Biomass Workshop

Newswise — The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota will hold the Biomass '06: Power, Fuels, and Chemicals Workshop on July 18"19, 2006. The workshop will explore the opportunities and applications for power production, transportation fuels, and chemical production from biomass.

Biomass— or agricultural products such as straw, corn, and wood residue— is the largest and most promising sustainable and renewable energy resource with global applications. Attendees will learn about energy solutions, economic development opportunities, and partnership advantages and will experience live demonstrations of new technologies.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Renewable Energy, one of the EERC's ten Centers of Excellence, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

"This is the fourth annual biomass workshop in Grand Forks, which is an indication of the increasing activity in the industry," said Chris Zygarlicke, EERC Deputy Associate Director for Research. "North Dakota is ranked number one in the nation for commodity crops such as soybeans, canola, spring wheat, and several types of beans—the EERC will help North Dakota become number one in producing power and chemicals from these energy crops."

"One of the cornerstones at the EERC is our Center for Renewable Energy, and our biomass program is a significant part of that," said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. "We are seeing significant global interest in our renewable energy programs, which are indeed one of the pathways to energy security and energy independence in our country."

Workshop organizers are planning an exciting lineup of local and national technical presenters geared toward a regional audience. Biomass '06 is open to local economic development leaders, industry representatives, researchers, rural landowners, and utilities.

The registration fee is $100 per person and includes a lunch, break snacks, and workshop materials.

A limited exhibit show will be offered as part of the Biomass '06 Workshop. Exhibit space will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information on workshop topics, to book your hotel, or to register, visit http://www.undeerc.org/biomass/.

More than 85 people from eight states and three countries attended the Biomass II Heat and Power Workshop held at the EERC in November 2003. Seating is limited to 120 people at this year's event.