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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Biomass 2009: Track 4 - International Outlook

The purpose of the international outlook track was to discuss international goals and objectives for global biofuels development, and mechanisms/forums for achieving these goals.

Each session had a different focus, which allowed for concentrated discussion on pertinent topics including regional biofuels trends and policy, major global biofuels organizations and collaborative efforts, and global biofuels market development and the issues affecting it. Session titles were as follows:

Presentation slides, if available, are provided in PDF format. Download Adobe Reader.

Track 4, Session I
World Overview of the Biofuels Sector

Moderator

  • Dr. Phyllis Yoshida, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Cooperation, Office of Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers

  • Jennifer Holmgren, General Manager, Renewable Energy and Chemicals Business Unit, UOP
  • Laurent Javaudin, First Secretary of Agricultural Trade and Farm Policy, European Commission, Washington, D.C.
  • Emerson Kloss, First Secretary of Trade Policy, Agriculture and Biofuels, Embassy of Brazil, Washington, D.C. Presentation Slides (PDF 68 KB)

Overview

The purpose of the session was to review the status of biofuels development and policy activities internationally.

Jennifer Holmgren from UOP presented on the key drivers for the increased production of biofuels as well as the potential risks. The importance of alliances and relationships in enabling the development and implementation of new technology, which can transition biofeedstocks from mandated to advantaged sources of fuels and chemicals, was also presented.

Laurent Javaudin's presentation gave an overview of the European biofuels industry and the policy drivers within the industry. Regional issues and trends within Europe that related to biofuels were also discussed.

Emerson Kloss' presentation discussed some of the history behind Brazil's current biofuels industry and future goals for the industry. These goals include improving efficiency, creating second-generation biofuels, and the use of new bio-based products.

Session attendees raised a number of concerns during the Q&A session. Highlights included:

  • Agro-economic zoning was discussed and whether this will facilitate trade. Laurent Javaudin addressed this question by stating that every region and country has separate land that is conducive for certain crops. It is essential to understand the land and the types of crops that are fertile. Nevertheless, trade is more likely to occur when there are agro-economic zoning standards in place.

  • The various technical gaps when attempting to scale-up the gasification process was addressed by Jennifer Holmgren.

  • The importance of new sustainability criteria and universal codes and standards for biofuels was discussed and agreed upon as essential for the future success of the industry.

 

Track 4, Session II
Collaborative International Activities

Moderator

  • Paul Grabowski, International Team Lead, Thermochemical Technology Manager, Bioenergy Technologies Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers

  • Ron Benioff, Manager of International Programs, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Presentation Slides (PDF 1.5 MB)
  • Don Stevens, Senior Program Manager, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Presentation Slides (PDF 1.5 MB)
  • Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counselor, Head of Science Technology and Education, European Commission, Washington, D.C Presentation Slides (PDF 1.0 MB)
  • Jeff Skeer, Task Force Co-Chair, Office of European and Asian Affairs, Office of Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy Presentation Slides (PDF 99 KB)
  • Steve Przesmitzki, Senior Project Leader, Advanced Motor Fuels and Intermediate Ethanol Blends in the United States, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Overview

The purpose of this session was to discuss the current international collaborative research and development activities underway, as well as future focus areas. In addition, specific areas of collaborative research in which to expand, such as advanced vehicles technologies, were discussed.

Don Stevens of PNNL and Ron Benioff of NREL discussed the role of the DOE national laboratories in collaborative biofuels research and development with international entities. The main goals of the current and future collaborative efforts that the DOE laboratories participate in include accelerating progress toward biofuels R&D commercialization through leveraging of resources and expertise, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on oil, and promoting business partnerships and global economic development.

Laurent Bochereau of the European Commission discussed European research and development policy and the various technology platforms that have recently been launched. Mr. Bochereau also discussed the avenues of research and development cooperation with the European Commission.

Jeff Skeer of DOE discussed biofuels cooperation in the Asia Pacific. Mr. Skeer explained that APEC accounts for half the world's economic output and energy use, and that renewable energy will be essential to meeting the energy needs of these developing nations. Mr. Skeer also stressed that biofuels international development and use depends on several key factors, including cost competitiveness of biofuels, biofuel trade opportunities, biofuel infrastructure, biofuel flex-fuel vehicles, and biofuel resources. In addition, long-term trends will expand worldwide biofuel potential.

Steve Prezmitski of NREL discussed the recent research and development that NREL is conducting with advanced motor fuels and intermediate ethanol blends in engines. Mr. Prezmitski concluded that if the U.S. is to meet the near-term Renewable Fuel Standard, ethanol is likely the main avenue in which to do so. Mr. Prezmitski went on to explain that most vehicles on the road in the United States. are E85 compatible, but most do not utilize this capability because it is not economical.

The audience raised several issues during the discussion. Topics included:

  • There is a disconnect between water usage and biofuels.

  • There is a need for universal codes and standards for sustainability and the fact that this will facilitate the international growth of the biofuels industry. Mr. Skeer recommended that the international community was about three years away from sustainability codes and standards.

  • Many international biofuels projects that the U.S. laboratories are involved in are Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). A CRADA is a written agreement between a federal research organization and one or more federal or non-federal parties (collaborators) to work together as partners on a research project of mutual interest.

Track 4, Session III
Outlook for International Biofuels Development

Moderator

  • Paul Grabowski, International Team Lead, Thermochemical Technology Manager, Bioenergy Technologies Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers

  • Audrey Lee, Economist, Office of Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Joel Velasco, Chief Representative, Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Organization (UNICA) North America
  • Laurent Javaudin, First Secretary of Agricultural Trade and Farm Policy, European Commission, Washington, D.C.

Overview

The purpose of this session was to identify the goals and barriers to the development of a global biofuels market.

Audrey Lee of DOE discussed the projected biofuels trade under the renewable fuels standard. In addition, she said that rather than 36 billion gallons of ethanol being utilized by 2022, the projected volume of ethanol is 28 billion gallons. In addition, to meet supply needs, the U.S. and other countries will continue to import ethanol from Brazil.

Joel Velasco, representing UNICA, identified the most important factors that would aid a global biofuels market as being fuel, infrastructure, and price. One percent of current arable land in Brazil displaces 50% of Brazil's gasoline needs.

Laurent Javaudin of the EC discussed the policy initiatives that have been set within the European Union that will affect future biofuels markets and development. For example, there was a recent EU directive that sets a default value and method for calculating GHG emissions. Mr. Javaudin also identified a report that will be published in 2012 by the EU, describing the effectiveness of sustainability criteria.

The audience raised several issues during the discussion:

  • A question was raised by an attendee asking the effectiveness of mandates compared to incentives. Ms. Lee answered by saying that mandates were generally more effective at directing initiatives.

  • Sustainability was discussed, and the fact that its complexity when developing social and economic criteria for separate nations makes it difficult to agree upon.

  • It was generally agreed upon that biofuels markets need several more suppliers in different global regions to continue to develop in a sustainable manner.