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Strategic Biomass Solutions e-Newsletter
March 2012
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Director's Cut
March took us from coast to coast again and brought additional international exposure to Strategic Biomass Solutions. I attended the Globe 2012 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia as part of a Mississippi trade delegation led by Vickie Watters at the Mississippi Development Authority and sponsored in part by the Canadian Consulate General in Atlanta. According to the non-profit Globe Foundation, the biennial GLOBE™ Conferences and Trade Fairs on the business of the environment are North America's largest international gathering of senior representatives from the public, private and NGO sectors involved in the business of the environment. Four Mississippi companies (BioSoil Enhancers/SumaGrow, Eco-Systems Inc., RedLaser Technology and SBS) were part of this trade delegation. Furthermore, I had the unique opportunity to have one-on-one business development meetings with almost 15 Canadian companies in the renewable energy sector. These companies included a wide variety of technologies such as cellulosic ethanol and gasification. Virtually all of these companies are interested in doing business with their southern neighbors. I encourage our readers to contact us if you would like to learn more about expanding your business in Canada. Moving to the east coast, The Bioenergy Hill Day was held in Washington D.C. March 21, 2012 and attended by approximately one hundred individuals from all over the country. As you read through the newsletter, you will find a link to download a concise document that highlights the benefits and need for using bioenergy. Starting this month, the Mississippi Biomass and Renewable Energy Council (MBREC) will be housed at the Mississippi Technology Alliance and managed by the SBS staff. Incorporated as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization in 1998, the state's oldest membership-based organization is on a growth path. Newly elected board members include representatives from major renewable energy players such as Kior (biofuels) and Stion (thin film solar panels). Joseph Linton is the primary contact person for MBREC. We also bring you an exclusive interview with Mr. Jay Moon who is the current board chairman of the International Economic Development Council and president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. Jay brings a wealth of experience in economic development and has been keenly supporting the growth of energy sector. Stay tuned to learn more about our efforts that will kick off next month that will seek to grow the biotechnology industry in Mississippi . Sumesh Arora, Ph.D. Director, Strategic Biomass Solutions |
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U.S. Department of Commerce Imposes Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels
In a highly anticipated announcement that came March 19, the U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed tariffs in a case that has underscored deep divisions within the American solar industry. Click here for more information.
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Bioenergy Advocacy Stakeholders Take Their Case to Capitol Hill
If you were in our nation's capital in late March, then you would know that the reports of a massive cherry blossom outbreak were not exaggerated. Spring was in full bloom in Washington, DC, as bioenergy leaders from around the nation convened March 21, 2012 to deliver the message that bioenergy must continue to be a major part of our energy discussion going forward.
This visit came at time when several significant pieces of legislation and some hefty regulatory decisions affecting bioenergy development must be addressed to ensure the industry continues down a path of increased scale and commercialization of feedstocks and finished products, maintains and grows healthy market access, and contributes to the economic and national security of our country.
This event brought together 25 different organizations dedicated to developing and deploying renewable energy in various forms across the country. Leaders of many of the sponsoring organizations provided compelling and motivational dialogue that helped to set the tone and direction for the day.
Follow these links to learn more about the day's agenda and download major bioenergy policy objectives talking points guide. For more information contact Charity Pennock with the SAFER Alliance or Brent Bailey with the 25x25 Alliance.
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Kiverdi Receives 2012 Sustainable Biofuels Award for Leader in Bio-Based Chemical Industry
Kiverdi Inc., a privately held company that makes sustainable oils and oil-derived chemicals converted from carbon-rich waste, received the 2012 Sustainable Biofuels Award for Leader in Bio-based Chemical Industry as part of the Fourth Annual Sustainable Biofuels Awards. The award was presented to Kiverdi CEO Lisa Dyson at the World Biofuels Markets Congress & Exhibition in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Click here for more information.
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Twin Creeks Unwraps New Tool, Process to Slash Solar PV Costs
A startup company has emerged with a new technology that promises to radically change silicon solar photovoltaics (PV) manufacturing, by taking out almost all the starting material and up-front process costs. Click here for more information.
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$75M Loan Promise Positions Virdia for Biofuel Site Search
With the promise of a $75 million loan from the Mississippi Development Authority, Redwood City, Calif.-based Virdia is ready to begin scouting for a site to convert the state's soft pine into sugars for biofuel makers. Click here for more information.
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From Garbage to Gas to Energy
Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGTE) isn't likely to win any beauty prizes in the renewable energy sweepstakes; wind and solar continue to garner all the glamor. But this unsung method of harvesting landfill methane for conversion to electricity (or for direct use as a fuel for industry or vehicles) continues to prove that LFGTE is a long-term contender in the war on man-made greenhouse gases. Click here for more information.
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Event News
Air & Water Management Association Energy Conference
The Mississippi Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association is hosting the 2012 Energy Conference at the Colvard Student Union on the campus of Mississippi State University April 4, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. |
Catching Up With Jay Moon |
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Mississippi Biomass and Renewable Energy Council Under New Management, Holds 2012 Annual Meeting
The Mississippi Biomass and Renewable Energy Council (MBREC), the oldest member-based sustainability related organization in Mississippi, recently entered into an agreement with Strategic Biomass Solutions to provide a home and management for MBREC. Click here for more information.
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Thanks for reading our e-newsletter. Please forward this to other interested parties and contact us if you have any questions. |
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Strategic Biomass Solutions is dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, investors and economic developers in order to drive renewable energy technologies to market. SBS is funded in part by the United States Department of Energy.
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