Biofuels Conference Wraps Up

The International Conference on Sorghum for biofuels concluded today after a week of exciting events in Houston, Texas. The Conference provided an opportunity for scientists, industry, members, consultants, producers, and others to collaborate on the development of biofuels from all types of sorghum.

Plenary sessions on Tuesday highlighted the newest research and technology in the use of sorghum for biofuels. Wednesday allowed conference participants to break into small groups to discuss industry issues. Recommendations from their sessions were presented late on Wednesday.

Thursday, conference attendees toured Texas A&M University’s research plots and facilities in College Station, Texas as well as a tour of a pilot scale cellulosic conversion plant that turns sorghum and other cellulosic materials to a gasoline-like product. Among others, conference attendees heard from Dr. John Mullet, Director of the Norman Borlaug Center for Crop Improvement, from Dr. Steve Searcy who is using modified cotton baling equipment to compact cellulosic sorghum for transport. Between intermittent rain showers, attendees from all over the world saw exciting new research with their own eyes.

Friday highlighted the Verenium cellulosic conversion plant in Jennings, Louisiana. Verenium is conducting cutting-edge research on cellulosic conversion technologies and just broke ground on a 1.4 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol facility.

Over the next few weeks, watch for video footage of the conference as well as for links to power point presentations given during the plenary sessions.