This logistics-focused panel brings together equipment suppliers, researchers and logistics experts to explore how smarter infeed design, material-specific processing, advanced handling equipment and next-generation railcars are reducing downtime, improving safety and cutting costs across the biomass supply chain. Panelists will dig into real-world challenges such as plastic wrap entanglement, feedstock variability, electrification and carbon reduction, while also highlighting emerging innovations, grant opportunities and transport solutions shaping the future of biomass handling from yard to end user.

• Amy Duncan, Marketing Manager, Dos Santos International
  Overcoming Biomass Handling Challenges in Modern Facilities
• Zach Smith, Research Engineer, Idaho National Laboratory
  Engineering a Material-Specific Bale Processor Head to Minimize Plastic Wrap Entanglement
• Brian Smalley, EVP Marketing and Sales, National Steel Car
  Railcar Innovation for Biomass Transportation
• Colleen Miller, Sales Manager, Sennebogen, LLC
  Grant Funding, Carbon Footprint Reduction and Electric Material Handling Solutions

As biomass gasification moves from pilot-scale concepts to commercial and industrial deployment, effective contaminant control and practical power conversion choices are becoming central to project success. This panel examines advances in gas cleanup, reactor design and downstream conversion, from the role of high-efficiency cyclones and new insights into inorganic species behavior during steam gasification of waste streams to comparative evaluations of gasification-to-electricity pathways, including ORC systems, reciprocating engines, gas turbines and emerging options. Together with recent research on low-tar gasifier design and optimization, the session offers a grounded look at how these technical decisions intersect to shape the reliability, efficiency and economics of modern biomass gasification systems.

• Luís Bastos, Sales & Project Manager, Advanced Cyclone Systems, S.A.
  Enabling Biomass Gasification and Pyrolysis in Energy-Intensive Industries: A New Role for High-Efficiency Cyclones
• Abdoul Razak Kimba Hassane, PhD student - Water & Waste Treatment Team (TED), Aix-Marseille University
  Transformation and Distribution of Inorganic Species in the Gas Phase During Steam Gasification of Sorted Waste Streams
• Cornelius Van Tonder, Chief Engineer, Bara Consultants
  A Hard Look at Viable Pathways for Biomass Gasification-to-Electricity: A Comparative Review of ORC, Reciprocating Engines, Gas Turbines, and Emerging Conversion Routes
• Md Mashiur Rahman, The Pennsylvania State University
  Design and Optimization of Nozzle Inclination Angle and Swirl Combustor in Low-tar Biomass (LTB) Gasifier: A Biomass Power Generation Application

RNG markets are evolving, with developers facing growing policy complexity, compliance risk and questions around market saturation. This session examines the current state of RNG supply and demand, the influence of clean fuels programs on project economics and carbon intensity, and the role of policy in shaping anaerobic digestion outcomes. Speakers will also explore emerging RNG thermal markets as a key opportunity for future growth.

• Stephen d'Esterhazy, Senior Consultant, Trinity Consultants
  Is the Renewable Natural Gas Market Fully Saturated? Understanding Constraints and Identifying Opportunities
• Erin LeBoeuf, Fuels Compliance Consultant, Trinity Consultants
  West Coast Clean Fuels Programs: Optimizing Carbon Intensity and Minimizing Compliance Risk
• Tony Li, Student, Vanderbilt University/quasar energy group
  The Influence of Policy on the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste: Insights from an Industrial Case Study
• Thomas Murray, Vice President of Decarbonization, Vermont Gas Systems, Inc.
  RNG Thermal Markets
• Alex Henson, Account Manager, SGS Beta
  The Carbon-14 Biogenic Content Testing Method for the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)

As demand accelerates for low-carbon liquid fuels, engineering decisions around feedstocks, pretreatment and conversion pathways are becoming increasingly critical. This session explores how biomass can be converted into SAF and renewable diesel through multiple technical routes, including gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, alcohol-to-jet pathways and advanced feedstock pretreatment technologies. Panelists will compare process efficiencies, feedstock flexibility and technology readiness, offering practical insights into how engineering choices shape project performance, scalability and fuel outcomes.

• Gord Crawford, President & CEO, Expander Energy, Inc.
  Comparison of Biomass to SAF pathways using Gasification and FT technology
• Ricardo Soares, Professor, Federal University of Uberlandia - Faculty of Chemical Engineering
  Advances in different technologies/routes for SAF/Diesel-range hydrocarbon production based on biomass sources: soybean oil, syngas (SPK-FT), or ethanol (ATJ)
• Mark Mauss, President, Lutros, LLC
  New MonteTM: novel feedstock pretreatment technology using a counter-current, reactive-extraction process

Biocarbon and biochar projects moving toward commercialization must demonstrate credible data, regulatory readiness and disciplined risk management to attract financing. This panel brings together experts in engineering, digital infrastructure and carbon markets to explore how robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks strengthen carbon claims, reduce commercial and technical risk, and support investment decisions, while also addressing U.S. permitting challenges, common heat-balance and performance pitfalls, and the role of digital tools in linking feedstock, production and financial reporting for scalable, finance-ready projects.

• Varsha Ramesh Walsh, CEO & Co-Founder, Offstream
  Streamlined, Verified, Bankable: The Turnkey Approach to Carbon Credits
• Malena Maraviglia, Applications Engineer, ElectraTherm Inc.
  Don’t Get Burned by Your Heat Estimates: Reducing Commercial Risk and Strengthening Carbon Claims
• Jason Dodier, CCO & Co-Founder, Grain Ecosystem
  From Feedstock to Finance: Building the Digital Factory for Scalable Biochar and Waste-to-Value Projects
• Juergen Jesenko, Managing Director, FLOYD BioEnergy
  Generation Behind-the-Meter Biomass CHP: 24/7 Energy Independence, Biochar Production, and Monetized Carbon Credits

Feedstock logistics and material handling decisions play an outsized role in biomass plant reliability, operating costs and emissions performance. This session examines how upstream handling strategies—from ash management and residue processing to conveying and storage—directly affect plant efficiency and OPEX. Through real-world case studies and best-practice insights, speakers will highlight practical approaches to optimizing feedstock flow while minimizing downtime, emissions and total cost of ownership.

• Kevin Tangen, President, Azure Engineering
  How to Get Your Ash Out, Case Study: Costa Rica Sugar Cane Field Trash Processing
• Mike Curci, VP Sales & Marketing, Americas Division, BRUKS SIWERTELL
  Best Practices for Material Handling in the Biomass Industry with an emphasis on OPEX and Emissions

Technology selection is one of the most consequential decisions in biomass power development, shaping project economics, performance and community impact. This session examines the tradeoffs between combustion, pyrolysis and gasification pathways, drawing on real-world project experience and case studies. Speakers will explore how conversion choices, waste heat recovery and system integration influence power output, synfuel opportunities and local value creation, offering practical insights into moving biomass power projects from concept to successful delivery.

• John Tharpe, President, American BioEnergy Converting Corp.
  Analysis of Combustion versus Pyrolysis for energy conversion!
• Werner Botha, Director, Bara Consultants
  Modesto Irrigation District (MID) 45-MW gasification project and its value to the surrounding community
• Neal Yancey, BFNUF Operations Manager, Idaho National Laboratory
  Converting Waste Wood to Power - Combustion to Synfuel
• Michael Foggia, Business Development/Marketing Manager, Process Combustion Corporation
  Integrated Waste Heat Recovery and Advanced Heat Exchange for VOC and Syngas-to-Power Systems

Contaminants and conversion challenges remain key obstacles to unlocking the full potential of biogas and RNG projects. This session focuses on practical solutions for improving gas quality, system reliability and overall project performance, with insights into biogas upgrading, siloxane management and advanced combustion and filtration technologies. Speakers will explore approaches for treating challenging gas streams from wastewater and other sources, reducing operational risk and enabling more efficient conversion of biogas into low- and zero-emission energy, providing actionable takeaways for developers and operators alike

• Malek Mezni, Business Development Manager North America, AB ENERGY USA LLC
  Unlocking the Untapped RNG Potential of Wastewater Treatment Plants: Efficient Biogas Upgrading and Siloxane Management
• David Munson, President, Foi Group, LLC
  Zero Carbon Emission Power Combustor with Biogas
• Stephen Lucas, Application Engineer, Precision Partners
  High-Temperature Ceramic Filtration for Reliable Syngas Cleanup in Biogas and RNG Production

As SAF and renewable fuel markets scale, feedstock availability, cost and reliability are emerging as critical risk factors. This session examines how developers, financiers and suppliers are addressing feedstock uncertainty through improved crop management, waste-stream upcycling and new risk-mitigation tools. Speakers will also explore market dynamics shaping biomass supply for SAF and renewable diesel, offering practical insight into building resilient, bankable feedstock strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

• Alexander Wadud, Manager, Ecostrat Inc.
  Feedstock Supply Insurance: Turning Biomass Risk into Bankable Reliability
• Salvador Ramirez II, Research Associate, USDA-ARS
  Crop Management Matters—Feedstock Production Practices Drive Biofuel Sustainability
• Sofía Cabrera, Price Reporter - Sustainable Aviation Fuel, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  Feedstock Dynamics in the SAF and Renewable Diesel Markets

Scaling biocarbon production requires tight control over thermal treatment, carbonization and densification to meet performance, handling and end-use requirements. This panel brings together market analysts, equipment suppliers and producers to examine how different thermal processing pathways influence material properties, and how pelletization, ring-die systems and milling technologies are being applied to convert carbonized biomass into consistent, market-ready products. Speakers will share technical insights on precise carbonization, densification challenges and equipment selection, offering attendees a practical look at how biocarbon pellets and powders are being engineered for industrial, energy and materials applications.

• William Strauss, President, FutureMetrics
  A Deep Dive into Thermal Treatments of Biomass
• Ben Stark, Sales Manager - Alternative Fuels, N.A., CPM Global Biomass Group
  Biocarbon Densification Pellet Technology
• Guy Penard, Vice President, Yilkins
  Precise Carbonization
• Jonah Levine, Director of Heating, Lignetics Group
  Carbon Pellets from Ring Die and Powders from ACM — Technical Update

• Todd Hopwood, Director of Business Development, Siemens Energy, Inc.

• John Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, BBI International

• Anna Simet, Director of Content and Senior Editor, BBI International

• Rudi Roeslein, Founder, Roeslein Alternative Energy

Myles Gray has been working in the biochar sector for nearly 15 years, in academia, consulting, private industry, and in the non-profit sector as Executive Director of USBI. In the biochar space, he is an expert in biochar material properties, standards, and industrial, agricultural, and infrastructure products and markets for biochar. He holds a BS from Cornell University and a MS from Oregon State University.He lives with his wife and two children in Portland, Oregon.

• John Teal, VP Commercial, TSI and Board Chairman, International Biomass Torrefaction and Carbonization Council Read Bio

  John Teal is Vice President, Commercial, at TSI, a leading technology and equipment provider in the biomass industry. In addition to ensuring customers’ continued success with TSI’s dryers, heating systems, furnaces, and air pollution control equipment, John focuses on torrefaction and carbonization technology; working with the team to develop technology and processes that grow biomass’ role in the circular carbon economy. He lives in Seattle and supports TSI’s customers around the globe.

• Andrew White, CEO, CHAR Technologies Read Bio

  Andrew White, as the co-founder and CEO of CHAR Technologies, stands at the helm of innovation. Holding a MASc degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto, he embarked on a transformative journey when a moment of inspiration in the lab led to the birth of CHAR Tech. His work at CHAR Tech has earned him the OBBA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, while his guidance has led the company to be recognized as CIX's Top 20 Most Innovative Public Companies and the 2022 Venture 50 Performance Award (clean technology & life sciences). Andrew's growth as a leader is evident in his ability to provide clear direction and actionable insights to both clients and staff, propelling the company's success. In addition to his MASc degree, he holds a Master’s in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo.

• Kevin Hatman, U.S. Communications and Trust Manager, Carbonfuture Read Bio

  Kevin brings more than 15 years of communications experience across the corporate, government and nonprofit fields to Carbonfuture. A former speechwriter, he began his social impact journey fighting to pass a renewable portfolio standard in his home state of Michigan. During his career, he has worked to broaden access to high-paying green jobs, supported a global nonprofit in its efforts to expand financial inclusion for the world’s poorest people, and helped a leading automotive brand advance the electric vehicle market in the United States. He holds a BA in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from the James Madison College at Michigan State University.

• John-Paul Taylor, Founding Partner, KindlePoint Partners Read Bio

  John-Paul (JP) Taylor is a senior commercial leader in renewable commodities and clean energy market development, currently a Founding Partner at KindlePoint Partners. He advises corporates, utilities, investors, and market participants on commercial strategy, contracting, and risk management across rapidly evolving renewable fuel and decarbonization value chains.
  
  Previously, JP served as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Enviva, where he led global commercial strategy spanning trading, origination, sales, and fulfillment for industrial biomass supply into power and emerging decarbonization applications. Over more than decade at Enviva, he was known for building market-aligned contracting approaches and identifying capital-light opportunities to optimize and monetize infrastructure and logistics—translating market volatility into disciplined, bankable commercial value.
  
  Earlier in his career, he worked in renewable and environmental markets through Evolution Markets, strengthening a foundation in market fundamentals, pricing dynamics, and structured solutions.
  
  JP holds credentials from London Business School and Toronto Metropolitan University and is a frequent conference contributor on renewable fuels and decarbonization pathways.

• Tim Portz, Executive Director,Pellet Fuels Institute
• Darrell Smith, Executive Director, U.S. Industrial Pellet Association

• Carrie Annand, Executive Director, American Biomass Energy Association

• Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, American Biogas Council

• Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America

• Jason Dodier, CCO & Co-Founder, Grain Ecosystems

Decarbonization is reshaping global energy demand, pushing the pellet industry beyond traditional power and heat markets into new applications ranging from industrial decarbonization and grid support to advanced solid biofuels and biobased materials. This session examines Europe’s growing industrial demand for low-carbon fuels and what it means for North American producers, the potential role of U.S. pellets in repurposed coal assets serving data centers, the expanding use of agricultural residues, and emerging diversification pathways through biopolymers and bioplastics—highlighting how biomass producers can unlock new markets and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

• Thomas Knoblinger, Managing Director, Albert Knoblinger GmbH
  Wood Pellets and Europe’s Industrial Decarbonization – Opportunities for North American Producers
• William Strauss, President, FutureMetrics
  Leveraging US Pellet Production to Fuel Modified US Coal Stations for Powering Data Centers
• Maximilian Lehr, Technology Manager, ANDRITZ
  Unlocking the Potential of Agri Residues For (Advanced) Solid Biofuels
• Nereo Rodriguez, Sales Manager Biopolymer Technologies, Sulzer Chemtech Ltd
  Diversifying the industry towards sustainability thanks to bioplastics

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is moving from concept to commercial deployment, bringing critical technical, financial and integration challenges for project developers. This session explores what it takes to make BECCS projects bankable, from forming strategic partnerships and selecting viable capture pathways to deploying enabling technologies such as oxy-combustion, ceramic filtration and carbon capture systems for biomass and RDF. Speakers will share practical insights into reducing emissions intensity, managing project risk and integrating capture solutions into low-carbon heat and power applications, offering a realistic look at how BECCS projects can scale successfully.

• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  Strategic partnerships in BECCS
• John Bullock, Director of ClimateBright, Western US, Babcock & Wilcox
  Oxy-Combustion as a Means of Reduced Mass-Based Emissions in BECCS Projects
• Devin ter Braak, Director of Technology, Bright Renewables
  Carbon Capture on Biomass and RDF, Enabling Low-Carbon Heat and Power
• Nick Evans, CEO, Precision Partners
  Ceramic Filtration Supporting Bioenergy Carbon Capture (BECC)

As biogas and RNG projects scale, data-driven decision-making is becoming essential to maximizing performance, reliability and returns. This session explores how operators are using high-quality data, advanced analytics and AI-enabled tools to optimize anaerobic digestion, improve productivity and reduce operating costs. Presenters will examine practical applications ranging from real-time process monitoring and AI-enhanced operations to chemistry-based optimization and hybrid reactor design, offering actionable insights into how data and technology can unlock higher efficiency and resilience across modern biogas systems.

• Amy Hall, Director of Sciences, Digester Doc
  Data Driven Decision Making: How Good Data Saves Money and Maximizes Biogas Performance
• Yebo Li, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, Quasar Energy Group
  Artificial Intelligence–Enhanced Operation of Anaerobic Digesters to Improve Process Stability and Productivity
• Christopher Hill, Manager of Market Development, Kemira Water Solutions Inc.
  Getting the most out of your biogas process with support from chemistry
• Erik Anderson, Senior Project Advisor, SCS Engineers
  Hybridized reactor design for anaerobic digestion of waste biomass

Demand for sustainable aviation fuel is rising rapidly, yet the path from concept to commercial scale remains complex and capital-intensive. This session examines the real-world challenges facing SAF development, from feedstock sourcing and technology selection to project finance, regulatory risk and international trade considerations. Speakers will explore the role of biomass and gasification in aviation’s low-carbon transition, strategies for de-risking SAF projects from feedstock to fuel, and how evolving policies—such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism—could shape U.S. SAF markets and transatlantic aviation, offering practical insights for developers navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

• Tom Jackson, Vice President of Marketing & General Manager, The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
  Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
• Scott Vanderau, Partner, ETA Energy Transaction Advisors
  Can Biomass Take Flight? Gasification and Aviation’s Low-Carbon Transition
• Ron Pagel Sr. Client Manger / Sr. Project Manger, Pond & Company
  From Biomass to Sustainable Aviation Fuel: De-risking the Pathway from Feedstock to Commercial Scale
• John Pierce, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  The EU’s CBAM Impacts on U.S. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market and Transatlantic Aviation

Producing consistent, market-ready biocarbon products depends on how biomass is thermally treated, carbonized and ultimately densified. This panel brings together analysts, equipment providers and producers to examine the technical pathways shaping biocarbon pellets and powders, from precise carbonization and heat control to pelletization, ring-die systems and advanced milling. Panelists will share practical insights into how processing choices affect material properties, handling, performance and end-use suitability, offering a technical update on the manufacturing approaches enabling scalable, reliable biocarbon production.

• Chris Wiberg, Vice President of Biomass Energy Lab, Timber Products Inspection/Biomass Energy Laboratories
  Biocarbon Standards Update
• Irshad Khilji, Senior Product Manager – Biocarbon Products, BioProducts, LLC
  Biobased Carbon for Metals Industry to Improve ESG during Metals Production
• Scott Laskowski, President, OrganiLock, Inc.
  Thermobiological Conversion and Densification of Lignocellulosic Biomass into Labile-Carbon Pellets for Soil Carbon Regeneration
• Trip Jobe, Vice President of Forest Value Chain Sales, ResourceWise
  Carbon Market Potential

Scaling biomass utilization beyond pilot and early commercial stages continues to test the limits of plant design, throughput and system integration. This session focuses on the technical and operational bottlenecks that emerge when biomass projects push toward larger scales, including integrating pellet production into existing industrial facilities, achieving higher daily throughput at U.S. biorefineries and optimizing gasifier design for low-tar biomass power generation. Speakers will share practical insights into engineering solutions, performance thresholds and design strategies that can help developers overcome scale-related constraints and move large-scale biomass projects forward with greater confidence.

• Jowan Toor, Vice President, KTC Industrial Engineering, Ltd.
  Building Pellet Plant into Existing Industrial Facility
• Yidong Xia, Senior Research Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory
  Are the U.S. Biorefineries Over the Hurdle of 2000 Ton Daily Throughput Yet?
• Md Mashiur Rahman, The Pennsylvania State University
  Design and Optimization of Nozzle Inclination Angle and Swirl Combustor in Low-tar Biomass (LTB) Gasifier: A Biomass Power Generation Application

Biomass power is entering a period of transition shaped by emissions constraints, evolving policy and the need to extend the life of existing assets. This session examines how biomass facilities are adapting through coal-to-wood pellet conversions, high-efficiency thermal applications and policy-driven project strategies. Speakers will address technical assessments for grate-fired industrial boilers, opportunities to deliver high-heat, low-emissions energy, and the role of state and federal policy—including IRA incentives—in determining whether projects move forward or stall. Together, these perspectives offer a practical look at how developers and operators can position biomass power assets for long-term relevance and resilience.

• Robert Morrow, Senior Technical Manager, Detroit Stoker Company
  Technical Assessment - Coal to Wood Pellet Conversions for Grate Fired Industrial Boilers
• Erik Lasher, Senior Project Manager, Azure Engineering
  P2P, Where the Heat is High and the Emissions are Low
• Greg Blair, Managing General Partner for Biomass One, LP, Biomass One LP (Parent)
  Unlocking the Full Value of Biomass: Policy Solutions for Energy, Environment, and Economy
• Andrew Thompson, Founding Partner, Azure Energy
  Build It Now or Lose It Forever, The Biomass Developer’s 2026 IRA Strategy

Advanced anaerobic digestion technologies are moving from pilot concepts into proven, real-world deployments across a range of scales and feedstocks. This session highlights practical case studies demonstrating how next-generation plug-flow digesters, heat exchange systems and co-digestion strategies are improving biogas yields and system efficiency. Speakers will share results from industrial and agricultural projects, including small-scale biogas-to-power installations, offering tangible insights into how advanced digestion solutions are being implemented to deliver reliable performance and measurable returns.

• Scott McKay, Fournier Industries Inc.
  Advancing Industrial Biogas: Results from a Next-Generation Plug-Flow Digester
• Sameer Kshirsagar, Senior Applications Specialist, Komax Systems, Inc.
  Komax Klean Wall Sludge/ Manure Heat Exchanger for Increased Biogas Production
• Matt Steiman, Energy & Livestock Projects Manager, Dickinson College Farm
  Case Study: Small Scale Biogas to Power
• Nina Wohlfahrt, Sales Manager, HoSt Bio-Energy Systems
  HoSt Bioenergy – Case studies on co-digestion projects

Market dynamics, policy design and pricing mechanisms are playing an increasingly decisive role in the growth of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. This session examines the current state of RD and SAF markets in North America, the regulatory drivers influencing biomass-based fuels across aviation, road and marine sectors, and the ways policy structures shape pricing behavior and investment decisions. Speakers will provide insight into how incentives, compliance programs and evolving regulations are expected to influence project development and capital allocation in 2026, offering valuable perspective for producers, developers and investors navigating a rapidly shifting fuels landscape.

• Omar Hamid, Group Manager - Low Carbon Fuels, Worley Consulting
  Regulatory Drivers for SAF, RD and Marine Fuels from Biomass Feedstock
• Guadalupe Nuñez , Price Reporter, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  How Policy Design Shapes Renewable Diesel Pricing and Market Behavior
• Joel Dulin, Owner, Jozana Grant Services
  Policy and Incentives Shaping Biomass Investment Decisions in 2026

Turning biochar from a promising pilot output into a dependable commercial product requires navigating technical scale-up, market fit and carbon value creation simultaneously. This session explores where biochar projects gain momentum—and where they stall—through candid discussion of real-world barriers, emerging opportunities within the biomass sector, and the evolving role of verified carbon credits in project viability. Panelists will offer grounded perspectives on bridging the gap between demonstration and deployment, helping developers understand what it truly takes to move biochar into sustained, scalable production.

• Myles Gray, Executive Director, US Biochar Initiative
  Biochar at Scale: Opportunities and Obstacles for the Biomass Sector
• Rachana Malviya, Founder and CEO, Greenloop Clean TechnologyPLLC
  Advancing Biochar Projects for Verified Carbon Credits
• Siddhartha Gadiraju, PhD, Product Director Carbo Culture
  Engineering the Scale-Up: 3 Critical Hardships from Pilot to Commercial Production
• Annie Nichols, General Manager, Biochar, Mangrove Systems
  Building Digital Data Infrastructure to Support Biochar Carbon Removal at Scale

• Jim Cron, Senior Principal Engineer, Geostock Sandia, LLC

Fire and explosion hazards remain a critical concern for biomass facilities, requiring a more comprehensive and proactive approach to safety management. This session focuses on strategies for reducing fire risk through improved combustible dust hazard analysis, continuous dust monitoring and advanced detection and suppression technologies. Speakers will examine how integrating fire hazards into DHA frameworks, deploying real-time monitoring systems and adopting emerging spark detection and extinguishing solutions can enhance facility safety, reduce downtime and protect both assets and personnel.

• Tim Heneks, CV Technology, Inc.
  Beyond Explosions: Integrating Fire Hazards into Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)
• Robert Baxter, President, B3 Systems, Inc.
  A Comprehensive Approach to Dust Monitoring and Management
• Todd Havican, Sales Director, Fagus GreCon, Inc.
  Emerging Technologies in Spark Detection and Extinguishing
  

Owners of existing biomass power facilities are increasingly focused on extending asset life, improving efficiency and enhancing operational reliability. This session examines practical upgrade and optimization strategies, including the use of organic Rankine cycle systems for small- to mid-scale combined heat and power, aftermarket turbine improvements and small-scale CHP solutions. Speakers will also address approaches to improving online reliability at thermal biomass facilities, offering actionable insights into how targeted investments and technology upgrades can unlock additional value from existing biomass power assets.

• Scott Becker, Key Account Manager, CTS-Durr - Cyplan ORC
  Combined heat and power generation up to 5 MW with ORC – a cost effective and flexible solution as an alternative to the steam cycle?
• Bharat Sangli, VP, Triveni Turbines Americas Inc.
  Improve efficiency of operating turbines
• T.K. Seetharaman, Proposal Head - P&ES Division - SPP, Thermax Limited- P&ES
  Small Scale Combined Heat and Power
• Lawrence Berg, Vice President of Engineering, RJM Corporation (USA), Inc.
  Improving Online Reliability for a Thermal Biomass Facility

Waste streams are increasingly viewed as strategic feedstocks for fuel production and value creation. This session highlights emerging technologies that are reshaping waste-to-fuels pathways, from advanced separation and preprocessing of organic waste to integrated systems that enable RNG production alongside valuable co-products. Speakers will explore how these innovations are improving resource efficiency, lowering costs and expanding the economic potential of waste valorization, offering practical insight into how developers can tap new revenue streams from underutilized materials.

• Steve Napolitan, CEO, WastAway
  Tap Into The Trillion Dollar Waste-to-Fuel Revolution
• Roger Ford, President, Eureka Energy Corporation
  A New Paradigm for Waste Valorization: GPV-Enabled RNG and Co-Product Generation
• Tim Tripp, North American Sales Engineer, Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH
  Better use of resources –Separation of Organic Waste: Reliable, Highest Purity, Easy and Cost-Effective
• Jessica Morrison, VP, Strategic Partnerships & Growth, Golgix AI
  How AI-Driven Decision Intelligence Is Improving Yield, Energy Efficiency, and Carbon Intensity Across Biomass, RNG, and Emerging SAF Operations

Reducing uncertainty around markets, pricing and project finance remains critical to scaling sustainable aviation fuel. This session focuses on the financial and commercial frameworks shaping SAF development, including pricing dynamics driven by regulatory design, evolving funding and offtake structures, and strategies for monetizing biomass feedstocks into SAF investments. Panelists will offer insight into SAF’s current progress and long-term potential, examine how policy influences market behavior, and outline approaches developers and investors are using to manage risk and move projects toward bankable, commercial reality.

• Timothy Hughes, Project Director, CAAFI (Com'l Aviation Alt. Fuels Init)
  The Promise, Progress & Potential for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
• Sofía Cabrera, Price Reporter - Sustainable Aviation Fuel, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  Decoding SAF Pricing: The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on Market Dynamics
• Mark Riedy, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  State of the Art Funding and Offtake Structures For SAF Projects
• Kristine Klavers, Managing Director, EcoEngineers
  Monetize your biomass to SAF investment

Biomass residues are increasingly being repositioned as valuable inputs for power generation, industrial heat and carbon-based products. This session explores practical pathways for converting residual biomass into revenue, from project development strategies and renewable energy applications to meeting demanding industrial process requirements with solid biomass. The discussion will also examine integrated approaches that combine biochar and power production, highlighting how whole-system design can unlock additional value, improve economics and expand the role of residues in a diversified biomass energy portfolio.

• Azadeh Rohani, Senior Consultant, Worley Consulting
  Opportunities to Valorize Biomass for Renewable Energy Production
• Beau Kush, Senior Project Manager, Azure Engineering
  A Little R&R, Residue to Revenue
• Adeem Arshad Awan, PhD, HOD Biomass Supply Chain Management,Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd.
  Optimization of Biomass Fuel for Sustainable Steam Generation
• Michael Jones, Chief Technology Officer, IAC
  Co-Production of Biochar and Power: A Whole-System Advantage Beyond the Sum of Its Parts

Controlling emissions and maintaining gas quality are central to the performance, permitting and long-term viability of biomass and RNG facilities. This session examines proven and emerging approaches to emissions control, including catalytic ceramic filtration, advanced air pollution control systems and high-efficiency, low-temperature drying technologies. The session will highlight how targeted technology choices can reduce regulated emissions, improve gas quality and help operators meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements while maintaining reliable, efficient operations

• John Bonner, Strategic Account Manager, Precision Partners
  Biomass Emissions Control Utilizing Catalytic Ceramic Filters
• Steve Jaasund, Senior Product Manager, ANDRITZ Clean Air Technologies
  Air Emission Controls in the Biomass Energy Industry
• Yves Marc Schade, Sales North America, stela Laxhuber drying technologies GmbH
  Emissions at high efficiency low temperature belt dryers

Managing technical, operational and commercial risk is central to the long-term success of biomass power projects. This session focuses on practical tools for reducing uncertainty across fuel quality, emissions control and supply chain execution, including the use of fuel additives to expand low-cost biomass options, effective SCR catalyst management and improved system integration through automation and AI-enabled logistics. The conversation will also address broader risk evaluation strategies, highlighting how coordinated approaches to technology, operations and data can help developers and operators stabilize performance, control costs and improve project bankability.

• Jerel Vestal, Sales Manager, Imerys
  Increasing the use of low cost biomass in power plants with an effective fuel additive
• Jeff Rodefeld, Business Development Manager US., DeNOx Enviroment
  Effective SCR Catalyst Management In Biomass
• Chris Sampson, Director of Logistics and Technology, Garick, LLC
  Have Your Systems Talk to Each Other: How Automation and AI Agents Can Unify Your ERP, Sourcing, and Logistics Systems
• Andrew Thompson, Founding Partner, Azure Energy
  Don’t Let the Risk Hit the Fan, an Evaluation of Risk in the Biomass Power Industry

Transforming biogas and RNG projects into financeable assets requires clear revenue pathways, disciplined structuring and credible execution across the value chain. This session examines how developers are monetizing renewable energy tax credits, structuring capital stacks and designing supply chain and logistics frameworks that meet investor expectations. The conversation will focus on building high-integrity bioeconomy assets through thoughtful finance architecture and operational planning, offering practical insight into what lenders and capital partners look for when backing biogas and RNG projects at scale.

• Faith Larson, Vice President, Mickelson & Company, LLC
  Monetization of Renewable Energy Tax Credits
• Andrea Neal, President, Blue Capital, LLC
  Decarbonization Logistics: Architecting the Supply Chain and Finance Structure for High-Integrity Bioeconomy Assets
• Ernie Pollitzer, Owner, Clean Energy Consultants
  Alternative Markets for RNG

Federal tax policy continues to play a decisive role in shaping the trajectory of the biomass and biofuels sector. This session will examine recent and pending changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including IRA and OB3 amendments that affect biomass-based energy products, along with anticipated proposed regulations on clean fuel tax incentives covering ethanol, biodiesel, marine fuels and sustainable aviation fuel. The discussion will also address updates to the 45ZCF-GREET model, emerging pathways of interest to biomass developers, and early signals from the new Congress on priorities such as restoring SAF credit values and expanding support for maritime fuels. Panelists will offer timely insight into how evolving tax policy, regulatory guidance and federal advocacy efforts could catalyze the next generation of biomass technologies while continuing to support established markets.

• Jenny Speck, Partner, Vinson & Elkins
• Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America
• Geoff Dietz, Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs, RNG Coalition
• Brandon Audap, Principal, Monument Strategies

Feedstock choice increasingly determines the technical performance, economics and revenue potential of biomass and carbon projects. This session examines how eligibility criteria, risk-based cost analysis and verification requirements shape feedstock decisions across biomass energy, co-gasification and carbon removal pathways. The discussion will explore trade-offs among biomass, waste and coal blends, pathways for bioresource valorization, and the role of third-party verification—such as carbon-14 analysis—in validating biogenic content and unlocking project revenues, offering practical guidance for developers navigating complex feedstock strategies.

• Varsha Ramesh Walsh, Co-founder and CEO, Offstream
  From Harvest to Hopper: Why Feedstock Eligibility Determines Biomass Carbon Removal Revenue
• Yingqian Lin, Research Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory
  Strategic Feedstock Selection: Risk-Based Cost Analysis for Coal-Biomass-Waste Co-Gasification
• Michael Long, Principal, Long Thermochemical LLC
  Perspectives in Bioresource Valorization – Pathways, Insights, and Pitfalls
• Alex Henson, Account Manager, SGS Beta
  Carbon-14 Analysis For Third-Party Verification of Biogenic Content: An Overview For Co-Processing Plants

• Forcus Martinez, Sales Manager, PRODESA Group
  Choosing the right pellet mill. An opex analysis for white and black pellets
• Alain Skrobala, CEO, Bathan AG
  Bathan introduce PPS PELLET PRESS SOLUTIONS
• Timo Mueller, Business Development Director, SALMATEC GmbH
  Rethinking Containerized Pelleting: The Compact Pelleting Unit
• Ilaria Peretti, Senior Sales Manager, Turboden America LLC, a group company of MHI
  ORC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM FROM YOUR GREEN FUEL

Emissions regulations are increasingly influencing how biomass boilers are designed, operated and upgraded. This session explores the regulatory and technical forces shaping the future of biomass boiler systems, including evolving air pollution control requirements, emerging solid-fuel energy technologies with CO2 capture and advanced filtration solutions that improve performance while meeting stricter standards. The session will highlight how compliance pressures are driving innovation in boiler design and emissions control, offering practical insight into how operators can adapt existing systems and plan future investments in a tightening regulatory environment.

• Thomas Young, Managing Consultant, Trinity Consultants
  Air Pollution Controls and Regulatory Changes Affecting the Future of Biomass Boilers
• Cameron Kiani, Application Engineering Manager, Precision Partners
  Maximizing Biomass Boiler Performance Through High-Temperature Catalytic Ceramic Filtration

Many biomass projects encounter critical failures long before fuel conversion ever begins, often rooted in feedstock handling, system design and early-stage technology risk. This session examines the upstream challenges that can derail projects, including unreliable infeed systems, poor handling of low-density feedstocks and material discharge issues that undermine gasifier and SAF performance. The discussion will also address the risks facing first-of-a-kind SAF and renewable diesel projects, along with the emerging role of AI in bioenergy development, offering candid insight into why projects stumble early—and what can be done to prevent costly missteps before conversion systems come online.

• Jayant Khambekar, Senior Consultant, Jenike & Johanson, Inc.
  Reliable Gasifier Reactor Performance Requires Reliable infeed
• Derek Vaile, Applications Engineer, Kamengo Technology, Inc.
  Handling Low Density Feedstocks for SAF Production: The Three Root Causes of Poor Material Discharge
• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  Mission Impossible?- FOAK SAF and RD projects
• Yidong Xia, Senior Research Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory
  Is AI Ready for Bioenergy Industry?

Producing biochar at scale increasingly involves integrating multiple thermal conversion pathways to maximize carbon retention, energy efficiency and overall project value. This panel explores how pyrolysis and gasification are being applied—independently and in hybrid configurations—to convert diverse biomass and waste streams into biochar, low-carbon fuels and energy. Speakers will examine feedstock effects, life-cycle carbon outcomes, and system design considerations, while sharing case studies ranging from mobile pyrolysis for wildfire risk reduction to downdraft gasification and integrated pathways that deliver both carbon-negative biochar and sustainable aviation fuel.

• Lokendra Pal, EJ Woody Rice Professor, North Carolina State University
  Carbon-Negative Upcycling of Non-Recycled MSW Paper Fractions into Biochar via Slow Pyrolysis: Feedstock Effects and Life Cycle Carbon Removal
• Albert Ratner, Professor, The University of Iowa
  Biochar Production Through Downdraft Gasification
• Roger Smullen, CEO, Earth Foundries
  Slash Attack®: Mobile Pyrolysis for Wildfire Risk Reduction and Carbon Value Creation