2009 MSU Biofuels Conference Looks to 'Next Generation'

By Patrick Young

Plans are now underway for the 2009 MSU BioFuels Conference on August 6-7 at the Jackson Marriott Downtown in Jackson, MS.  Featuring two days of presentations from local, state and national alternative fuel experts and government leaders, this year’s conference will focus on efforts to reduce the impact of high petroleum prices on the economy and the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Currently, renewable feedstocks have the potential to displace significant quantities of petroleum-derived transportation fuels. These feedstocks, which include lignocelluloses and microbial sugars and oils, can be used to produce ethanol, renewable diesel and biodiesel, which scientists believe could be used to displace more than 30 percent of current petroleum consumption.
On the first day of the conference, August 6, state leaders and experts in biofuels will provide information on the availability of feedstocks, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome to sustainably convert these feedstocks into biofuels.  They hope to help audience members understand the rate of progress in the biofuels industry and how integration of the agriculture, transportation and chemical sectors can help relieve petroleum dependence. 
The second day of the conference, August 7, will highlight regional business efforts to increase the availability of biofuels.  Industry leaders will discuss specific projects and strategies aimed at reducing the region’s petroleum dependence and assisting with the establishment and operations of biofuels industries.