Policy and Technology Forum: Utilizing Agricultural Biomass as a Renewable Energy Source

Policy and Technology Forum: Utilizing Agricultural Biomass as a Renewable Energy Source

Summary: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Government of Panama will cohost an invitational forum of international experts to review key innovations, progress, challenges and plans to develop, disseminate and sustain agricultural production and use of renewable biomass for energy. Participants are from the United States, Panama and other countries (i.e., Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Uruguay) currently involved in USDA’s regional technical cooperation project to promote the development and usage of renewable agricultural biomass for energy in the Western Hemisphere. The forum agenda covers technical topics (e.g. feedstock selection and conversion technologies, environmental impact) and policy issues (e.g., technology transfer
arrangements, incentives, and commercialization) to help participants advance and sustain agricultural biomass energy. In addition, there will be an exhibition hall for participants to showcase their respective biomass energy technologies and, where appropriate, cultivate new partnerships. The forum and overall project are implemented through a partnership between USDA and the U.S. Department of State though the ECPA initiative “Advancing Renewable Biomass Energy” in support of the Renewable Energy pillar of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas.

The Forum builds on ongoing technical collaboration and demonstration projects implemented since 2011. “This is a unique opportunity to analyze polices and review technologies that have proven useful to sustainably employ agricultural biomass as a source for renewable energy,” Lapidus added.

This is an invitation-only event, not open to the public.