"Biofuels and Bioenergy: Challenges and Opportunities" 27 - 30 August , 2006 Vancouver, Canada.

The workshop program is now available; click on the image below to download.

The brochure for the workshop is also available; click on the image to download.

Task 31 Objectives
To develop an integrative framework for information relating to biomass production for energy from sustainable forestry, based on leading-edge science and technology; and to share and promote the use of such an information framework with advanced information technology and a high level of collaboration

Workshop Objectives
This workshop will further the Tasks' work of collecting, synthesizing and sharing leading-edge science and technology that is driving the emerging biofuel and bioenergy sectors, as supported by the sustainable production of biomass for energy from naturally regenerated forests and plantations that integrate forest management, environmental conditions and socio-economic factors.  It will provide an opportunity and venue for resource managers, power industry representatives, bioenergy systems equipment manufacturers, energy production professionals, energy users, program managers, educators, scientists and researchers to exchange information and discuss technical and policy aspects around biofuels and bioenergy, as well as issues around sustainable management, production and use of forest biomass for energy, with strong consideration given to the role of society in guiding these developments.  The workshop will focus particularly on practical solutions to lower barriers to implementation of bioenergy systems.  There is a need to consider the shared and unique opportunities and challenges that face biomass production and the development of the bioenergy/biofuels sector, and the role that socio-economic drivers are playing in integrating these components of an emerging industry.

Within that broad general framework, more specific consideration will be given in presented papers and posters and field study visits to issues of:

    • bioenergy and biofuels as a response to the changing natural resource management
    • technical issues around biofuels and bioenergy production
    • reducing environmental impacts from forest energy production systems
    • establishing and managing forest energy systems for specific environmental goals
    • efficiency and economics of forest energy and biofuels operations
    • social issues and community development
    • certification of sustainable forest energy systems
    • policy issues, to both technologies and/or management options

    British Columbia
    The forests of British Columbia face a significant threat from an ongoing mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreak.  The mountain pine beetle physically destroys the phloem of Lodgepole pine, and carries a sapstain fungus that reduces the tree's natural defences against the beetle.  This outbreak has killed 283 million cubic metres of timber and affected over seven million ha to date.  This outbreak has created huge socio-economic problems, and poses a challenge for the forest industry. A range of bioenergy applications have been proposed to utilize the dead wood, allowing some value to be regained while reducing the risk of catastrophic forest fires.   A number of local companies have developed bioenergy solutions that can utilize MPB-killed wood.  

Overview of the Workshop Format
The workshop format includes three days of technical sessions, as well as a field study tour that will take place in the Lower Mainland region of BC. The local field study tour will be set up to visit sites of bioenergy interest around Vancouver. Additional field study tours are being arranged by Task 29 and Task 31.

Pre-Workshop Field Tour
A field study tour will take place August 24-27, 2006 immediately prior to the conference. This tour will incorporate a variety of forest ecosystems and operations as well as bioenergy facilities around British Columbia . Click here for detailed information on the field tour, including a registration form.


Technical sessions will include presentations of invited papers along with volunteer posters and papers. The program will include plenary sessions, as well as an open ‘Industry Day' on August 28 that will feature exchange between international experts and business managers on regional bioenergy issues.   Environmental and technology issues ranging from harvesting and bioenergy production to bioconversion to fuels and chemicals will be highlighted in the workshop and tour. This international workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to make and maintain professional contacts and to identify the opportunities for future collaboration.


Accommodation
The conference has booked on-campus and off-campus options for your visit to Vancouver.

On-Campus:   West Coast Suites have kitchenettes, 2 twin beds in the bedroom and a queen-sized Murphy bed in the living room.  Within easy access to all UBC amenities (Student Union Building, pool, etc.) as well as conference facilities.  We anticipate the suites to fill up relatively quickly so you should make your reservation as soon as possible.  Base rates start at $119.00 per night. 

To reserve, phone 1-888-822-1030 or go to
http://www.ubcaccommodation.com/west_coast_suites.asp

Off-Campus:   The Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre is conveniently located within walking distance or short bus ride to the downtown core.  Public transit in Vancouver is excellent, making it easy to get around the city.  There is also regularly scheduled public transit bus service to UBC.  Off campus reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at the numbers listed below and mentioning IEA Bioenergy to receive the special rate starting at $145 per night. 

To reserve, phone 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329), or contact info@hivancouver.com.

Call for Papers and Posters
Abstracts, of no more than 1 page in length, addressing any of the workshop objectives, including title and author(s) name(s), affiliation(s) and contact information, should be sent by E-mail to the Workshop Secretary, Caryn Morizawa .   All abstracts that are accepted will be included in the program material provided to participants at the workshop. It is our intention to publish the workshop proceedings in a recognized international journal after peer review.  If you are interested in participat ing, please fill out the form on the brochure ; be sure to indicate the Task to which you most closely identify.

Associated with the IEA international workshop is a 1-day bioenergy workshop on August 31, 2006 organized by the Canadian Bioenergy Association CANBIO.  For information see www.canbio.ca .