Argus Biomass Conference

• Key drivers for using biomass over traditional fossil fuels
• Challenges in the transformation and different approaches to overcome them
• Diversity of biomass feedstocks and associated sustainability aspects

This panel will explore the future use of biomass in the industrial sector. Hear for the first-time new strategies and benefits of using woody biomass for energy production. Learn how new supply contracts will be managed and how industrials are dealing with sustainability issues

• What are the benefits of utilising biomass over other traditional resources and operations?
• What can we expect for the future of the industry and requirements from industrials?
• How do you view feedstock security and what methods are in place for a consistent supply?

Panellists:

Cordula Mock-Knoblauc, Climate Protection Coordinator, BASF 
Keith Lockhart, Senior Category Manager – Utilities, Heathrow 
Richard Bourdon, Climate and Energy Transition Manager Europe, Solvay

• Exploring biomass as a viable option for decarbonisation and profitability trends in coal, gas and power markets
• How are EU industrials managing their growing carbon price exposure?
• How is carbon pricing in the UK driving demand for biomass use?

• What does the current European trends look like, and what’s the impact of Asia demand?
• How can companies increase the transparency of flow of materials?
• Understanding current price levels and the impact growing demand has on pricing

This panel discussion will focus on key issues and needs for a consistent supply and will address new regions emerging as sourcing options including South America and Africa

• What are the current challenges with securing a consistent fuel supply within the global market?
• What solutions are global biomass users needing to ensure on-time delivery?
• Which new regions are emerging as source basins for fibre and biomass?

Moderator:

Gordon Murray, Executive Director, WPAC

Panellists:

Chris Fodor, Founder, Gabon Pellets
David Wong, Founder, Rainbow Pellet
Tiago Andrade, Director, Wood Pellet Services 

• New wood pellet production projects, capacity and timelines
• Sourcing feedstock and creating reliable supply chains
• How will a new deep-water export terminal at the port of Pascagoula aid trade?

• What new trade flows are emerging due to developments in Japan and South Korea?
• How can exporters meet sustainability requirements and do business in the region?
• The future role of Vietnam as an exporter of biomass material

• Activities in Africa including Congo and Gabon: investments and project development
• How much pellet production and export potential is there?
• Use of waste wood and examining the supply chain

• How has the increase seasonality affected procurement strategies?
• How much appetite is there in the market to actively manage price risk?
• How would a utility or producer seek to lock in cash flow in the current market environment?

Moderator:

Freddie Staermose, Vice President - Generation Fuels & Dry Bulks, Argus 

Panellists:

Christian Joore, Lead Trader, Vattenfall 

• Diverting waste heat to be used locally at district heating centers
• Using the right raw materials that will raise renewable products
• Gaining the right certification for pellet supply

• How should the biomass industry exploit CCS technologies to meet targets?
• Capturing carbon from biomass processing
• Delivering negative thermal emissions and the benefits to the environment

• Identifying the best practices in keeping plant costs in check
• What instruments need to be in place to utilise waste as a biomass feedstock?
• How can recycling waste streams benefit the overall costs of production?

• Moving to a new digital era – how can the biomass industry reap the benefits?
• What digital strategies are being adopted to improve data gathering and operational decisions?
• Looking for a better approach to achieve end-to-end visibility

• How are new investments in co-firing in the Netherlands changing the biomass landscape?
• What are the main sustainability challenges?
• How are utilities working towards new regulations and REDII?

Speakers:

Alf van Weereld, Head of Biomass Sourcing & Trading, Uniper 

Fabien Méhu, Head of Biomass Trading, ENGIE 

A key challenge for the biomass industry is varying sustainability standards across Europe. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the most pressing questions to a leading panel of experts and understand how the market can harmonise sustainability criteria

• What does the current landscape look like and what are the challenges with working across borders?
• How are governments working towards a European biomass market?
• How can the industry work with various sustainability schemes?

Panellists:

Giulio Volpi, Policy coordinator, European Commission 
Siobhan Sherry, Head of Biomass Electricity, BEIS
Timo Gerlagh, Senior Expert Bioenergy, Dutch Government 

• How the increase demand of biomass is having an impact on Port capacity and accessibility
• Exploring available space at Ports and how to improve the supply chain
• What investments are taking place to store and handle larger quantities?

This panel discussion will examine the main challenges of a changing shipping landscape for wood chips, how the market will tackle an ageing fleet, and the impact freight rates will have on transport

• How difficult is it to currently handle trade and how are shipowners adapting?
• What are the impacts of ageing smaller vessels on the shipping landscape?
• Where will we see the links of transport chains for CO2 use and attention to sustainability?