The theme for this next event is that we will try to engage with the multiplicity of interactions between agriculture and energy, both as a larger user of energy (and perhaps carbon emitter) and as a potentially v large supply of energy sources (biomass, energy-saving alternative materials, wastes, energy crops, sites for renewables etc etc).
We feel this theme is not yet fully explored in the UK, yet wholly relevant to the east of England in particular with a large agri-hinterland and real energy issues.
Cambridge has a rare combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurship and technical development and has an important role to play in defining and undertaking this change.
The meeting will follow our usual format. It is being held in central Cambridge, close to West Road. Full details available on registration.
Programme: Energy and Agriculture; Problem of Solution?
16:45 Doors open
17:00 Refreshments, coffee and tea
17:15 Introduction to the evening
17:20 John French / Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley from InCrops
17:50 Bruce Tofield
18:20 Richard Stark
18:50 Buffet meal in the atrium, with wine
19:20 Open moderated discussion, and continuing buffet
21:00 event close
Times are very approximate, and speakers may appear in a different order.
Attendance is free, but prior registration is required.
Bruce Tofield has been studying biochar at UEA. How much carbon sequestration might be achieved? Globally, “Biochar has the potential to sequester almost 400 billion tonnes of carbon by 2100 and to lower atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations by 37 parts per million.” How does that compare to other approaches, like Carbon Capture and Storage? Biochar production removes CO2 from the air, while CCS aims to remove it from the exhaust gases of power plants – in large quantities. According to Bruce Tofield “In the UK biochar might yield a few million tonnes CO2 saving with current biomass sources – CCS needs to aim for over 100 m tonnes.”
The InCrops enterprise hub has been created to:
- stimulate through new business assistance and activity the commercialisation of biorenewable and low carbon products from alternative and non food crop feedstocks,
- stimulate new business activity from the East of England's world class research capability in plant and crop science,
- stimulate sustainable economic growth through supply chain development, market integration and product innovation,
- accelerate the rate of successful technology transfer into the business and commercial environment,
- widen the scope for technology transfer through new exploitation platforms,
- proactively support commercialisation through business spin outs and business incubation.
To register to attend this meeting, go to the
Registration page.
Full details of the speakers appear on our
Event page.
If you are interested in this event, please consider becoming a member of the Cambridge Energy Forum. This will
give you several additional benefits. There are additional benefits for organisations wishing to sponsor the Forum of its events.
If you have not already registered your interests with us, you will need to do so
here before your attendance can be confirmed.
The talks will start promptly.
In the event of over subscription, fully paid-up members and sponsors will have priority admission.
