Conference to educate and inform participants, focus on current and critical bio-energy issues

May 3, 2010 (INDIANAPOLIS) – Energy continues to be a hot topic as the US seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, and bio-energy is certainly part of the discussion as biomass may offer America a tremendous opportunity to use domestic and sustainable resources to provide its fuel, power and chemical needs.  To address current and critical bio-energy issues, the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy at IUPUI is holding a Bio-energy Forum this Friday, May 7 at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel located at 850 West Michigan Street in Indianapolis from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

As part of the Indiana Renewable Energy Forum Series, the Bio-energy Forum will educate and inform participants on a variety of emerging bio-energy topics.   From second generation bio-fuels to the economic and environmental challenges and opportunities associated with the widespread implementation of bio-mass based energy into our society, this forum will contribute to the ongoing dialogue related to this vital renewable energy source.

Speakers will address the economic and technological potential of biomass and bio-fuels in Indiana as well as the agro-ecological considerations when utilizing biomass.  Paul Dickerson, Partner at Haynes and Boone and Director of Clean Tech Group, will focus his keynote speech on the key challenges and opportunities for bioenergy in the U.S. and beyond.  Dickerson will draw on his experiences as the former Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and relate what the latest trends and developments out of Washington signify for bioenergy companies.

In addition to individual speakers, panel discussions will also be held throughout the conference. These discussions will cover the current state and anticipated future trends of the bio-fuel industry as well as recent developments, opportunities and challenges related to bio-energy policy.  Representatives from Xylogenics, Poet Biorefining, Stellarwind Bio Energy, AdvanceBio, Indiana Farm Bureau, Baker and Daniels, the Indiana Office of Energy Development and Krieg-DeVault will participate in the panels and answer questions.

Register at http://www.lugarenergycenter.iupui.edu/ by May 3 to reserve your spot at the bio-energy forum or visit the site for more information.  The cost is $75 for professionals and $15 for students and includes breakfast and lunch.  Speaker bios and photographs are available upon request.

About the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy:
The Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy was established to address the urgent societal needs for clean, affordable and renewable energy sources, improve the nation’s energy security and reduce global warming. Its primary mission is to promote research excellence in the area of renewable energy through collaborative efforts among faculty in the disciplines of engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, public policy and environmental affairs. It will promote renewable energy applications through teaching, learning, civic engagement and synergistic partnerships with industry, government labs and local communities.

Bio-energy workshops featuring:
Wally Tyner, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University
Mike Neibler, CEO, Xylogenics Inc.
Cary Aubrey, Bio-Fuels Program Manager, ISDA