Program Overview by Session
The IBBC Program is organized into four sessions as outlined below.
Biomass Supply and Demand
With the increasing demand for woody biomass and other
energy crops, issues such as procurement strategies, supply availability,
plantation management, and crop species development are becoming increasingly
important to understand. ArboGen
will report on plantation management. Ecole Polytechnique and the University
of British Columbia will share results on the importance of biorefinery
location and procurement strategy.
Enegis will share results from their BEAM biomass energy availability
model, and the USDA-ARS will report on sorghum integration for improving
feedstock production.
Biochemical Conversion Technologies
Conversion of wood-based sugars and lignin through enzymatic
processes will be addressed in these sessions. With a closer look at the enzymatic pathways and new enzymes
being developed for industrial use, these sessions explore both technical
feasibility and cost reduction for commercial application. zuChem and Borregaard LignoTech report
on biochemical conversion of sugars and the South Dakota School of Mines and
Technology report on production of hydrogen from lignocellulosic materials. Novozymes will showcase next generation enzymes for
biorefineries, and Auburn University researchers will share new findings on
enzyme chemistry. EKA Chemicals
and Georgia Tech share their joint research into using cationic polymers to
decrease enzyme costs.
Thermochemical Conversion Technologies
Learn the latest in new biomass conversion technologies,
like the IH2 process from the Gas Technology Institute and Virent’s BioForming®
process, as well as an update by Andritz on demonstration plants using
Torrefaction technology. Chemrec
will provide results from their BioDME project fueling a test fleet under
commercial conditions.
The Harris Group will provide insights on controlling
biorefinery project costs through sound engineering, construction, and project
management. Also hear VTT give an
overview of their work on methodology development for assessing pre-commercial
biorefinery projects.
Case Studies
Hear Zeachem’s update on their demonstration facility in
Boardman, Oregon. Eaton
Corporation shares their results in helping a sawmill produce over 15
mega-watts of electrical energy through leveraging existing fiber resources.
Benefit from Forisk Consulting’s four years of tracking
biorefinery projects and learn how to assess risks, seek the best partners, and
avoid key mistakes. Ecole
Polytechnique de Montreal will share results from their techno-economic
evaluation of four biorefinery options for integration in a Canadian kraft pulp
mill.
