Phoenix, AZ – The global market for ethanol was the subject of the first roundtable discussion at day two of the Executive Leadership Conference hosted by Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters.
The roundtable was moderated by Dave Vander Griend, President and CEO of ICM, Inc., and featured remarks by, Dr. Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President of Novozymes, Ken Field, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GreenField Ethanol, and Ian O’Gara, Manager of Accenture Biofuels Group.
Topics for discussion included how ethanol and biofuels can create positive change throughout the world, and how pressures between global trade, a growing global population and agricultural resources will be balanced in Washington, DC, and in other national capitals.
“In terms of agricultural resources the United States has the advantage in biofuels production from biomass,” said Holk Nielsen. “Creating ethanol from biomass is not a technology that needs 20 years to develop. It is already here. Of course we will continue to improve the technology over the years but very soon biofuels will be able to supply the world with over 25 percent of its transportation fuels with a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions between 60 and 90 percent.”
“Public perception will make or break our industry,” said Field. “We need to enhance the ethanol brand. We may be from different companies and we may be form different countries but we represent the same industry. If we invest in public outreach together I know we will be successful as an industry.”
Today’s roundtable is the third of four that will be hosted by Growth Energy during its first ever Executive Leadership Conference.
“We are grateful to have leaders at Growth Energy like the people who are on this panel, people who know the global market so well and are willing to share that information to help guide the industry,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
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About Growth Energy Growth
Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.