Thank you for joining us at European Advanced Biofuels Congress 2012
The 2012 European Advanced Biofuels Congress proved to be an extremely timely forum for the furthering of the next generation bio-economy in Europe. The European Commission were extremely well represented with panel participation from Philip Lowe, Marie Donnelly, Bruno Schmitz, Markus Holzer. Each faced tough questions on how the EC’s late 2012 proposals that effectively favour investment of second generation technologies will impact the current first generation industry.
Governments from UK, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France and Germany were represented and added the perspective of the member states.
The all panel format proved popular, even if debate was heated at times, and there were some great questions from the floor.
The issues are clear for next year: people want clarity on the EC proposals, particularly in regards to how they might affect the first generation production but such clarity will take time to arrive. What the EC made clear at the congress is that they are aware of the concerns of the first generation producers but at the same time, the commitment to focus on advanced technologies and feedstocks that don’t compete with food is firm and one they believe to be morally and economically correct.
Plans are under way for the 2013 conference
click here
to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments.
A conference like no other: A unique, high-level, interactive debate between the key parties that will drive the European advanced bioeconomy.
“We cannot morally afford to build a very big industry on something that is not good for the environment or for food prices.”
Connie Hedegaard, EU Climate Commissioner - September 2012
The European Commission in October announed a major new policy direction for the use of food-based biofuels within the EU. The policy proposes strictly capping food-based biofuels in favour of supporting production of more environmentally friendly next generation biofuels processes.
The change represents major boost for next generation biofuels production within Europe and means the European Advanced Biofuels Congress is an even more timely platform for discussion for every key policymaker, stakeholder and interest group involved in future biofuels production and use in Europe.
The full text of the proposal can be found
here.
Our panellists included more than 50 of the most influential names in European bioenergy, such as:
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Philip Lowe, Director General, European Commission, DG ENER |
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Esa Härmälä, Director General, Energy Department, Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Finland |
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Robert Wakely, Head of Low Carbon Fuels, Department of Transport, United Kingdom |
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Markus Holzer, Head of Unit, Bioenergy, Forest and Climatic Change, European Commission, DG AGRI |
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Richard Spinks, Chief Executive Officer, Active Energy Group |
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Andrew Owens, Chief Executive,
Greenergy |
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Michele Rubino, Chief Operating Officer, Beta Renewables |
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Henrik Mainmann, Chief Executive Officer, DONG Energy New Bio Solutions |
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Bruno Schmitz, Head of Unit, Renewable and New Energy, European Commission, DG Research |
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Anders Fredriksson, Chief Executive Officer, SEKAB |
Click here to see the rest of our leadership level speakers
About the event
The European Union has as a priority aim, to build up a bio-based economy by 2020. Yet, building a European advanced biofuel industry remains extremely challenging and unless Europe is proactive, a situation of exporting fuel expertise and then importing the resultant fuel will become the norm for years to come.
The will is there. The need is present. The expertise exists. What is needed is the co-ordination. The challenges of governmental policy, finance, commercialisation and feedstock supply persist and the only way these can be solved is by bringing every part of the global bioenergy value chain together with European governments and the EC.
Click here to see why this is the most important in the European advanced bioeconomy
THE EUROPEAN ADVANCED BIOFUELS CONGRESS
An unmissable, completely unique opportunity to hear the major policymakers and stakeholders in European next generation biofuels discuss at length the key issues that will drive the growth of the European advanced Bio-economy.
Green Power Conferences, the world leader in bioenergy meetings, invited you to the European Advanced Biofuels Congress. We are in constant contact with the bioenergy industry both in Europe and worldwide and we understand that the challenges presented in building a European bio-economy do not lend themselves to a standard conference.
The European Commission has just announced a shift in policy away from food vs fuel, first generation biofuels. It is proposed that Europe will limit edible feedstock based biofuels to 5%.
The only possible solution is for Europe to develop its own second generation biofuel sector.
Structure of the event
7 extended interactive debates around the 4 key topic pillars:
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Policy and regulation
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Commercialisation and finance
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The long term supply of suitable feedstock
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The benefits and problems of alternative revenue markets
