Biomass Coordinating Council Established

New Group Seeks to Bring Biomass Energy, Fuels and Products Together

The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) on December 6, 2005 announced a new initiative named the Biomass Coordinating Council (BCC), and expansion of the Power-Gen Renewable Energy & Fuels (PGRE) trade show to feature biofuels.

BCC, a new entity with joint membership in ACORE, will work to accelerate the adoption of renewable biofuels, biopower and biobased products into mainstream American society through policy initiatives, convening, networking and communications. These efforts will enable BCC to further the goals of reducing dependence on imported oil, a cleaner environment and expanded markets for rural America.

Bill Holmberg, Chairman of BCC stated that, "BCC is the biomass focus of ACORE that recognizes the importance of the biomass industries as important partners in advancing renewable energy. It is an important time for ACORE and the industry especially since US refinery capacity shortages are somewhat offset by over 130 biorefineries now providing refined biofuels to help reduce gasoline and diesel usage. The numbers of operating biorefineries in the world is increasing weekly."

"The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to be a member of BCC and ACORE, and to be involved in the Power-Gen Renewable Energy and Fuels Conference," stated Bob Dinneen, President, Renewable Fuels Association. "The U.S. ethanol industry is growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there 94 ethanol plants in operation with a combined production capacity of well over four billion gallons annually. In addition, there are 27 plants in construction and eight plant expansions underway that will add more than 1.5 billion gallons of production capacity in the coming year. As we grow, it is important to work closely with other renewable energy technologies. This conference will provide us all with a unique opportunity to share ideas on working together in our common interest to promote national security, increase US industrial productivity, create millions of new jobs and stimulate the economy while better protecting the environment."

BCC promotes all renewable and sustainable uses of biomass, including: biofuels such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel and other biofuels for surface transportation, maritime, and aviation use; using biomass to generate electricity and thermal energy; and to replace petrochemical-based products, such as plastics, solvents, lubricants, adhesives, and fertilizers. BCC supports use of all biomass feedstocks including waste streams and also recognizes that enhancing the soil and saving water are vital to the sustainability of biomass industries.

BCC membership is attained by joining ACORE, and identifying a principal interest in biomass. BCC and ACORE provide a common platform for the wide range of interests in the renewable energy community, including renewable energy industries, associations, utilities, end users, professional service firms, financial institutions, nonprofit groups, universities and other educational organizations, and government agencies.

Bud McFarlane, Chairman, Energy & Communications Solutions LLC remarked that, "Bill Holmberg, Chairman of Biomass Coordinating Council (BCC), has been a critical factor in activating my interest in promoting biofuels and other alternative fuels to free America from its dependence on foreign oil. BCC and ACORE have been leaders in advancing this cause from a national security perspective. The bringing together of national security experts, representatives from the auto, oil, and cutting-edge biofuels industries at the Power-Gen Renewable Energy and Fuels Conference, for the first time, is a major step forward."

"I am looking forward to highlighting the major benefits of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) at the biofuels and hydrogen track of the Power-Gen Renewable Energy and Fuels Conference," stated Phil Lampert, Executive Director, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition. "There are close to 6 million FFVs on the road from Ford, Daimler Chrysler and GM being produced every day. The main thrust of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) is to greatly increase the E-85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) fueling stations to meet the demands of these vehicle owners. We are pleased to be part of BCC and ACORE, and appreciate the support Bill Holmberg has provided the ethanol industry and NEVC from the outset of the industry."

For further information:
American Council On Renewable Energy