From Global Conference: Challenges Facing Biofuels
by James daSilva (SmartBlog on Leadership) I attended the 2012 Milken Institute Global Conference last week in Los Angeles, where a panel of company advisers and a Department of Energy official discussed financing and scale challenges facing advanced biofuels and also where there’s reason for optimism.
…But there are problems facing advanced biofuels, including significant issues of infrastructure, scaling up at a competitive price and securing middle-stage financing. Panelists went into detail about obstacles before proposing ways the industry could make the “leap” to change the way America uses fuel.
There is no lack of technology for advanced biofuels, and no need for additional infrastructure, as natural gas or other oil alternatives might require. … Compounding the problem is that many companies are being advised against middle-stage investment, said Lynde Coit, a senior adviser to Plasco Energy Group.
…Even in venture capital, producers can take a different angle: corporate social responsibility. The CSR argument for biofuels and against oil is idealistic and pragmatic, Coit said, as the industry has hard assets. READ MORE and MORE (Politico)
