Pellet conference well attended

July 28, 2010, Arlington, VA – More than 270 attendees from 150 wood pellet manufacturing companies attended the 2010 Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) annual conference in mid-July in Asheville, North Carolina. Additionally, 55 supplier exhibitors showcased their products to the attendees, and 16 companies supported the event as sponsors.

This year’s speakers covered a variety of topics during eight educational sessions, including the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, outlined by Aaron Martin of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Christian Rakos of proPellets Austria spoke about the European pellet market and offered his expertise on international regulations and emerging opportunities within the biomass industry. Other presentations included a panel on co-firing with wood pellets, comprising Christian Rakos, Joe James of Agri-Tech Producers, and Eric Kingsley of Innovative Natural Resources.  A seminar given by Guy Colonna of the National Fire Protection Association provided a thorough look at fire prevention and safety at pellet mills. Many of the presentations are posted on PFI’s website (www.pelletheat.org).

In March 2010, PFI members were advised that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be regulating pellet fuel and offered to work together to develop an industry-wide standard, which the industry has been developing. During the conference, a session was held to review recent standards developments that will affect the pellet industry.

“We were encouraged to see EPA attending the PFI Conference to solicit input on their required standards programs and include PFI in the development of responsible standards for the pellet industry,” says Jeff Thiessen, outgoing PFI president.

Three new members were elected by membership to the Board of Directors for a three-year term: Harold Arnold of Fram, Stephen Faehner of American Wood Fibers, and Mike Curci of Indeck Energy Systems. Scott Jacobs of Ozark Hardwood Products was elected PFI president for 2010–2011.