CALL FOR PAPER and the: Catholic University of Leuven Organize as a pre Conference event an International Workshop on Economics, Policies and Science of Bioenergy
Ravello ( Scala ) ( Italy ) July 26, 2007 |
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Presently biomass supplies little more then 3 percent of the total US energy consumption. The Technical Advisory Committee has set the challenging goal of supplying, by 2030, 5% of the U.S. power consumption. With this effort the US should be capable to displace 30% of the current petroleum consumption. In the EU Biomass already account for around 4% of the total energy consumed ( 69 million tons oil equivalent (mtoe)) and almost 50% of the renewable energy used . The European Commission foresees that by 2010 this amount could rise to between 150 – 185 mtoe. Such an increase would bring renewable energy to supply cover 5% of the total energy demand and decrease dependency on oil import from 48% to 42%. There is an increasing concern, however, that this greater emphasis on biomass supply might have a double edged effect. On one hand, it might create increased opportunities to agricultural producers especially in developing countries. On the other, it could damage consumers because of the additional pressure on grain markets and jeopardize global food security. A study has estimated (G. Ugarte, 2006 ) that in the US between 15 and 30 million acres could shift from food to energy dedicated crops, with consequent significant reduction in food and feed production and surplus export. With this effort biofuels would supply 25 percent of US energy needs by the year 2025. Globally credible studies have shown that with plausible technology development, biofuels could supply 30% of global demand in an environmentally responsible manner without adversely affecting food production. To realize that goal, so called advanced biofuels must be developed from dedicated energy crops, separately and distinctly from food. In addition to these direct market concerns, there are major biological, technological, economic and policy challenges associated with biofuels. Genetic improvement of energy crops such as switch grass, poplar, and jatropha has barely begun. It will be important to increase the yield and the environmental range of energy crops while reducing agricultural inputs. First generation technologies of biofuels production have been improved and refined. Despite the progess that has been achieved the production of biofuels is still not competitive with traditional energy sources such as oil, unless biofuels are subsidized or benefit from tax credit. This raises the issue of what those subsidies mean for economic efficiency. Second generation technologies will open up exciting new possibilities for biofuels and will come from further development in the cost effective conversion of cellulose rich biomass. An intensive effort needs to be concentrated in this field. This is a multidisciplinary task in which biologists, economists and social scientists, agronomists, chemical engineers, fuels specialists, must work together to optimize and integrate several currently disjoint activities. An assessment of the progress in this area and the identification of research priorities are of primary relevance.The workshop will focus on the following topics:
The Workshop will include:
Paper proposals Proposals for contributing papers are sought. Proposals in the form of a maximum of 500 words abstract incorporating agbiotech applications to one or more of the topics on the previous list of topics should be sent to: ICABR The Conference steering committee promise a response by May 22, 2007, with accepted papers due by June 25, 2007. Authors of accepted papers should register on line as soon as possible following notification by linking at the following http://www.economia.uniroma2.it/conferenze/icabr2007/Registration.asp. Round tables Participants at the Workshop and at the Conference are encouraged to propose specific issue and panels for the Round Tables. It is strongly suggested that components of the panel include a mix of expertise (an economist, a scientist, a representative from companies, consumers org., producers org., etc.). The proponent will act as chairman of the Round Table. By May 23, 2007 the steering committee will communicate to the proponent if the Round Table has been included in the program. Poster display A poster session is organised to give the opportunity to discuss on going research works. We encourage the participation of young scientists and graduate students whose work could be presented and discussed in the poster session. Summary of the poster content should be sent to the steering committee by May 20, 2007. Participation Fee
Participants already registered to the 11th International Conference on “Agricultural Biotechnologies: New Frontiers and Products – Economics, Policies and Science “ are not required to pay any fee to attend the workshop. Fees will cover copies of the papers presented in the workshop, coffee breaks and lunch Venue Ravello is a village perched on a 350 meters above the blue sea of Amalfi and is one of the most beautiful places of the Amalfi coast. Ravello has conserved its historical monuments through the ages in a natural setting which has few equals in the world. For additional information please contact:
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