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

Cindy Thyfault

Then: “I had just moved to Dallas from Lubbock, TX, I had just been asked to organize a Renewable Energy Committee for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

I had also just written my first DOE grant for $33 million for cellulosic ethanol technology that became the Ineos project in Vero Beach, FL.  It was the start of an exciting chapter in advanced biofuel development and financing.”

Now: “I have recently relocated to the Los Angeles, CA area to continue the work that we started over 23 years ago.  We are working to assist clients to access funding for most of the government loan and grant programs, including USDA, DOE, and DPA.  We are also working on some new innovative funding approaches for the industry and some financial enhancements to give more credibility to the industry.

I also serve as the Chairman of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC), which advises the Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.  We are very active in making recommendations across the breadth of technologies that will maximize export competitiveness.  I have served on this committee since 2012.”

Inspirations:  “When I began my business 23 years ago, I was eager to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.  Now that I have traveled around the world and experienced a variety of cultures, political climates, and diverse feedstocks, it is my mission to assist countries, developers, and financiers to access the tools and information that can help them successfully build and operate renewable fuels, chemicals, and byproducts companies, and assist them to work “”smarter, not harder.””

We are building a team of experienced professionals from around the globe to make this dream a reality, and also building tools and services that can accelerate the development of these technologies and make our world more sustainable for the long term.

I just had my first grandson, I look in his eyes every day and want him to have a bright future where he can achieve his dreams, as well as a long, healthy life.” “There are many areas that have been challenging, but I find one of the hardest gaps to overcome is proving the commercial viability of second and third generation biorefineries for fuels, chemicals, and byproducts, and overcoming the doubts from investors, governments, and financiers that have been brought on by the notable business and technology failures in the industry.

Once we have accomplished that, I feel that we will see a more mature market for financing, supply, and policy.

Challenges:  The debate is still wide-spread world wide about the viability and the value that this industry can bring to the global economy. In that regard, every project in process does not have just their own interests at the forefront, but is an ambassador to all the industry.  On that note, the Biofuels Digest has been a wonderful source of accurate and widespread news, and a credible source for technology and business news and information that so many people rely on.”