Biomass Commercialization Prospects in the Next 2-5 Years: BIOMASS COLLOQUIES 2000

A series of four colloquies held in the first quarter of 2000 examined the expected development of biomass commercialization in the next 2 to 5 years. Each colloquy included seven to ten representatives from key industries that can contribute to biomass commercialization and who are in positions to influence the future direction. They represented:; Corn Growers, Biomass Suppliers, Plant ScienceCompanies, Process Engineering Companies, Chemical Processors, Agri-pulp Suppliers, Current Ethanol Producers, Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, and Enzyme Suppliers.; Others attending included representatives from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fuels Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture,environmental groups, grower organizations, and members of the financial and economic development community. ; The informal discussions resulted in improved awareness of the current state, future possibilities, and actions that can accelerate commercialization. Biomass commercialization on a large scale has four common issues: 1) Feedstock availability from growers; 2) Large-scale collection andstorage; 3) An economic process; 4) Market demand for the product.