Minneapolis, Minnesota will play host to the International Biomass ’08 Conference and Trade Show… a three-day gathering on April 15th-17th to look at the potential and future of biofuels produced from biomass.
Biofuel producer and consultant BBI International is the host for the event that includes:
Conference Features
International Panel
This panel will cover the opportunities and challenges of biomass utilization around the world. Invitations for this panel have been sent to key individuals in Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and South America.
Technical Workshops
Attend educational panels on new technologies, government policies, alternative feedstocks, and financing as they relate to the biomass utilization industry.
Trade Show
Experience a world class trade show featuring over 100 exhibiting companies, two lunches, two networking receptions, and endless business development and networking opportunities.
Industry Tour
See biomass utilization first hand. Spend the day and tour District Energy St. Paul and a number of facilities affiliated with the University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE). Additional fee applies and includes shuttle from the conference site and lunch.
Green Event
BBI International understands that environmental stewardship is an integral part of the biomass industry. We are dedicated to operating our entire company and all of our events with a zero waste and carbon neutral mission. Our focus is on the 4R’s of Sustainability – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Early registration is by January 23rd, 2008 and can be done by clicking here.
It looks like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will win the Michigan primary. So, as I have done for other candidates as they have won caucuses and primaries, I’m posting some of the winner’s thoughts on renewable energy.
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt wants a 5 percent biodiesel standard for his state.
Blunt’s announcement was welcomed by the Missouri Soybean Association, which pointed out that in 2008, biodiesel production in the state is expected to reach at least 125 million gallons… more than enough to meet the 60 million gallon mark a 5 percent biodiesel mandate would produce. If passed, Missouri would be the first state to pass and implement a B5 standard. Minnesota has a 2 percent mandate already in effect, while Louisiana, Oregon, and Washington are waiting for production targets to be met before implementing their 2 percent biodiesel standards. 
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is inviting everyone to its 2nd Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, January 31st, 2008 at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, Iowa.
Large-scale community-based wind power generation company National Wind has opened up a new office at the company’s corporate center in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Debbie Jacklitch-Kuiken is a graduate meteorologist and mechanical engineer and will serve as a senior wind analyst. She has conducted wind resource assessments on over 100 projects and has taught six courses on wind assessment.
Fred Romuld is a graduate mechanical engineer with an extensive construction background. Romuld has analyzed wind data and supervised the erection of meteorological towers in seven states and Canada. Two additional employees were added to National Wind Assessment’s Minneapolis location, Ryan Jakubov, a graduate meteorologist and wind analyst and Ben Ransom, a renewable energy business analyst.
The 
CFDC and NEVC will work with ethanol producers and E85 distributors and marketers to conduct a series of workshops covering a variety of subjects that will improve opportunities for direct E85 marketing. As the prime recipient of the grant, the Nebraska Ethanol Board will administer the project. One-day workshops, expected to begin in the second quarter of the year, will cover EPA storage requirements, fuel tax incentives, ethanol safety and handling training, and E85 brand awareness.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting Secretary Chuck Conner and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel Bodman today announced the appointment of six new members and the reappointment of seven members to serve on its Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee for a term of three years. The Committee was established by the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 to assist USDA and DOE in meeting important national goals for a healthier rural economy and improved national energy security. 
It is easy being green this year at the
Nanfito was especially impressed with the Mazda Furai, which he says is an amazingly futuristic car. “Apparently E98 is the fuel of the future, because that is how they designed the car,” said Nanfito. “Our logo is on it, along with BP, and it is getting a lot of attention.”
E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, will make its appearance in 2008 as a fuel alternative in the American Le Mans Series.
According to the 
“By showcasing the capabilities of E85 ethanol before an audience of knowledgeable and technically astute race fans, we can demonstrate the benefits of a renewable fuel that helps to reduce dependence on petroleum, helps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and helps to create greater diversity in energy supplies,” Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said. “Of course, performance is what counts in racing, so E85 ethanol’s higher octane rating than gasoline wasn’t overlooked by the Corvette Racing engineers.”