Fundamentals of biofuels: markets and technologies

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A 1-day, Non-Technical Primer

15 March 2010, Amsterdam

Course objectives

Whether you are new to the industry or simply want to refresh and update your knowledge, this one-day training course will ensure you are up-to-speed with the key, fundamental aspects of the Biofuels industry. You will learn the basics of how biofuels are derived, the factors and debates influencing the market and its competitive framework, plus review current and upcoming market activity. Although all types of biofuel will be defined and introduced (including biomass and biofuel for power generation), the main focus will be on the use of biofuels in transportation.

You can use the course as a self-contained session or as an opportunity to gain an understanding and confidence which will help you gain most benefit from the World Biofuel Markets conference taking place on the two days following.

Style

Please note that this course will be run in an informal manner which allows and encourages time for discussion and questions, ensuring that participants get the most out of the day.

Timing

Registration & coffee: 08:00
Course begins: 09:00
Course ends: 17:300
(includes lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshment breaks)

Agenda Details

Biofuels: basics & definitions

There are many different types of and uses for "biofuels". This first session will clearly define and classify these in order to ensure attendees are clear from the start how each fits into its market(s). It will thus provide a clear foundation for subsequent sessions.

What are biofuels?

Biomass vs biofuels (including power generation vs transport)
Types of biofuel (biodiesel, bioethanol) and their uses
Types of feedstock (first, second, third and subsequent generations)

How biofuels are made and used

The basics of biofuel technologies and supply chains, presented in language that is clear and accessible for non-experts. The focus is not on technology for its own sake, but with the goal of helping attendees understand some of the key practical requirements and implementation factors shaping the biofuels markets.

- Land use and cultivation (including the fuel vs. food debate)
- Storage, transport and pre-processing
- Processing
- Distribution
- Technology evolution

How the markets work

Biofuels do not exist in isolation, but form part of a wider energy landcape. Success or failure of the industry (in its various forms) will be determined not simply by viable technology, but by factors as diverse as competing energy sources, political and public debate, regulatory and economic policies, and free market activity. This key session will summarise and review these factors.

- Peak oil, energy security, climate change, lobbyists
- The role of biofuels in global energy markets
- Alternative technologies
- Policy and market interventions (subsidies, tax, trade tariffs, targets, price controls)
- Price determination

Biofuels activity around the world

To finish the day, attendees will get a chance to look at how the various issues already discussed are playing out in the real world, with a quick review of markets and case studies from around the world.

- Asia
- Europe
- Americas
- RoW

About the conference organiser

The Biofuels 101 training course is being organised by Green Power Academy. The Green Power Academy has been established to provide the quality, impartial, informative and enjoyable training needed to increase and distribute knowledge and skills to green energy industry professionals.

Danny Dicks, Principal Analyst

About your "Biofuels 101" trainer

Danny Dicks is Principal Consultant with Innovation Observatory, a UK-based company that researches, analyses and interprets fast-moving technology markets. His most recent work in the area of biofuels includes editing Innovation Observatory's latest published reports looking at cellulosic and algal biofuels. He has previously run the Biofuels 101 course as one and two-day workshops.

Danny has a degree in physics from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, UK. He began his career in academic publishing before moving into communications consultancy where his clients included public- and private-sector organisations in the electricity supply, water, waste and power engineering sectors. For the last eight years, Danny has focused on market analysis, research and consultancy in a number of technology sectors, writing reports and conducting over 60 single-client studies.

If you are interested in attending the course, or would like more information, email Danny at: biofuels101@innovationobservatory.com.