Peregrine Technology Partners' Daniel J. Desmond Among Speakers at BioEnergy Summit

One of the key figures in guiding the growth of Pennsylvania’s renewable energy sector will give the closing remarks at the BioEnergy Summit at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Daniel J. Desmond, former Deputy Secretary for the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and now a partner in Peregrine Technology Partners, a Pennsylvania firm started in late 2008 that works on development and commercial deployment of environmentally beneficial technology, is joining the list of speakers at the event.

With its theme of Innovative Technologies for an Energized Future! the March 15th BioEnergy Summit at the University will explore innovative technologies for bioenergy production and technologies for producing energy from wastewater. Additionally, the commercialization of technologies, nanotechnology-based solutions and processes used to produce bioenergy from a variety of biomass resources also highlights this half-day program.

Sponsors of the event include OriginOil, the Lehigh Nanotechnology Network and Lehigh University.

Desmond served the Commonwealth for nearly two decades and helped guide the growth of Pennsylvania's renewable energy industry. He joined the Pennsylvania Energy Office in 1983 and served as its executive director until its merger with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in 1995. From April 1995 until his appointment as DEP deputy secretary for energy and technology deployment in 2003, he chaired the Pennsylvania Energy Resources Center, an advocacy and public education initiative to secure funding for renewable energy in the aftermath of utility deregulation. He also served as president of Sustainable Systems Research, a Lancaster-based firm specializing in the development and commercialization of environmentally beneficial technology. In his position as DEP deputy secretary, Desmond was responsible for fostering the deployment and use of innovative environmental and advanced energy technologies, including renewable energy. DEP's Office of Energy and Technology Deployment works with citizens groups, businesses, trade organizations, local governments, and communities to help them understand and adopt pollution prevention and energy efficient practices.

Keynote speaker for the event is Dr. William Goldner of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). He will give an overview of the strategic thinking and programs USDA NIFA and other USDA agencies are using to address the sustainable production of biofuels, biopower, and biobased products. The programs include: regional systems-oriented programs that integrate research, education, and extension/outreach/ technology transfer; pre-commercialization R&D for small businesses; and grant and loan guarantee programs for demonstration and commercialization.  

Dr. Goldner will provide some examples of how businesses may use these programs to take part in this important renewable energy sector. He will discuss the need to include emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and waste water management in developing bioenergy and the need for a thoughtful integrated approach to grow bioenergy, water quality and availability management systems, and perhaps other emerging energy resources (e.g. natural gas) in Pennsylvania and the surrounding region without disrupting existing agricultural systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

Roundtable discussions will examine the business opportunities that can be cultivated, why sustainable energy solutions are as good for business as they are for the environment, and the importance of obtaining financial support to the commercialization process. Scientists, government officials, entrepreneurs and investors will discuss promising research, successful ventures, overcoming commercialization challenges and market-driven opportunities.  

The program is set to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $35. More information is found online at http://www.HarrisburgU.edu/BioEnergySummit  For additional information, email BioEnergy@HarrisburgU.edu or call Dr. Leena Pattarkine at 717.901.5168.

Harrisburg University is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Parking Authority operates a garage accessible via Fourth Street. Cost for parking in the garage is $5.00 for 0-2 hours. Kiosk for parking accepts cash only.  More information on parking rates and directions to the University are found online at http://www.harrisburgu.net/campuslife/directions.php#parking

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

Contact:
Steve Infanti
HU Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146