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Ozarks New Energy Conference: Promising Technologies to Fuel Growth and Energy Independence in the Ozarks
The Ozarks – as is the rest of the world – is on the cusp of change. Escalating oil and gasoline prices are triggering the research and development of alternative fuels to secure energy independence for the United States. The race is on to invest in promising new fuel technologies that will break the stranglehold of foreign oil and address the compelling evidence that climate change is real. Highly efficient engines and motors, more energy efficient building materials and techniques and plain old conservation measures also hold great promise for a revolution in our energy use. A transition from fossil fuels for power and transportation to clean, renewable fuels will benefit our economy and the environment.
The Ozarks needs to be part of this exciting technological Renaissance. As a surge of energy investment and innovation sweeps the country, we must not be left behind. Failure to seize opportunities to produce new fuels – switch grass, for example – and to expand our region’s tiny foot hold in solar and wind technologies could affect southwest Missouri’s growth. Let’s begin to explore those opportunities and invest in technologies right here in the Ozarks.
The Ozarks New Energy Conference starts with an impressive slate of nationally recognized researchers and experts on ammonia, algae, hydrogen, cellulose and biomass. We move from the research to practical and current examples of how these technologies are already being applied right here in the Ozarks. Finally, we look at federal and state energy policies, tax credits and other investment incentives and the hard costs of applying new fuels and efficiency approaches.
It’s a conference for anyone in the Ozarks or beyond with a yearning to secure our region’s energy independence and reap the economic rewards of growing and developing our own fuel closer to home. It’s also a conference that promises to provide some answers on reducing greenhouse gases.
Friday, February 22, 2008
7:30-8:30 a.m.
8:30-8:45
8:45-9:00- “A National Overview of Energy Decisions to Be Made” – Congressman Roy Blunt.
9:00-10- Opening plenary, “Agriculture: a Major Player in U.S. Energy,” byDavid Bransby of Auburn University
10:00-10:30- Break and move to breakout session locations
10:30-12:00- Breakout Session I - Current research and development, with concurrent tracks in:
“Beyond Ethanol, Chemicals From Biomass Provide Additional Profit Potential” – Norman Olson, Iowa Energy Center’s Biomass Energy CONversion Facility, and “The Promise of Algae” - Paul Nam, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Keesoo Lee, Lincoln University - “Realities & Challenges of Supplying Biomass for Energy” – William Casady, University of Missouri Extension, and “Status of GTI’s Fossil and Biomass Gasification Programs” - Jack Lewnard, Gas Technology Institute
- “Energy Efficiency: the Overlooked ‘Fuel’” – Alecia Ward, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and Cara Shaefer, City Utilities of Springfield
12:00-1:30
1:30-3:00- Breakout Session II –“Current New Energy Applications,” with concurrent tracks in:
- “Exploring Biomass and Gaseous Fuels” – Krishna Krishnamurthy, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and "An Overview of Bioenergy" - Phillip Badger, president of General Bioenergy, Inc.
- “A Talk With the Experts: Qualified Solar and Wind Contractors” – Nathan Jones, Power Source Solar Inc.; Travis Creswell, Ozark Energy Services; and Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Show Me Radiant Heat
- “Making a Difference With Efficient Design” – Matt O’Reilly, Dynamic Earth; Jason Hainline, EMSI; Emily Fox, CEO of the Discovery Center of Springfield
3:00-3:15
3:15-4:15Plenary, “Hydrogen-rich Gas Production From Soy, Wood and Other Biomass,” by Bill Ayres, founder of Renewable Solutions LLC and “father” of the biodiesel industry
4:15-4:45
4:45-5:15
5:15-7:00
- Reception at LEED-certified Discovery Center
7:00-Midnight
Saturday, February 23, 2008
7:30 a.m. -1 p.m.
7:30-8:30
8:30-9:30- "The Green Horizon” – Dan Chiles, City Council and vice president of marketing, Watts Radiant`
9:30-10:00- Break and time with vendors
10:00-11:30- Breakout Session IV – “The Economics of the New Fuels,” with concurrent sessions on:
- “The Future is Now in Solar and Wind – Tom Carnahan, Wind Capital Group); Art Boyt, the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology Center, Crowder College; and Jeff Davis, Missouri Public Service Commission
- “Investing in Solid Biomass Fuels” – John Ikerd, University of Missouri, and “Economics of Biomass Fuels” - Bob Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension
- “Building a Bio-energy Plant: Costs and Considerations” - Marc Wagoner, Praj Schneider, Inc., and “Impacts of Ethanol Production on Critical Water Resources” - Tom Aley, Ozark Underground Laboratory
11:30-12:30- Closing plenary, “Where Do We Go From Here?” by Paul Risser, acting director of Smithsonian Institution’s Natural History Museum and COO of the University Research Cabinet, University of Oklahoma
12:30-3:00 - Optional field trips to Noble Hill Landfill and Water Valley Mill Park - see Field Trips
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