Rockford to host Bioenergy Days next year

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

Hundreds of people from around the world will come to Rockford next year to talk about the latest developments in alternative energy.

The Rockford region will host International Bioenergy Days in September 2010. The annual conference brings companies and individuals together to talk about the latest technology and best practices in ethanol production, wind farms, combustible biomass, methane production and other fields.

Rockford’s candidacy came from its existing relationship with Sweden, particularly the city of Lidköping, which is co-hosting this year’s event. Sweden is considered a world leader in implementing bioenergy technology.

The event started in 2006 in Lidköping. Last year, Mankato, Minn., was the first location in the U.S. to host the event.

Area leaders will head to Lidköping for this year’s event in late September. Those interested in joining that delegation or planning the 2010 event can contact Mark Podemski of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council at 815-987-8118.

More information about the event is availble at bioenergydays.com/english/default.asp.

Staff writer Thomas V. Bona may be contacted at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.