Biomass South 2008 - NASEO Regional
Program
September 21-23, 2008
Raleigh, NC
Approximately 300 experts and
leaders in biomass energy in the
southeast United States gathered in
Raleigh, North Carolina from
September 21st through 23rd to
discuss progress in the bioenergy
field, exchange information with one
another, and explore options for the
future of biomass in the region. The
National Association of State Energy
Officials, (through a grant from the
US Department of Energy, Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy) and the Southern States
Energy Board were the primary
sponsors of Biomass South 2008.
North Carolina State University’s
Forestry and Environmental Outreach
Program provided the logistical
support for the event. North
Carolina State Energy Office
Director Larry Shirley opened the
conference, which included speakers
from research institutions, advocacy
organizations and state governments.
The keynote speaker,
Dr. Dana Christensen of Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, and other
presenters provided a national context
on biomass research, development and
deployment. Congressman Bob Etheridge
of North Carolina and
Jetta Wong of the Environmental and
Energy Study Institute informed
attendees of current federal-level
activities in renewable energy. The
conference, however, focused on the
specific challenges and potential of
biomass for the southeast. Plenary
sessions explored feedstocks most
prevalent in the southern states, such
as woody biomass and animal waste. The
Southeast Agriculture and Forest Energy
Resources Alliance provided information
on the
Southern Bioenergy Roadmap Inventory
and a panel looked into how the
southeast will contribute to the
renewable fuel standards. Breakout
meetings were divided into biofuels,
biopower and bioproducts, as well as
various stakeholder discussions.
John Clark of the South Carolina Energy
Office offered an update on the
state’s activities in biofuels.
With attendees from state government,
national laboratories, the private
sector and universities, the event
allowed critical players from every
state in the region to interact and
strategize as to how the southeast can
fully utilize its biomass resources for
energy independence. The final portion
of the agenda provided an opportunity to
consider next steps for activity in
developing this homegrown energy. With a
gas shortage impacting the region and a
critical need for local economic
development, the conference occurred at
a key moment for the further advancement
of southern bioenergy.
Examples of the many other insightful
presentations include the following:
The full conference agenda and
presentations can be found
here.
A local news story in Raleigh on
Biomass 2008 is available
here.
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