Certificate in Bioenergy

Our comprehensive 2-day introduction to how Biomass sources can be used for Fuels, Energy and Power

2—3 April 2012, London, United Kingdom

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Course objectives

Understand the wide range of sources and conversion pathways for biomass
Discover the multiple bioenergy markets and solutions: biofuels, biogases, biopower – plus their valuable co-products
Discuss both current bioenergy solutions and emerging “next generation” feedstocks and processes
Understand the factors which determine the sustainability, economics and suitability of bioenergy solutions
Specifically designed for those in high-level, commercial functions, with no assumption of science or engineering expertise: understand the science & technology but in a commercial and economic context
Hear about the challenges as well as the opportunities in an independent, hype-free environment

Who will gain most value from this course?

Example Sectors

Biomass Supply (agriculture, waste, forestry etc.)
Energy utility & distribution
Fuel production and refining
Investment and Insurance
Specific end-use sectors (e.g. Airline, Chemicals)

Example Job Functions

Business Strategy & Development
Sales & Marketing
Finance and investment strategy
Legal and Policy
Product and Project Development

Level & Style

Although the course will include some scientific and technical information and terminology, we assume no prior technical knowledge. Indeed the course will be of particular value to those working in non-technical functions; who need to understand the technology fundamentals, their economics, development and market applications; but not the nuts-and-bolts of engineering or hands-on installation.

The course runs in a friendly, informal manner, encouraging discussions and questions to ensure that participants get the most out of their time. In order to better understand and illustrate the various topics, some simple calculations and other explanatory exercises may be incorporated.

Approximate Timings (include lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshment breaks):

Day 1: 09:00 - 17:00 // Day 2: 09:00 – 16.00

About your trainer

Dr John Massey is Green Power Academy's founder, Training Director, in-house renewables expert and lead trainer.

Combining a strong academic science background with over fifteen years commercial experience of industry research, analysis and training across a variety of “new technology “ industries (including conventional and renewable energy, telecoms and IT), Dr Massey is expert in demystifying the terminology and workings of new technologies, and presenting their commercial and business context.

He delivers training globally, to senior executives from a range of organisations from project development to finance and has also developed educational material for both live and distance learning courses.

He holds a 1st Class Honours degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, a PhD in Earth Sciences and a Diploma in Economics, Innovation and Sustainability.

“Very solid introduction from a very knowledgeable instructor”

“Rich in discussion”

“Good balance between theoretical and interactive”

Agenda Details

	Defining “Biomass”		Biomass Processes and Energy Pathways
	Biomass as an energy store, including variations in source, energy content and land use. Calculating the energy potential (and limits) of biomass. Types of feedstock (including first, second, third and subsequent generations). Waste as fuel: the different sources, types and challenges in usage. Biomass around the world: market review, including examples of activities and trends in specific markets. Land use and cultivation (including the fuel vs. food debate)		The basics of biomass conversion technologies and supply chains: Pathways to liquids: bioethanol, biodiesel. Pathways for gas fuels: biogas and syngas. Biomass for power (electricity) production. Scientific basics of energy conversion processes, including efficiencies. Navigating the maze of terminology: esterification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, gasification, FT synthesis, W2E, GTL etc. Conversion technologies: fermenters, combustors, boilers, gasifiers etc. Biorefineries and multi-product facilities, including CHP
	Biofuels for transport		Biogases
	Types of biofuel (biodiesel, bioethanol) and their uses Types of feedstock (energy crops, waste biomass, algae etc.) Biofuel technologies and supply chains Storage, transport and pre-processing Processing and distribution Technology evolution Biofuels in the wider global energy landscape including: peak oil, energy security, climate change and other socio-political aspects and lobbyists Biofuels activity around the world		“Natural” vs. Thermochemical gasification processes Feedstock options; including crops, animal and other wastes Pathways to methane, hydrogen and other useful gas fuels Key processes, including anaerobic digestion, landfill gas capture and thermal gasification Applications and uses of biomass-derived gases; Low-calorie biogas uses Upgrading and grid-injected biomethane Market and supply chain issues
	Biopower		Economic and Competitive issues for Biomass Energy
	Contrasting biomass pathways and processes for power with those for fuels Direct biomass-to-power conversions vs. biomass-to-fuel-to-power Integrating biomass with fossil fuel power production Understanding power markets, pricing and competition Levelised electricity cost as a method for comparing power technologies: how it is calculated and which factors affect it. Power-only vs. CHP (combined heat and power) Current Biopower activities		Economic and other pros and cons of biomass as an energy and/or power fuel (as compared to competitors): Examples of capital and operating costs and the factors that determine them (for the various technologies discussed) Biomass feedstock supply - the key issue in scale: The role of biomass trading markets and exchanges Policy and market interventions (subsidies, tax, trade tariffs, targets, price controls) Carbon Markets: An introduction to Carbon Market mechanisms, trading and offsetting The impact of carbon policies and markets on biomass energy projects