Bioenergy Standards Summit at BioPro Expo Opens Conversations for Consistency

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Fund granting and energy organizations are in need of more standards that promote consistency in data reporting for the biomass and biofuels industry. TAPPI, an ANSI-certified developer of standards for the forest products, paper, packaging and converting industries, will conduct a Standards Summit in March 2011 to meet the growing demand for standardization of testing and best practices in bioenergy, feedstocks and biomass conversion technology.

One of the first steps toward adopting a full range of standards in the industry is the Bioenergy Standards Summit offered at the 2011 BioPro Expo & Marketplace™ to be held in Atlanta, Ga., USA, March 14-16, 2011, at the Hilton Atlanta.

"Our task force has been working diligently to craft the framework for a standards discussion at BioPro Expo," said Don Guay, chair of the TAPPI task force that was formed early in 2010. "We have taken into consideration the research being done, particularly in the area of feedstocks and have had initial conversations with those in the industry to begin to develop consistency in data reporting."

"National standards are needed that focus on characterizing the biomass raw material, as well as the different chemical and biological treatments that are used to treat the biomass material," said Colleen Walker, Ph.D. and TAPPI Project Manager. "Many established procedures are used today, but these are not national standards, nor is there consensus on which of these procedures is the best to use. National standards are important as they provide a universal guideline for all those active in the field."

"Initial conversations with those actively involved in bioenergy research show that they are willing to support the development of standards in these areas for the biomass industry," Guay said. "It would be beneficial to those seeking grants as well as to the field as a whole to have standards and best practices in place that are agreed upon universally. Other engineering disciplines have long established standards that guide research and testing. These did not come easily, nor were they developed in a vacuum. It will require a great deal of dialog to establish tried-and-true standards for bioenergy, and the meeting at BioPro Expo will certainly be an excellent first step."

BioPro Expo is the largest conference and exhibition in the Southeastern United States covering the full biomass processing spectrum for multiple industries, from supply through demand and utilization. In-depth educational sessions are backed by a trade show focused on cutting-edge technology, products and services available today. This event examines practical methodologies for quickly transitioning products, residues and waste streams into energy and biofuels.

BioPro Expo is organized by TAPPI, the leading association in the pulp, paper, packaging and related industries. TAPPI brings members with decades of experience in producing and utilizing bioenergy with wood waste feedstocks, as well as a strong history of more than 75 years in organizing key industry educational programs, conferences and exhibits. BioPro expo combines TAPPI's expertise in wood waste feed stocks and conference organization with information from government and academic entities, technology suppliers, renewable energy consumers and associations in multiple industries looking for more sustainable and profitable ways of doing business.

BioPro Expo & Marketplace is expected to draw industry leaders from across the United States. For registration information, visit 2011 BioPro Expo & Marketplace™.