“Bioenergy: From Fields to Wheels” is the theme of this year’s Crossover event at Penn State which brings together faculty in the life sciences and the physical sciences along with key stakeholders from industry and government in an effort to strengthen this important research bridge.

The event will be held September 4-5 in the HUB-Robeson Center on the Pennsylvania State University's University Park Campus.

The event will showcase bioenergy research, including all the steps in the process chain from photosynthesis to energy utilization, a concept call “Fields to Wheels.”

Crossover 2007 will highlight Penn State research activity through a series of research track presentations, live demonstrations, and an interactive poster session. In addition to these events a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions will be included, featuring collaborations with industry, other universities, and government agencies.

The need for integrated research is particularly important in the bioenergy field, where there are a near infinite variety of diverse feedstocks and process combinations, and many system feedback opportunities to increase efficiency and enhance product value.

To advance that integration Penn State is developing the Fields to Wheels Bioenergy Testbed, a flexible and adaptable system for research and technology transfer. Components of the testbed include: Plant Production, Plant Transformation, Materials Harvest and Transport, Materials Storage & Pretreatment, Saccharification and Fermentation, Separations Technologies, Combustion and Gasification, Chemical Catalysis, Byproduct Recovery and Utilization, Advanced Power Generation and Engine and Vehicle Testing

Wrapped around these technologies are the social, economic, and ethical frameworks needed for bioenergy programs to achieve its potential, including planning, business, and legal concerns.

For more information and to register, visit the “Bioenergy: From Fields to Wheels” webpage.

8/3/2007