Biomass Program to Host Webinar on International Collaboration

November 6, 2012

On December 5, 2012, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the Biomass Program will host a webinar, “Global Solutions for Global Challenges: International Collaborations to Advance Bioenergy Research.” Presenters will highlight the progress of ongoing research collaborations among scientists supported by the Energy Department and researchers from China, Brazil, Canada, Finland, and other countries around the world. Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will discuss collaborations that hold the potential for innovations in feedstock logistics and biomass conversion technologies that will help accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels.

The presenters will also provide the results of exchanging best practices and benchmarking current biofuels systems with metrics and trends in trade and commoditization. Finally, the webinar will feature collaborative work supporting the International Organization for Standardization and other initiatives attempting to define metrics and indicators to foster robust international markets for sustainable biofuels.

Scientists will discuss the process of developing collaborative research projects, practical workings with scientists from other countries, mutual benefits, and lessons learned. The webinar will underscore the importance of international scientific collaborations and of generating a common understanding of biofuel production globally. These projects will help the United States and its international partners achieve mutual goals of job creation and economic growth, while yielding broad-based environmental benefits and developing biofuel commodities that lessen dependence on imported oil.

Please join us for an informative and insightful discussion of these critical issues. For any questions regarding the webinar, please email Andrew Graves. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot.

Tentative Webinar Agenda

1:00 p.m.–1:05 p.m.: Introduction, Dan Birns and Paul Grabowski, U.S. Department of Energy
1:05 p.m.–1:15 p.m.: U.S.-China collaborations on feedstock logistics, Chris Wright, INL
1:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Finland collaborations on pyrolysis oil, Jonathan Male, PNNL
1:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.: U.S.-Brazil collaborations on advanced biofuels and sustainability, Helena Chum, NREL
1:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: International standards for more sustainable bioenergy, Keith L. Kline, ORNL
2:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.: Moderated discussion and audience Q&A
2:15 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Additional time as needed for audience Q&A