IEA Bioenergy Task 39 'Commercializing 1^st- and 2^nd-Generation Liquid Biofuels from Biomass' is a global network dedicated to the development and deployment of biofuels for transportation fuel use.  Our Task is part of the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s Implementing Agreement on Bioenergy.  Our Task is currently composed of 15 countries and a regional association, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom. Our Task brings together leading researchers, government officials, and industry pioneers in our bid to successfully introduce biofuels for transportion into the commercial marketplace.

Task 39's activities are organized into two Subtasks.  The first of these focuses on the technical challenges of 2^nd-generation biofuel production, while the second focuses on policy, markets and implementation issues that must be addressed in commercialization of all biofuels. Our goal is to provide our members with comprehensive information that will assist them with accelerating the commercial uptake of biofuel technologies. For more information on our objectives and goals, click here.

Upcoming meeting
There will be a Task 39 (semi-formal) meeting in Clearwater, Florida, USA from 19^th- 22^nd  April, 2010. Please visit this website for more information on the Task 39 Cambridge meeting as the time approaches!

Past Meetings 
Task 39 held its first meeting for the new triennium in Cambridge, UK from January 19^th-21^st, 2010.

Task 39 helped organized the very successful IEA Bioenergy Multi-Task Conference in Vancouver, themed Biofuels and Bioenergy: A Changing Climate in Canada from August 23-26, 2009. This conference brought together researchers, government officials and industry leaders from over 20 countries with the aim to advance bioenergy development and reduce fossil fuel dependency. Many thanks to IEA Bioenergy, sponsors/exhibitors, speakers and all delegates who played enormous roles in making this conference a great success! Please click on the corresponding link for a copy of the Conference Book/Program (Biofuels & Bioenergy: A Changing Climate (Aug. 23-26, 2009).

Global Assessment of 2^nd Generation Biofuels Projects
Status of 2nd generation biofuels demonstration facilities (please click on the title to view this interactive web link).

Newsletter
The latest edition of the Task 39 Newsletter provides the latest update on biochemical conversion research and development (R&D) activities in Japan, one of our member countries. This current newsletter also contain updates on the most recent activities in the Task.  To read the latest version of the newsletter, click here.  To view the archives of our newsletters, click here.

Sustainability Reporting in Germany's Biodiesel Sector  
The German government is working on measures to facilitate rapid transposition of the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC (RED) into national legislation.  The 10 page report entitled "Germany's Biodiesel Sector has now to document its Sustainability" provides more information. For more information, click here.

Non-binding sustainability criteria: right incentives for sustainable biomass use 
Brussels, 14 December 2009. The Consortium of European Biomass Associations (AEBIOM and EUBIA), European Forestry associations (EUSTAFOR, CEPF and NSF) and European Biogas Association (EBA) supports having non-binding criteria on sustainability for solid and gaseous biomass for heat and electricity. For more information, click here.

Opening of first Inbicon Biomass Refinery
Kalundborg, Denmark - The new Inbicon Biomass Refinery was opened in the Danish port of Kalundborg. The inauguration ceremony was led by his Royal Highness Prince Joachim. For more information, click here.

Links to articles in "The business of  biofuels" series 
Please find below links to the weekly articles in "The business of biofuels" series that are published by Naturenews:
1. Wonder weed plans fail to flourish by Katharine Sanderson
2. Gold rush for algae by Amanda Leigh Mascarelli
3. Cellulosic ethanol hits roadblocks by Roberta Kwok
4. From plant to power by Katharine Sanderson

The UK Renewable Fuels Agency report entitled "Year One of the RTFO" contains very interesting information on verified Carbon and Sustainability data as well as their impacts on business. For more information, click here.

Please click on the link for information on the newly launched BIOFUELS  journal.