Maximizing Bioenergy Resources in the Midwest
A variety of biomass to energy opportunities exist throughout the Midwest, with feedstocks ranging from energy crops to food waste to manure. Many of these biomass resources are currently not fully developed or utilized and state-led programming or incentives can help grow the industry. Biomass can be converted to electricity and/or heat, used as a source of renewable natural gas, or provide a variety of vehicle fuels. A strong bioenergy market could result in local economic development as well as provide a range of potential environmental benefits.
In-Person Meeting
October 11-12, 2017
Iowa City, Iowa
The meeting took place in Iowa City, Iowa and was a combination of selected high-level speakers and attendee discussion to synthesize lessons learned.
Speaker Handouts
Day 1
- Jeff Broin, POET
- Martin Adkins, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- M. Cristina Negri, Argonne National Laboratory
- Dave Broihahn, Unison Solutions, Inc.
Day 2
- Roeslein Alternative Energy Overview Video
- Robert Brown, Iowa State University & Bioeconomy Institute
- Cliff Haefke, U.S. DOE Midwest CHP Technical Assistance Partnership
- U.S. DOE CHP Deployment Program
- Royce Hammitt, Wasatewater Specialist
- American Biogas Council
The MGA Smartland Series will discuss strategies related to:
- Securing a sustainable biomass supply
- Improving the efficiency of biomass processing and conversion
- Expanding the bioenergy market
- Creating inclusive biomass business models capturing the ag/energy/water nexus
Webinars
In the lead-up to the summit, the MGA hosted a series of webinars to highlight critical components of the topic.
September 14, 2017
Regional Economic Benefits of Bioenergy
This webinar focused on the economic benefits and potential of the Bioenergy sector in the Midwest.
August 31, 2017
State Bioenergy Profiles and Case Studies
This webinar featured presentations from Shelly Peterson from the Iowa Development Authority and Maria Redmond from Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Innovation.
- Shelly Peterson, Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Maria Redmond, Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation
July 20, 2017
The Economic Development Case for Biomass
This webinar featured a presentation and discussion on the benefits of biomass in the Midwest. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of why biomass is useful, where it is being implemented and by whom, and what barriers exist to further implementation.