Gov. Hoeven gives address at Biomass Workshop The Energy & Environmental Research Center announced that the Honorable John Hoeven, North Dakota governor, will be the keynote presenter at the Biomass ’08 Technical Workshop, scheduled for July 15–16, at the Alerus Center. “We are extremely pleased and honored to have Gov. Hoeven at this event,” said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. “Gov. Hoeven has supported programs throughout our state to further the development of alternative fuels and has been a strong advocate of the EERC.” “North Dakota is in a premier position to benefit from biomass development and contribute yet one more among several vital resources toward our nation’s energy needs,” Hoeven said. “By any number of measures, our potential to create perennial crops and other biomass resources for energy production ranks at or near the top of the states. North Dakota’s role will grow increasingly more important as we continue to develop more feedstocks for the ethanol and biodiesel industries and more applications for other forms of biomass energy production, as well.” The Biomass ’08 Workshop will explore the latest trends and opportunities in utilizing biomass, biomass feedstocks and agriculture, policies and incentives for renewable energy, the latest technologies for ethanol and biodiesel production, and biomass for heat and electricity. This year’s preliminary program is now available and features four main sessions, which include over 40 speakers representing all aspects of the biomass industry from around the world. Special comments will be provided by video from U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan. The program includes several key presenters. Ohen Akoto, director of operations for Jatropha Africa, Ltd., Kaneshie-Accram, Ghana, Africa, will discuss his country’s utilization of biomass for fuels, including using jatropha (poisonous seeds rich in oil ideal for biofuel production) as a new triglyceride feedstock for biodiesel production. Alice Pilgeram of Montana State University will speak on the development of crop oil feedstocks in dry, short-season climates, a topic of particular interest to farmers in the Midwest. Greg Langmo, fuel manager for FibroMinn, Litchfield, Minn., will discuss the newest biomass-to-electricity power plant in the United States located in Benson, Minn., which provides on-grid power to Xcel Energy from turkey litter. Event organizers anticipate over 300 people will attend this year’s biomass workshop. The exhibit show is sold out, and currently, registration numbers are strong and on track with last year’s numbers. Registrations from more than 30 states and six foreign countries, including Canada, Ghana, India, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Yemen have been received. Organizing sponsors of the Biomass ’08 Workshop include the EERC and the Signature Sponsor BBI International. Additional sponsorship is being provided by the North Dakota Department of Commerce Division of Community Services. The Biomass ’08 Workshop is open to the public. For up-to-date program information or to register, log on to www.undeerc.org/biomass08 or contact the registration department at 777-5246.