Exploring bioenergy opportunities in Alaska

Andy Soria working in the Renewable-based Hydrocarbons Lab at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer.

USDA Farm Service Agency is hosting a forum on expanding the biofuels market and expanding bioenergy opportunities Friday, Dec. 17 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm.

The public is invited to the event to learn more about biofuel and bimass heat and power opportunities. Also attending will be representatives from state and federal agencies and private sector companies.

USDA has outlined a plan on how to develop a successful biofuels market capable of achieving the US Renewable Fuel Standard mandate of not only producing, but also using, 36 billion gallons of renewable transportation fuel per year by 2022. This is an interim plan and USDA is seeking feedback.

The university's distance learning network will be in use for those who cannot attend in person. To join the conversation from other locations, contact Danny Consenstein at 907-761-7738.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome by Consenstein, the Farm Service Agency executive director. A video welcome will be given by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. Morning sessions include: Alaska feedstock potential by Assistant Professor Jingjing Liang and Professor Stephen Sparrow, challenges and opportunities for Alaska biofuesl production by Assistant Professor Andy Soria, examples of potential biofuels projects (Denali Biodiesel, ethanol from sugar beets, biodiesel from waste fast food vegetable oil.)

Afternoon sessions cover: challenges and opportunities for woody biomass and bioenergy in Alaska by Dan Parrent, Juneau Economic Development Council; building a restoration economy, Steve Patterson, US Forest Service; State of Alaska resources to support biomass and bioenergy projects, Devany Plentovich, Alaska Energy Authority; US Department of Energy bioenergy programs, Brian Hirsch; examples of current woody biomass projects in Alaska, Thomas Deerfield, consultant; USDA programs supporting bioenergy (Biomass Crop Assistance Program and Renewable Energy for America, Danny Consenstein; planning for sustainable biomass feedstock production: Fort Yukon Biomass Assessment, Will Putnam, Tanana Chiefs Conference.

At 3:30 p.m. the group will tour Andy Soria's Renewable-based Hydrocarbons Lab. His work focuses on the production of renewable hydrocarbons from biomass using thermochemical processing.

The farm is located at 1509 South Trunk Road in Palmer.