Impressions on Conference Style in Asia and Challenges Facing the Biofuel Industry in Asia

This spring, we have welcomed a number of Hood College students to the team.  Shown in the office are Zhang Rui (Amanda), who is studying for her MBA after earning an Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Master of Chemical Engineering in Xi'an Shaanxi, PRC; and Joshua Rathod who joined his BA in Biology from Hood College with a minor in vocal performance.  We hope that he finds success in both fields.

Fundraising
You may receive a note from Rathod  or from Vidya Ramanathan (based in Boston and volunteering with us when not teaching Sanskrit or working with computers) with information on sponsoring our website, newsletter and organization, in general.  Please respond generously.

Job Search Resources
In response to positive comments we have received about the value of our job search resources, we have decided to add another dimension to them, with links to career/job pages for companies that we know are involved with advanced biofuels.  Rui is spearheading that project.  We add updates every week or so.

Articles and Reports
You may be familiar with Rathod's writing as he often represents the organization at local hearings, conferences and other events; and reports on them for you in our Original Writing, Opinions pages.  This month he has two articles; one reporting on his experiences at a local Clean Cities meeting and reception and the other a review of an ACORE webinar comparing biofuels expansion in China and the US.

We continue to exist as an all-volunteer organization, although we would like that to change and to be able to compensate everyone for their professional contributions.  Please help us continue to provide these valuable, objective and independent educational services with your generous donations.  Just click on the Donate button.

Limited Daily News Postings on Advanced Biofuels USA Website
Due to funding constraints, Advanced Biofuels USA is suspending comprehensive posting of daily news about advanced biofuels.  Instead, we will enhance our focus on writing original pieces highlighting what is going on with advanced biofuels policy and production.   We will also keep up and enhance our links to resources on Daily News, Job Postings, Educational Resources, Teacher Resources, Educational Opportunities (byUS state and international), Coming Events for the next month or so and other Coming Events.  We will continue to provide informal consulting for educational activities of all kinds.

 Upcoming Advanced Biofuels Conferences and  Activities: Some Details

3rd Commercial Farm Africa  March 19-20, 2013    Accra, Ghana
“Into Africa- Building Local Markets, Improving Farm Productivity & Increasing ROI”
Key highlights

• Climate change and the impact on global agriculture market
• Investment opportunities & land utilization in Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Cote D'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Liberia & etc
• Experience sharing by farm operators in Africa
• Focus on: Sugar, Corn, Rice, Cassava, Palm, Bioenergy Crops & Rubber
• Transforming small-holders farm and management of out-growers scheme
• Infrastructure development and access to markets
• Management and access to input materials
• Securing funding for agri-investment

Farm & plantation investors/owners, Asset management company, Investment banks & agricultural funds Fertilizer companies, Seed suppliers, Tax & legal firm, Insurance companies, risk management consultant Agrochem & biotech companies Irrigation industry, Food companies, agri commodity buyers/traders, Government organization & investment board  READ MORE

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International Biomass Conference and Expo April 8-10, 2013 Minneapolis, MN
The 6th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo will take place April 8-10, 2013, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This dynamic event unites industry professionals from all sectors of the world’s interconnected biomass utilization industries—biobased power, thermal energy, fuels and chemicals.

Organized by BBI International and produced by Biomass Magazine, this event brings current and future producers of bioenergy and biobased products together with waste generators, energy crop growers, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, project developers, investors and policy makers. It’s a true one-stop shop – the world’s premier educational and networking junction for all biomass industries.  READ MORE

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Sugar Trade Asia April 28-30, 2013 Yangon, Burma/Myanmar

CMT is an active global conference organizer and since 1982 supports business development across Asia, MidEast/Africa and the Americas. Recent political and economic reforms in Myanmar are very encouraging with the country favored as the rising star in Asia...CMT is contributing by bringing business and investments to the country with events that offer vital business intelligence. CMT covers all the key sectors - Energy, Mining, Agriculture, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Finance, Power, Telecoms and many more. This agriculture related event themed as 

 

"Myanmar Sugar Industry Masterplan & Investment Potential" 

"Global Oversupply - Counting on Asian Demand to Hold its Strength" 

 

•Revitalising Myanmar's sugar industry -Yield Improvement technologies & mechanised farming

•Consolidation in Brazil's sugar sector

•Rising demand and rebuilding stocks in China

•Thailand export outlook for 2013/2014

•Enhancing sugar yields - learning from India

 

Whom you will network with:  key officials, investors, equity/fund managers, plantation cos, sugar & sweeteners manufacturers, traders, consumer markets - food & bev sector, ethanol producers, machinery suppliers, logistics cos.

Please Visit http://www.cmtevents.com/main.aspx?ev=130423&pu=220087 for more information or Contact Hafizah Adam – hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg Tel: +65 6346 9218  READ MORE

 

• Commercial market analysis & forecasts
• Strain selection & genetic engineering
• The future for European algae biomass: View from diverse markets
• Algal culture systems: Latest developments from laboratory & field
• Harvesting, dewatering, drying & oil extraction: Maximising efficiency & reducing cost
• Commercial algae production: Case study examples
• Biofuel production & biorefining
• Algae-based CO2 capture
• Algae as an investment opportunity: An investor’s viewpoint  READ MORE

21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition    June 3-7, 2013   Copenhagen, Denmark

Hop on a bike and experience Copenhagen's renewable environment by participating at the 21st EU BC&E!  READ MORE

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9th International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries June 5-7, 2013 Antwerp, Belgium

The 9th edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, from Wednesday June 5 until Friday June 7, 2013.

 

Delegates from university, industry, governmental and non-governmental organizations and venture capital providers will present their views on industrial biotechnology, sustainable (green) chemistry and agricultural policy related to the use of renewable raw materials for non-food applications and energy supply.

 

The conference further aims at providing an overview of the scientific, technical, economic, environmental and social issues of renewable resources and biorefineries in order to give an impetus to the biobased economy and to present new developments in this area. The conference will provide a forum for leading political, corporate, academic and financial people to discuss recent developments and set up collaborations.

 

The three day international conference will consist of plenary lectures and oral presentations by international experts, a poster session and an exhibition. Companies and research organizations are offered the opportunity to organize a satellite symposium.  READ MORE

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International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo June 10-13, 2013 St. Louis, MO

Now in its 29th year, the FEW provides the global ethanol industry with cutting-edge content and unparalleled networking opportunities in a dynamic business-to-business environment. The FEW is the largest, longest running ethanol conference in the world—and the only event powered by Ethanol Producer Magazine.

From it’s inception in 1985, the mission of the event has remained constant: The FEW delivers timely presentations with a strong focus on commercial-scale ethanol production – from quality control and yield maximization to regulatory compliance and fiscal management. The FEW is also the ethanol industry’s premier forum for unveiling new technologies and research findings. The program extensively covers cellulosic ethanol while remaining committed to optimizing existing grain ethanol operations.

The 2013 FEW program is segmented into four concurrent tracks:

Track 1: Production
Track 2: Leadership and Financial Management
Track 3: Coproducts
Track 4: Cellulosic and Advanced Ethanol   READ MORE

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European Biodiesel 2013  June 12-13, 2013   Lisbon, Portugal

Reviewing the Latest Technologies, Policies & Strategies Shaping the Future of First & Advanced Generation Biodiesel & Bio-Oil Derived Jet Fuel in Europe
A unique and highly-focused event, ACI’s 6^th annual European Biodiesel conference will comprise two days of formal presentations, interactive panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities, providing an open and intimate setting for senior executives and experts from the following industries:

• First generation biodiesel (FAME)
• Advanced generation renewable diesel (BTL, HVO, cellulosic diesel, algae, jatropha, bacteria, yeast, fungus etc.)
• Renewable jet fuel derived from bio-oil (jatropha & algae)

During the afternoon of Tuesday 11^th June 2013, a limited number of European Biodiesel 2013 attendees will receive the unique opportunity to visit the lab, crushing unit and biodiesel production unit of Iberol – Sociedade Ibérica de Biocombustíveis e Oleaginosas, S.A..
The site visit is at no extra cost.
15% Discount for members. Register before 27^th of April and quote ref: EAF6_ABF
Reserve your space upon registration for the conference.
For full brochure, discount & registration contact:
Cheryl Williams on +44 207 981 2503 or email: cwilliams@acieu.net   READ MORE

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The 3rd International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts    June 16-19, 2013    Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The 3rd International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts provides direct interaction for attending delegates, with scientific and technical leaders in this field. Emphasis will be placed on the latest unpublished technical and scientific results, along with discussion and direct interactions with strategic partners and leaders in the field. The conference is designed to facilitate extended discussion periods, dedicated networking sessions, and exciting technical presentations.

 

The conference will cover all areas of emerging technologies in algal biology, biomass production, cultivation, harvesting, extraction, bioproducts, and econometrics.

 

Do not miss the opportunity to meet and discuss this rapidly developing field with pre-eminent scientific leaders!

 

Themes

Algal Biology - Metabolic Regulation of Microalgae for Biofuels

Algal Biology - Molecular Traits of Microalgae for Biofuels

Algal Biology - Phylogeny of Microalgae for Biofuels

Algal Cultivation - Heterotrophic Systems, including utilization of waste waters for algal production

Algal Cultivation - Phototrophic Systems in Open Ponds

Algal Cultivation - Phototrophic Systems in Photobioreactors

Algal Harvesting and Extraction Systems

Bioproducts from Algal Biofuels Refining, including agricultural, bioplastics, and chemical products

Life Cycle Analysis[LCA]

New Conversion Technologies for Algal Biofuels, including catalytic, thermal, and enzymatic systems

Technoeconomic Modeling of Algal Biofuels Systems
Register before April 8 and receive a $100 discount.   READ MORE

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tcbiomass2013 September 3-6, 2013 Chicago, IL

Plan to connect with many of the world’s leading researchers, scientists, and engineers in gasification, pretreatment, pyrolysis, and upgrading. This premier 3-day forum for technology exchange will not only be informative and educational but also provide networking opportunities and actionable insight to accelerate progress towards the maturity of bioenergy technologies.

The use of biomass as a renewable and sustainable fuel is growing as industry experts move advanced conversion processes along the path to commercialization—and the world toward a cleaner, more diverse, and affordable energy future. The thermochemical conversion pathway will continue to be critical for maximizing biomass resource utilization for the production of heat, power, and fuels. Participants attending tcbiomass2013 will be at the center of international collaboration, hearing the latest research, development, and deployment results for thermal biomass conversion technologies and systems.  READ MORE

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Biofuels International 2013 September 11-12 Antwerp, Belgium

Now in its sixth year, Biofuels International 2013 attracts high-level companies involved in biofuel production, the operation of biofuel plants, transportation, aviation and storage, as well as attracting policy developers, R&D departments, company CEOs and management.

 

With so much change happening in the European biofuels market, it is more important than ever to keep up-to-date. An in-depth and thought provoking agenda will stimulate debate amongst delegates on topics such as:

• What is going to happen beyond 2020? How do we create the stability the industry needs?
• What impact will a 5% cap on first generation ethanol counting have on key industry stakeholders? What are the other options?
• Scaling up and de-risking second generation technology
• Bio-based chemicals: how can biofuels producers benefit from market demand?
• Finance – how to secure investment for expansion, what are the best project financing options?
• Indirect land use change: the latest research, what factors still need to be addressed?

• Ensuring a stable second generation feedstock supply. Which feedstock are the winners for sustainability, availability and price?
• Taking a closer look at feedstock price volatility  READ MORE

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PalmEx Indonesia 2013 October 2-4 Medan, Indonesia

The 5th PALMEX Indonesia 2013 is the only specialized Palm Oil event in Asia that brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies and also its supporting industries gathered in the capital city of North Sumatera, Medan to showcase the latest developments in the palm oil industry.

North Sumatera, home to one of Indonesia’s largest concentration of oil palm plantations and also the presence of many supporting facilities such as palm oil processing plants making its capital Medan the perfect venue for the show. This unique event seeks to educate the public on the importance of the palm oil industry in Indonesia and the future trends of palm oil in the region. More than 5,000 industry professionals from more than 10 countries would be expected to turn up at this event. The international character and regional audience of PALMEX Indonesia 2013 provides unparalleled marketing, education and networking opportunities.  READ MORE

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BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing June 16-19, 2013 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing is the world’s largest industrial biotechnology event for business leaders, investors and policy makers in biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals.

 

Entering it’s tenth year, BIO World Congress offers unique networking opportunities, an overview of the latest technological developments and real world scenarios for bringing technological solutions to market. The event features discussions of high profile topics related to climate change, sustainability, new sources of fuel, financing, and policy. The conference also offers business partnering opportunities.
 

A Poster Session and Exhibit Hall will provide attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to converse with their colleagues and learn about the latest developments in the field of industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing. We are excited to bring this conference to Montreal to highlight the industry’s growth, the importance of this industrial and environmental biotechnology for generating green jobs, making greener products and cleaner processes all aimed at building a biobased economy.  READ MORE

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Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy December 8-11, 2013 San Diego, CA

The annual Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy is the original conference dedicated solely to the growth of the industrial biotechnology and bioenergy sectors in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. This year's event will be held in San Diego, California from December 8-11, 2013.

Programs will address the latest in advanced biofuels, alage, biomass production,  biopolymers , bioplastics, dedicated energy crops, renewable chemicals, marine bio-resources and synthetic biology.

The event annually brings together delegates from:

The United States

Canada

Malaysia

China

Japan

Australia

India

Thailand

New Zealand

And more  READ MORE

Currently, the people putting this together for you are all volunteers.  We live all over the US and come from various corners of the world. As you see from the volunteers staffing the Advanced Biofuels USA table at the American Chemistry Society Green Chemistry Institute conference, the work can be fun as well as educational.