste reduction, the zero landfill approach, and realizing the goal to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover energy from what remains.
A series of short films on the international youth movement supporting clean energy for future generations.
Young Voices on Climate Change tell stories of young people who have reduced the carbon footprint of their homes, schools, communities and states. The movies have been screened at museums and conferences including at The American Museum of Natural History during their climate exhibit, at the Environmental Conference of the American Bar Association, and at ASTC--The Association of Science and Technology Museums. The films are currently touring with Mountainfilm at Telluride's and Wild & Scenic's traveling film festivals. The movies can also be seen on the websites of many non-profits.
The "Eye of the Future" is a short film about five youth from around the world who are charged by the earth to collaborate on climate solutions to create sustainable solutions with nature and with one another. The film was written and directed by Catherine Cunningham and produced by Catherine Cunningham, The Eikosphere Foundation, the Moore Foundation, and Mark Young-Sparkhill Studios.
Friday, February 5, 2010
8 am - 9:30 am
American Agriculture & Forestry Movement Hosted by: Biomass Coordinating Council
The agriculture and forestry community hosted a side event to develop a collaborative effort to promote Sustainable New Wealth Industries (SNWI). It is purported that SNWI has enormous potential to advance the economy, create jobs, reduce our trade deficit, and reverse the build up of greenhouse gases.
Room 149AB
10 am - 11:30 am
RES Alliance Room 149AB
This panel will include leaders from the wind, solar, waste-to-energy, biomass and hydro power industries. The panel discussed the importance of Congress enacting a strong national RES for job creation, the health of the American economy and national security.
Volvo Group/Penn State University Room 154AB
The Volvo Group and Penn State University officially announced their academic partnership agreement which focuses on research and development and technology innovation in the transport sector
Opportunities and Challenges for Renewable Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean Hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Council On Renewable Energy (LAC-CORE)
