2009 Review

Brought to you by leading global publication Biofuels International magazine

2nd Biofuels International expo & conference a resounding success

The second annual Biofuels International expo & conference coincided with the launch of Europe’s largest renewable diesel plant in the Netherlands last week.

The two day conference and exhibition in Amsterdam attracted over 200 delegates from around the globe, and sparked discussions on new EU policies, the effects of splash ‘n’ dash and the future of second generation biofuels.

Educational streams throughout the event focused on future feedstocks, cellulosic ethanol, BTL, storage and handling and improving fuel performance and quality.

Highlights from the event included Lionel Clarke from Shell Global Solutions who kicked off the second day by giving the oil major’s perspective on where it believes the industry is heading.

Shell recently announced that it favours biofuels over other forms of renewable energy such as wind and solar power, and beyond this the company believes feedstocks such as algae show more promise than the likes of jatropha.

Although the general tone of the event was that the biofuels industry is experiencing a current lull in Europe, the timely launch of Neste Oil’s renewable plant in Rotterdam shows the market is still moving forward in order to meet sustainability and production targets.

Neste Oil has now laid the foundation stone for the new renewable diesel plant in Rotterdam, which will have an annual production capacity of 800,000 tonnes.

From other producers the outlook also remains very positive, although most are still holding out for second generation production, which many believe will have a dramatic impact on the sector.

Karl Giersberg, chief financial officer at EOP Biodiesel, for example, was able to encourage delegates by giving his experiences as one of the few producers in Germany that is coping in the current climate.

And Keeley Bignal, Carbon and sustainability officer from the Renewable Fuels Agency was able to share the effectiveness of the UK’s RTFO reporting scheme for driving the sourcing of sustainable biofuels.

If you missed the conference you are still able to purchase the presentations at a cost of €320 for both days. Please email Margaret@biofuels-news.com for more information.

The dates for the 3rd annual Biofuels International expo & conference have yet to be announced so continue to check www.biofuelsinternationalexpo.com for further details.

To discuss sponsorship or to reserve exhibition booth space please contact:

Mr Pierre-Gomis Diallo

t:   +44 20 8648 7092
e:   Pierre@biofuels-news.com