Washington State is a national leader in clean energy policy and development. Through pilot projects, incentive programs and research, the State has demonstrated that although there will not be a ‘quick-fix’ to the energy crisis we currently face, there can be local, clean energy solutions developed and employed in our state. These solutions will come from myriad technologies (including wind, solar, and biomass) and will require governments, non-government organizations, and private businesses to collaborate to ensure on-the-ground success.
Science, and government convene 1st annual conference
In Spring 2010, a number of state agencies working on clean energy issues convened a group to discuss hosting a state-wide Bioenergy Symposium and Clean Energy Conference. These sessions would provide the most current science and business elements of clean energy deployment, and provide an opportunity for parties to come together and identify opportunities to collaborate.
This effort has resulted in the Bioenergy Research Symposium and the Washington Future Energy Conference, scheduled to take place November 8 to10 in Seattle at the Convention Center. The events will bring together regional and national leaders in the abundance of energy topics currently being examined in Washington State.
Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark will provide opening remarks at the bioenergy symposium. Goldmark —a scientist himself— has been a leader in promoting clean energy alternatives throughout the state and at DNR. It is an integral component of his vision and the agency’s strategic goals. During his first year in office, Commissioner Goldmark initiated the Forest Biomass Initiative which has now seen two successful pieces of legislation, launched four biomass-to-energy pilot projects, and is currently initiating a statewide supply study. As a passionate leader in Washington’s growing Bioenergy sector and as an advocate of science-based decision making, it is appropriate that Commissioner Goldmark set the stage for the day.
The two-day Washington Future Energy Conference will follow the Bioenergy Research Symposium and will examine ways we can build the necessary coalitions to move Washington’s clean energy sector forward into the future. At the conference, participants can get up to speed on anaerobic digestion—microorganisms breaking down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing a biogas suitable for energy production. They can learn about pyrolysis technologies—burning organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen to generate oil that can be made into fuel, bio-char, and power.
The conference will highlight efforts in agriculture and industry that focus on Washington State’s leadership in Bioenergy development.
Public agencies and business leaders in the northwest are working together to foster tomorrow’s clean energy economy. This conference is a good example of existing collaborative efforts. Agencies are clear that creating early markets for clean technologies, supporting effective incentives programs, and developing policy that is friendly to emerging technologies will help create Washington’s green future.
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