Clemson to host summit on alternative fuels

Ashlie Lancaster, director of SC Energy Office

Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence will host a statewide bioenergy summit this Thursday along with the SC Biomass Council and SC Energy Office. The summit will be free and open to the public.

One of the main topics of discussion will be biofeedstock production and utilization. According to the director of the SC Energy Office, Ashlie Lancaster, South Carolina has a lot of natural resources–often waste–that can become sources of energy.

We have everything from switchgrass to sorghum, those types of crops that can be utilized. A large amount of wood waste is being used, as well. You think about situations where we have the construction industry and there may be forest waste that’s left over. That can also be converted into biomass and bioenergy.

In addition, Lancaster says the summit will discuss the technical issues facing bioenergy projects and bolstering the biofuel industry, especially for the agricultural community.

Lancaster says it’s important to consider all options for alternative energy as the state looks into the future. Bioenergy is not only a green option, but will be locally sustainable as well.

The thing that is especially nice about biomass is that it does provide a reliable and affordable green source of power that’s both clean and efficient and that can be locally grown and cultivated here in our state.

While the latest numbers show over 28 biomass producers in South Carolina, Lancaster says bioenergy usage compared to other fuels is still very low.

AUDIO: Lancaster says biofuel use in SC very small (:22)

But Lancaster says South Carolina has the potential to be a leader in the nation for bioenergy production and utilization.

The former premier of Queensland, Australia will be among other notable guests at the summit to discuss international export opportunities for alternative energy.

The summit will be held from 8:30 am to 6 pm.

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