‘The Future of Biodiesel in Europe’ International Conference on Biodiesel in Brussels

Hart Energy Consulting and AGQM - Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitätsmanagement Biodiesel e. V. (German Association for Quality Management of Biodiesel) are currently preparing their first joint technical conference in Brussels on September 27th and 28th, 2010 themed ‘The Future of Biodiesel in Europe’.

The Biodiesel industry – comprising feedstock supply, the origin of biomass and technology development – is facing major challenges for the future which will, by and large, determine any future use of Biodiesel as an alternative fuel. The implementation of the Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and the Directive on the quality of fuels in the member states of the European Union, as well as non-EU member states, generates new challenges for the Biodiesel industry. They could set the course for who will gain access to the markets not only within the European Union but also globally. Accredited certification systems and regulating authorities must be registered and resume work as quickly as possible. At the conference, experts from the European Commission will explain the latest communications and regulations concerning the translation of the above directives into national legislation. Examples will be given showing the stage of implementation attained in some member states.

It is expected that, in the light of the introduction of sustainability criteria and verification obligations, the European biodiesel industry will be faced with rather substantial market restrictions as regards raw material sourcing.

Biodiesel will have to comply with the ever stricter requirements of emission standards and engine design for fuels. Therefore, the second part of the conference will deal with matters relating to the development of fuel quality of Biodiesel and the standardization activities within CEN. Furthermore, processing technologies will be presented with the aim of tapping other feedstock sources for existing biodiesel plants by processing other types of waste.

The conference will be rounded off with a panel discussion reviewing the results, chaired by Greg Archer, Director of LowCVP. The other panel members will be:

- Kenneth Rose Fuel Quality and Emissions Technical Coordinator, CONCAWE

- Ilmari Lastikka Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Neste Oil

- Claus Sauter President, German Biofuel Association

- Dr Kyriakos Maniatis Principal Administrator, EU Commission, DG ENER

- Tammy Klein Assistant Vice President, Hart Energy Consulting

Apart from providing a technical forum, this conference will be an ideal platform for the exchange of information among representatives from the Biodiesel industry and Policy Makers.