The region’s bioenergy projects continue to expand with farmers asking what crop is needed and where is the market, entrepreneurs questioning what research is ready for commercialization, and policymakers assessing the infrastructure needed to support the most innovative environment.  This dialogue on Virginia’s renewable energy agenda will continue when a host of interested parties gather together for this conference at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

The conference will provide farmers, community leaders, economic developers, legislators, entrepreneurs, and other attendees the opportunity to participate in setting the bioenergy agenda for this region.

Beginning at 9 a.m., participants will hear presenters from Virginia Tech and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory who will outline bioenergy research at their institutions.  Afternoon sessions will focus on the process of moving the region from the planning stage to widespread implementation.  Presentations include a discussion of ethanol production of Appomattox Bioenergy (Osage Bio Energy), Allard Research mini-biorefineries, Piedmont Geriatric Hospital direct-firing strategies using warm season grasses, and combined heat and power projects of Western Virginia Water Authority.  The Honorable Todd P. Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry has also been invited.

The conference is free to participants, but registration ends Friday, March 19; visit https://www.ialr.org/event-information for more information and to register.