Valuable connections will be made between various industry stakeholders to grow the industry and improve energy reliability, environmental quality, and opportunities for economic development with job creation.
East Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) December 03, 2013
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and the University of Connecticut (UConn) are collaborating to gather policymakers, industry experts, and biodiesel manufacturers at a Regional Biodiesel Industry Forum on December 16, 2013 at the Rome Ballroom on UConn’s campus in Storrs, Conn.
“Our goal is to bring together representatives from all components of the biodiesel industry,” said Joel Rinebold, Director of Energy Initiatives at CCAT. “Valuable connections will be made between various industry stakeholders to grow the industry and improve energy reliability, environmental quality, and opportunities for economic development with job creation.”
The forum will feature panel discussions on state and federal policies, markets, production, and industry issues. The luncheon will feature a case study presented by “U.S. Foods” highlighting a unique biofuel program that combines an existing food distribution network with feedstock collection.
The forum will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and include guided tours of UConn’s Biodiesel Testing Laboratory at the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CESE). With initial funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, CESE established a testing laboratory to certify the quality of biodiesel to ensure that consumers receive quality fuel, which will build confidence in using biofuels.
“This event will serve as a place for all members of the biodiesel supply chain to network and grow their business,” said CESE Director Michael Willig. “Our research will similarly provide new markets and opportunities for the industry.”
Future growth is a paramount concern to many production companies. Biodiesel One President Karl Radune commented, “As a producer, I am always looking for new markets, and this forum will be a great way to meet new customers.”
Radune and other biodiesel business owners and industry leaders from across the Northeast region will be participating in discussions on biodiesel markets, production, and industry issues.
Registration is ongoing and fees are reduced for students. For more information, visit http://www.ccat.us/energy/section/Biodiesel_Workshop.
About CCAT
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a unique economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., leads partnerships between industry, academia and government, creating a collaborative framework for tackling today’s economic challenges. CCAT administers the Connecticut Biodiesel Grant Program that provides funding for the construction, modification, and/or retrofit of biodiesel production and distribution facilities, improved testing technologies, and production techniques. CCAT also administers a per gallon incentive for biodiesel production.
About CESE
The Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering plays a pivotal role within the University of Connecticut. By marshalling the expertise of world-class scientists from numerous departments within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the School of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, CESE supports multidisciplinary research that bridges the basic and applied sciences. Activities supported by CESE strengthen the scientific understanding of complex and evolving natural systems, monitor environmental quality, inform sound stewardship, and enlighten policy.
