2014 IBBC
 
Keynote Speaker

Richard Gustafson
School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
University of Washington


Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB) – A multidisciplinary program to produce sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals from woody biomass.


The overall goal of AHB is to prepare the Pacific Northwest for introduction of a biofuels and bio-based chemicals industry using sustainably produced woody energy crops. The research will mitigate technology risks along the entire supply chain so that an advanced biofuels and bio-based chemical industry, which uses purpose-grown woody energy crops and makes significant contributions towards the Renewable Fuel Standard Two (RFS2) targets, can be built in the Pacific Northwest. This project will revitalize the region’s forestry and agricultural industries with establishment of a sustainable advanced biofuels industry that supports large and small growers and brings jobs to rural communities.

We have five major areas in the project:
  • FEEDSTOCK – Develop superior poplar biomass feedstock and establish demonstration tree farms that use silvacultural practices with minimal environmental impact.
  • CONVERSION – Build on ZeaChem technology for ethanol production from woody biomass to develop efficient processes for converting biomass into hydrocarbons that are 100% compatible with fuel infrastructure, as well as a suite of high value chemical products.
  • SUSTAINABILITY – Assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts that a large biofuels production system will have on the Pacific Northwest.  Define optimal system of poplar tree farms and biorefineries.
  • EXTENSION – Build a critical mass of competent small- and medium-size growers to provide the industry with supply of purpose-grown woody energy crops, and address the needs and concerns of stakeholders that will be impacted by an advanced biofuels industry in the Pacific Northwest.
  • EDUCATION – Build a critical mass of well-trained workers capable of filling the crossdisciplinary needs of the industry.
The talk will outline what we have accomplished the past three years and the work to be done to complete the project.