World Biofuels Markets Opens with Debates on Aviation, Food Versus Fuel, Algae, Waste-to-Fuel, Emerging Markets and more

(March 13, 2012) ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – As the climbing price of oil puts more urgency on the development of new global energy sources, delegates at the World Biofuels Markets Congress & Exhibition 2012 (www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com), Europe’s largest congress and exhibition focused on biofuels, opened the event today with debate and discussion on several of the most controversial topics facing the industry. On Day 1, experts and executives from across the sector analysed the commercialisation of biofuels in the aviation sector, the investment challenges facing the industry as the global economy ebbs and flows, and the ongoing issues of indirect land use facing biofuels producers.

“Biofuels continue to grow in importance as the rising price of oil impacts every aspect of the global economy, so today’s sessions covering the latest in aviation, sustainability, and investments were critical to finding solution to our global energy needs,” said Claire Poole, Event Director, Green Power Conferences, organiser of the conference. “The level of discussion and debate already throughout the show is a sign of how important these issues are, and why there is so much interest and revived investment in new energy solutions.”

Other highlights from Day 1 included presentations and updates on dedicated energy crops such as jatropha, a panel of “Hot Technologies & Processes” in Advanced Biofuels, and the unique Green Power Academy which provides industry newcomers with hands on learning about a variety of green industries. Concurrent with the biofuels streams, today’s co-located Bio-based Chemicals and Biopower Generation conferences focused on integrating bio-based chemicals with today’s market, and took a look ahead at cogeneration of bio and traditional power.

Day Two Round Up

(March 14, 2012) ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – Keynote speakers dueled over the impacts biofuels have on global land use, food price and supply, and climate change during the second day of the World Biofuels Markets Congress & Exhibition 2012 (www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com), Europe’s largest congress and exhibition focused on biofuels. During the two morning keynote sessions moderated by Jeremy Paxman of the BBC, representatives from BP Biofuels, the European Commission, Oxfam Navib, Carbon War Room, European Biodiesel Board, The Guardian, and author Robert Zubrin presented a wide range of views on the current and future state of biofuels, followed by a question and answer session with the more than 1,500 delegates in attendance. A full list of the keynote speakers is available at the World Biofuels Markets website.

“The lively discussion and debate we saw this morning is a sign that biofuels are a relevant and growing part of the solution to the issues of energy and economic security facing our world today,” said Claire Poole, Event Director, Green Power Conferences, organiser of the conference. “We’ve seen this week that there are enormous advancements happening across the biofuels industry, but there remains challenges of addressing proper resource use and overcoming stigmas associated with first generation biofuels.”

In the final keynote session the conference delegates heard from the US Navy on the strategic importance of using biofuels in their aircraft, ships, and vehicles, leading algae company Solazyme on their advancements in sustainable fuels for aviation and transportation, as well as from Flagship Ventures regarding investments in innovation new technologies.

Day Three Round Up

(March 15, 2012) ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – The World Biofuels Markets Congress & Exhibition 2012 (www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com), Europe’s largest congress and exhibition focused on biofuels, concluded today with sessions dedicated to the up-and-coming algae industry, waste-to-fuel technologies, and the future of biorefining. Delegates heard from entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists regarding the use of macroalgae (seaweed) for fuels and chemicals, algae growth in photobioreactors, and the use of waste products such as municipal solid waste and forest residue for fuels and other bio-based products.

“Today’s sessions included fascinating presentations and thoughtful questions on advanced biofuels made from algae and waste products that are real and coming online,” said Claire Poole, Event Director, Green Power Conferences, organiser of the awards and conference. “This has been a successful week during which key connections across the industry have been made, challenging and important questions have been asked, and we have seen that the next generation of biofuels and bio-based chemicals are here.”