2nd Annual Southern Bioenergy Networks Meeting

On December 5, 2012, the Southeast Agriculture & Forestry Energy Resources Alliance (SAFER) and the 25 x ’25 Alliance brought together leaders of the region’s bioenergy networks for the 2^nd Annual Southern Bioenergy Networks Meeting. The gathering, which was held at the Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center at Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Arkansas, included discussions of federal policy, industry trends and innovations, and ideas for future collaboration.

Click here to view the meeting agenda.

PowerPoints from several of the day’s presentations are available below:

• Dr. Glen Fenter, President, Mid-South Community College

• Matthew Markee, President, Recast Energy (443 KB)

• Nathan McClure, Chief Forester, Georgia Forestry Commission (4,946 KB)

• Joel Murdock, Managing Director, FedEx Express Strategic Projects (945 KB)

• Tim Rials, Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems, Center for Renewable Carbon (43,044 KB)

• Eric Smith, Associate Director, Energy Institute, Tulane University (2,535 KB)

The Southeast Agriculture & Forest Energy Resources Alliance (SAFER) is committed to positioning the South as the national leader in the bioeconomy. SAFER works toward this vision by providing strategic leadership in advancing initiatives related to biopower, biofuels, and bioproducts. These initiatives focus on better policy, targeted research, efficient commercialization, and outreach and education.

2012 Bioenergy State Fact Sheets Now Available

Did you know that Alabama spent 14 percent of its Gross State Product on energy in 2010? That Louisiana ranked sixth in the nation for biomass electricity generation that year? Or, that Missouri consumed 5.5 million barrels of ethanol? Learn more quick bioenergy facts about your state via the 2012 Bioenergy State Fact Sheets, just released by the Southeast Agriculture & Forestry Energy Resources Alliance (SAFER). In addition to facts on biomass resources, land uses, energy expenditures and electricity prices, the fact sheets also include a map highlighting the location and type of biomass facilities in each state.

SAFER Bioeconomy Case Study Series – Show Me Energy Cooperative

Twenty miles off Interstate 70 in rural Missouri, Show Me Energy Cooperative is using state-ofthe- art technology to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and bring additional revenue streams to the region’s farmers. The 600 producer-owned cooperative’s vision to “create sustainable communities, green jobs, and help the
producer-farmer increase its income per acre” is providing much-needed economic
activity in a state where rural poverty hit 19 percent in 2010.

View and download the case study here.

SAFER Bioeconomy Case Study Series: Mississippi’s Strategic Biomass Solutions

To borrow a quote from Shakespeare, “What’s in a name?” In the case of the Mississippi Technology Alliance’s Strategic Biomass Solutions (SBS), an evolving organizational mission has meant a name that has also changed over time. While the original focus was on looking for ways to expand the market for Mississippi’s agricultural products via the energy sector, the organization’s strategic direction has taken a more entrepreneurial bent in recent years and goes far beyond the borders of Mississippi.

View and download the case study here.

Bioenergy Advocacy Stakeholders Take Their Case to Capitol Hill: All‐of‐the‐Above Energy Policy Must Include Bioenergy

Representatives from more than 20 bioenergy stakeholder groups are in Washington today participating in the 2012 Bioenergy Partners Capitol Hill Day. Leaders from the biofuels, biopower and bioproducts industries, as well as agriculture and other related industry interests, are encouraging lawmakers and key decision makers to adopt a diversified national energy strategy that includes bio‐based renewables as a critical component.

An “all‐of‐the‐above” approach to energy policies and investments is expected to be the primary topic of a Congressional staff briefing and panel program in the morning. Afternoon efforts will include small groups making office visits with Congressional leaders and their staff, sharing with them the wide range of issues facing bioenergy, while detailing the opportunities that bio‐based energy solutions provide.

Download and view the press release here.