UTIA Bioenergy Task Force
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) has a long history in renewable, biobased energy and products research and education. As many as 20 years ago researchers were examining alternative energy crops and more recently UT Agricultural Research has enjoyed recognition as one of five regional Sun Grant Centers and as a cooperator in Biosucceed, a partnership for training a workforce for burgeoning biofuels industries.
Now with the lead role in the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative, an innovative research and business model that will position the state as a leader in the nation’s efforts toward commercially viable biofuels production, the UT Institute of Agriculture is among the nation’s top tier academic institutions working on solutions for the nation’s energy needs.
The Initiative is partnering the research capabilities of UT, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and private industrial partners with farmers and landowners in Tennessee with the goal of producing cellulosic ethanol as a transportation fuel, initially from a 2-5 million-gallon-per-year biorefinery in East Tennessee. The facility will focus on research necessary to refine the conversion process, optimize the use of local farm and forest resources and generally improve the overall process to allow commercial scale-up throughout the state. The principal product will be an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative fuel that has the potential to replace 30 percent of our gasoline consumption.
Bioenergy Task Force
UTIA Vice President Dr. Joseph DiPietro presented a draft Vision Statement at the UT Institute of Agriculture Bioenergy Strategic Planning Workshop held in late January 2008. He then formed a Bioenergy Task force, naming 11 individuals from across the Institute to serve. The Task Force is charged with finalizing the Vision and mission statements, gaining UTIA-wide input, and conducting a strategic planning process to include a needs assessment and an implementation plan for the vision. The group’s findings and recommendations will be outlined in a report that is to be completed by mid August.
Questions about the Task Force or ideas and suggestions for consideration can be sent to Lorna Norwood, chair, or to any other member of the task force:
Caula Beyl, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Joe Bozell, Forest Products Center
Burt English, Agricultural Economics
David Harper, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
Doug Hayes, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences
Pat Keyser, Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries
Neil Rhodes, Plant Sciences
Neal Stewart, Plant Sciences
Daniel De La Torre Ugarte, Agricultural Economics
Mark Windham, Entomology and Plant Pathology
Staff support for the task force includes Ann Ryan and Sam Jackson from the UT Office of Bioenergy Programs and Patty McDaniels from UTIA Marketing and Communications.
The task force held an organizational meeting on April 14, 2008 and met again May 1, 2008. Everyone is invited to attend and observe Task Force meetings.
Task Force Meetings (3:00 pm unless noted otherwise)
Tuesday, July 15, 301 Morgan Hall
Tuesday, August 5, 223 Plant Biotechnology Building
Tuesday, August 12, 223 Plant Biotechnology Building
Meeting Proceedings and Documents
UTIA Bioenergy Vision and Mission
Task Force May 1, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Task Force May 20, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Task Force June 3, 2008 Meeting Minutes
News Links
UT Biofuels Initiative Update - June 24, 2008
UT Biofuels Initiative in the News
Bioenergy in the US and International News
How can you help?
The Task Force needs your comments and input on the UT Institute of Agriculture’s long-term strategy for bioenergy research, education and outreach programs. The Task Force work will go beyond suggestions for the Biofuels Initiative and will examine issues surrounding the future of UTIA as it relates to bioenergy. A broad range of input is needed and welcome. Please contact a Task Force member with your comments.
