Former US Vice President Al Gore presenter and Davis Guggenheim director of The Inconvenient Truth documentary on climate change receiving an Oscar in Los Angeles on February 25, 2007

John Mullins, Chief Executive of Bioverda, the wholly owned bioenergy subsidiary of NTR plc, is due to address the World Biofuels Markets Congress and Exhibition in Brussels today. Former US Vice President, Al Gore, who recently won an Oscar for his An Inconvenient Truth documentary, will be making the keynote speech at the Conference today. Bioverda is also a sponsor of the event.

John Mullins, Chief Executive, Bioverda, said, “We are really looking forward to this event. The presence of Al Gore shows that this is an international conference of great importance. This is an ideal event for Bioverda as it reflects the major developments the company has underway in both Europe and the US. Bioverda welcomes the Irish Governments plan to have one-third of all electricity consumed supplied by renewable resources by 2020. This conference will highlight the need for such commitments and raise any issues that are obstructing the progression towards greener fuels.” 

During the event Al Gore visited the Bioverda stand to discuss biofuels with John Mullins and Jim Barry, Group Chief Executive of NTR plc and Chairman of Bioverda.

Two Bioverda representatives will be addressing the Conference, John Mullins and Anthony Doherty, Biofuels Business Development Director. They will be discussing developments at Bioverda and Project Debt Financing respectively, while John will also be participating in a panel discussion on Biofuels Finance and Investment.  The scale of the involvement of Bioverda in the Congress shows the great strides the company has taken in becoming an international leader of the industry. As well as speaking at the event, Bioverda will also be exhibiting.

“There are a number of challenges facing the biofuels industry. It is imperative that we find sustainable seed and oil sources to ensure that our biofuels are as environmentally sound in production as they are in use. Countries also need to provide tax incentives for biofuel production to ensure that the industry can be competitive in all markets. This Conference is an excellent opportunity for the industry to come together and face these challenges,” added John Mullins.

Bioverda is operating two plants, Neubrandenburg and Ebeleben, in Germany, has announced a €50 million investment in a biofuel facility in Cork Harbour and, as part of a joint venture with Virgin Fuels, is developing two plants in Indiana and Tennessee in the US. The company is continuing to look at possible future projects in both Europe and the US.

Over 650 executives will attend the World Biofuels Congress from more than 45 countries.