Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Jennifer Holmgren

Then: I was at UOP.  Leading their very new Renewable Energy and Chemicals business which we established in 2006.  We were working on developing aviation fuel from lipids – people still said no one was ever going to fly on alternative aviation fuels.  The ENI UOP Ecofining project was well on its way.  We were looking at co-processing of lipids and evaluating pyoil partners.  I was obsessed with energy democracy and making sure that everyone had access to energy, power.

Now: I am now at LanzaTech working to commercialize gas fermentation technology but more importantly trying to show the world that CO2 can be an opportunity not a liability.

I am still obsessed with energy democracy but realize that energy must be clean energy as I have become increasingly aware of the impact of climate change on our ecosystem and our way of life.

Inspirations: I’m a balance in the force kind of person.  I don’t like one thing more than another.  I love the people in the field, I love being able to do new things and i like the challenge associated with making a difference.  I also love Biofuels Digest and the fact that it is a symbol of the growth and diversity of our industry. how it has morphed over the past 10 years is a tribute to Jim and his team but also to an industry that keeps adjusting and pivoting.

Challenges:  Our biggest challenge is legislation which is married to and defined by old technology.  This really inhibits scaling.  i don’t think it inhibits new ideas but it prevents their financing and commercialization.  Legislation should facilitate not slow down novel approaches or disruptive ideas.