The event will examine issues such as the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s future oil supply and alternative transport fuels, the economics of biofuels production and the value of biofuels to regional Western Australia.

In an opening address during a breakfast presentation, state minister for agriculture and forestry Kim Chance, will discuss the aims and objectives of the recently established Biofuels Taskforce and outline government initiatives underway in developing this industry.

Also in the morning seesion, University of Western Australia’s Jonathon Thwaites will talk about biodiesel production, while the Department of Agriculture and UWA’s Dr Ross Kingwell will discuss its economics.

Curtin University’s Dr Hongwei Wu will discuss the energy efficiency of biofuels production, while BP Australia will review its experience in selling 15 million litres of ethanol blended fuel in Queensland.

In the afternoon session, Western Power’s Don Harrison will discuss bioenergy in Western Australia, CALM’s John Bartle will talk about how bioenergy underwrites salinity control in wheatbelt agriculture and CRC Salinity’s Felicity Flugge will focus on the potential for bioenergy plantations in WA farming systems.

The Sustainable Energy Development Office’s Tony Steward will discuss the opportunities for biodiesel, while Beacons Consulting will present a talk on the development of two 45MW capacity wood residue fired power stations in WA.

The Conservation Council of WA will present a cautionary note, before the conference wraps up with a panel discussion.

The conference will be held at the Novotel Langley, Ballroom South, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth. It will begin with a breakfast key note address from 7.15am – 8.45am on Friday, February 10 and end on the same day at 5pm.

For registration information, visit online www.wasea.com.au or www.stcwa.org.au.