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West Coast Bioenergy Guild

The West Coast Bioenergy Guild is a monthly networking event for the stakeholders in the bioenergy sector.

Upcoming Event

BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN) invites you to attend the special in-person West Coast Bioenergy Guild with Special Guest David Bennett, Director of Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels at FortisBC. Our Special Guest’s presentation topic is “A Lower Carbon Gas System: Looking Back and Looking Forward.” The Guild will take place in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday, December 10th, at 5 PM PT.

Join us in-person on Tuesday, December 10th, at 5 PM PT, in downtown Vancouver!
Register Here

About the Special Guest:

Dave Bennett

Director, Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels, FortisBC Energy Inc.

Dave Bennett is responsible for providing leadership to a growing renewable energy portfolio. He led the team that developed the first Renewable Natural Gas program in North America by a natural gas utility, which was introduced in 2011. The Renewable Gas group is focused on transitioning our gas system to a lower carbon footprint through the acquisition of Renewable Natural Gas and other low carbon fuels including hydrogen.

He has been involved in the energy industry for over 35 years, holding positions with Shell Canada, Westcoast Energy and FortisBC. During that time, his roles have included work in marketing and customer service, gas supply, business development, energy efficiency and conservation programs, public affairs and communications.

Dave is a Board member with BC Bioenergy Network, a Director on the Surrey Board of Trade, the Private Sector Co-Chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, and past Chair of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria with a double major in economics and computer science. 

About the Presentation:

A Lower Carbon Gas System: Looking Back and Looking Forward

For almost half of Dave Bennett’s 33-year career at FortisBC, he has worked in renewable energy supply projects and policy development. During the presentation, Dave will review FortisBC’s history in developing programs to lower the carbon footprint of its gas system, from its groundbreaking development in 2010 of North America’s first renewable gas program at a natural gas utility to developments today in ultimately introducing hydrogen to its system.

About FortisBC Energy Inc.:

FortisBC, the province’s largest energy provider, delivers renewable energy, natural gas, electricity, and propane to 1.2 million customers while contributing to provincial climate action goals for 2030 and the long-term vision for 2050.

About Event:

When?

  • Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
  • Doors open at 5:00 PM PT
  • Presentation with Q&A from 5:30 to 6:30 PM PT
  • The event concludes at 7:30 PM PT

Where?

What is included?

  • Two beverages
  • Light refreshments

How much is the registration fee?

  • $25 CAD

Thank You to Our Partner:

BDC - Business Development Bank of Canada

During registration, you can provide your consent to receive via email information about business advice, solutions, and events from BDC, located at 5 Place Ville Marie, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2G2, www.bdc.ca, 1-877-232-2269. If you consent, BC Bioenergy Network will share your email address with BDC for this purpose. Your information will be treated according to BDC’s Policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time.

Save Your Seat Today!

About the West Coast Bioenergy Guild

The monthly event provides a relaxed atmosphere to share ideas, learn, and expand networks. The event is open to the general public, free to attend, and an opportunity to see a real-time presentation by a key opinion leader in the bioenergy sector. For further information and updates, please request to join our Linkedin Group, or join the mailing list through our Newsletter signup.

Past Presentations

Presentation topic: “Pathways to Decarbonize Canadian Propane”

Follow this link to view the presentation.
Katie Kachur
Canadian Propane Association

Presentation topic: “Unlocking Nature’s Energy: Reinventing Biofuels and Sustainable Materials”

Follow this link to view the presentation.
Scott Treadwell
SixRing Inc.

Presentation topic: “US Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge”

Follow this link to view the presentation.
James J. Spaeth
U.S. DOE's BETO

Presentation topic: “Low-Carbon Fuel Policy: What Have We Learned Along the Way?”

Follow this link to view the presentation.
Fred Ghatala
Advanced Biofuels Canada Association

Presentation topic: “The Impending Agricultural Residue Biomass Rush”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
Mark Cooper
Prairie Clean Energy

Presentation topic: “Parkland coprocessing and how we move ideas forward against the normal human resistance to change: Vol. II”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
Rob Pinchuk
Parkland

Presentation topic: “State of Play: Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
Bil Hetherington
New Wave Advisory

Presentation topic: “Applying life cycle assessment (LCA) to understanding the environmental impacts of bioenergy systems: What can we learn from the current practices?”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
Dr. Qingshi Tu
Department of Wood Science, UBC

Presentation topic: “Campus heating: Carbon challenges”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
David Claus
University of Northern British Columbia

Presentation topic: “Parkland coprocessing and how we move ideas forward against the normal human resistance to change”

Follow this link to watch the webinar and view the presentation.
Rob Pinchuk
Parkland

Presentation topic: “Capturing the Benefits: Environment & Efficiency”

View the presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Fahimeh Yazdan Panah
Wood Pellet Association of Canada

Presentation topic: “Renewables and Feedstocks in the Transport Sector”

View the presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Louise Burke
Argus Media Inc.

Presentation topic: “Argus North American Biofuels, LCFS & Carbon Markets Conference – making new relationships with Canada”

View the presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Will Robson
Argus Media Inc.

Presentation topic: “BC Transportation Energy from 2010 to 2035”

View the presentation here.
Michael Rensing
MJ Rensing Consulting Inc.

Presentation topic: “Biofuels in Canada: A Decade of Progress & Policies for the Next Decade of Growth”

View the presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Ian Thomson
Advanced Biofuels Canada

Presentation topic: “Opportunities for forest based biomaterials”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
Gurminder Minhas
Performance BioFilaments Inc

Presentation topic: “SIF 101”

View presentation here. Supplemental Q&A document here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
Perry Eddy
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Presentation topic: “Tomorrow’s Workforce for the Bioeconomy”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
Scott Renneckar
Department of Wood Science

Presentation topic: “West Coast Reduction and Bioenergy Feedstock Supply”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
Jared Girman
West Coast Reduction Ltd.

Dr. Mahmood Ebadian, and Dr. Mohsen Mandegari

Presentation topic: “Decarbonizing the Canadian Rail Sector; with a focus on bio-based diesel and the opportunities and challenges”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
BC-SMART

Presentation topic: “Bioenergy Development Opportunities in Canada and the IEA Roadmap ‘Net Zero Emissions by 2050’”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch webinar.
Oshada Mendis
Natural Resources Canada 

Presentation Topic: “Accelerating Decarbonization”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Stefan Muller

Presentation Topic: “Opportunities in Advanced Clean Energy from Negative Value Wastes in Canada”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Jennifer Littlejohns

Presentation Topic: “The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Sector”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
Mark Kirby

Presentation Topic: “The SR&ED Tax Incentive Program”

Due to copyright restrictions, the presentation slides and recording are not available for distribution.

Presentation Topic: “FortisBC Renewable Gas Program Overview, Rethinking BC’s Energy Future”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.
David Bennett

Presentation topic: “Highlights from the Biofuels in Canada Project”

View presentation here.

Follow this link to watch the webinar.

Presentation topic: “How Do We Decarbonize Long Distance Transport During/After COVID-19?”

View presentation here.
Chantale Despres

Presentation topic: “Canola as a Feedstock for Low Carbon Fuels”

View presentation here.
Chris Vervaet

Presentation topic: “GHGenius Version 5.01”

View presentation here.
Don O’Connor

Presentation topic: “Introduction to the B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard”

View presentation here.
Anna Ringsred

Presentation topic: “Circular Bioeconomies for a Greener Future”

View presentation here. 

Presentation topic: ” FPInnovations: Accelerating the Bioeconomy’s Growth as a Solution to Greenhouse Gases”

View presentation here.
Stéphane Renou

Presentation topic: “Federal Clean Fuel Standard: Opportunities and Challenges for Non-fossil Clean Fuel Sectors”

View presentation here.
Ian Thomson

Presentation Topic: “Bioenergy’s Role in Low Carbon Buildings of the Future”

Presentation Description: The presentation highlighted options to lower carbon heat in B.C. such as renewable gas, biomass fuels and other bioheat projects.

View presentation here.
David Dubois

Presentation Topic: “What does ‘Net Zero’ Really Mean?”

View presentation here.
Anna Stukas

Presentation Topic:  “Low Carbon Policies – Adapting the Transportation Fuel Infrastructure”

Presentation Description: The presentation described the role of Canadian climate policies, and outlined how adaptation of the existing energy infrastructure will be key in meeting consumer needs while avoiding unintended consequences.

View presentation here.
David Schick

Presentation Topic: “The Changing Face of the Bioeconomy”

Presentation Description: The presentation described adapting industrial symbiosis for the bioeconomy, and related the bioeconomy to competitiveness, climate change, and the circular economy. The presentation also addressed value chain gaps to maximize the potential for long-term bioeconomy competitiveness,

View presentation here.
Paul Stuart

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Tasha Booth

Project Manager

Tasha Booth comes with a strong background in developing and managing educational programs in the non-profit sector. Currently, at BC Bioenergy Network, she leads curriculum development for micro-credential courses, overseeing each project from concept through launch and ongoing improvement. She collaborates with subject matter experts to ensure content quality and manages all aspects of project execution, including partnerships, timelines, budgets, and reporting.

Previously, as a Continuing Education Coordinator at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Tasha developed programs in environmental sustainability, mining, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her experience spans university and regulatory settings, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and building strategic partnerships. Tasha is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences that support professional growth. She holds a Business Administration degree from BCIT.

Petra Srutkova​

Business and Marketing Manager

Petra graduated from the Czech University of Life Sciences in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Rural Development in Tropics and Subtropics. She worked for the Czech Development Agency as a grants administrator for projects in the Czech Republic and partnering countries. In this role, Petra facilitated collaboration among the government, NGOs, and the academic sector, supporting initiatives that promoted awareness of development cooperation and capacity building. Her work took her to Moldova and Zambia.

As an adrenaline and safety enthusiast, Petra completed “Survival Training for Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers,” organized by the Czech Armed Forces. She later moved to Vancouver in 2019, where she enjoyed exploring Canadian nature and engaging in sports. Passionate about travelling and animal rights, she continues to seek new experiences.

Currently, as the Business and Marketing Manager at BC Bioenergy Network, Petra oversees marketing and communications, events, finances, reporting, and administration.

Ralohn Hunt

Project Director

Growing up on an orchard in the Okanagan, Ralohn cultivated a strong interest for sustainability and natural systems that sparked a seven-year career as an environmental professional in the energy industry. Throughout his experience at a consultancy firm, he built a proven track record of delivering small and large-scale projects on time and within budget for over 30 clients on 50+ projects. He completed a Master of Engineering Leadership in Green Bio-Products from the University of British Columbia in 2017 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary. As Project Director, he will support and deliver on the advancement of renewable and bio-based products through collaboration with BC Bioenergy Network’s community of businesses and innovators.

In addition to his passion for the bioeconomy and sustainability, Ralohn is an avid biker, adventurer and volunteer for a variety of personal and professional interests.

Paul Austin

Director

Paul is a Business and Corporate Development Executive in advanced technology enabled infrastructure projects, systems, products and services.

Paul has worked throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia in private and public sectors, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Building international commercial alliances and investment relationships has been his focus while working for the Federal Government of Canada and its affiliates, in addition to executive roles with several foreign multi-nationals and Canadian corporations, including Mitsubishi Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company, Telus and MDSI Mobile Data Systems Inc. Currently, Paul is with Fort Capital Partners, a Vancouver based boutique investment bank serving clients’ advisory and capital raising needs across a broad spectrum of industries. Prior to joining Fort Capital, Paul served as Regional Director for Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a $1B+ foundation created by the Government of Canada focusing upon demonstration of pre-commercial technologies to deliver cleaner air, water, soil and reduction in greenhouse gases. Paul maintains a global network of corporate strategic, institutional and family office venture capital investors and government agencies and connects investors with private Canadian companies seeking growth capital.

Paul graduated from Queens University in Economics and completed an executive marketing program at UCLA. He loves living and learning in Vancouver, a leading centre for knowledge-based industries that is coupled with unsurpassed variety and access to outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.

Scott Stanners

Director

Dr. Scott Stanners has worked for over fifteen years in bioenergy technology evaluation and investment and has grown a 4,000+ network in the bioenergy sector. Scott serves as Executive Director at BC Bioenergy Network, a not-for-profit funding agency that has invested over $20 million in first-of-its-kind bioenergy demonstrations in BC. Scott previously worked for a US-based technology marketing company and a Canadian engineering and management consulting company.

Scott is past-President of Pacific Energy Innovation Association; Managing Director of West Coast Bioenergy Guild; former Board Member at Canada, Australia & New Zealand Business Association; and Advisor at Eagle Energy. Scott has contributed as a mentor in the BC Innovation Council New Ventures Competition and Connecting Environmental Professionals, and as an interviewer for the Doctor of Medicine Program at UBC. Scott was awarded a PhD and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Enterprise from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2008, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary in 2000, and a professional master of Business Administration from the University of British Colombia in 2022.

David Bennett​

Director

David A. Bennett is Director, Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels for FortisBC Energy Inc.
He is responsible for providing leadership to growing our renewable energy portfolio, which is a key component focused on our transition to a low-carbon future. In his former role he was responsible for all corporate and customer communications and public affairs including municipal, provincial and federal government and indigenous relations, including managing FortisBC’s consultation on its major infrastructure projects.

David has been involved in the energy industry for over 30 years, holding positions with Shell Canada, Westcoast Energy and FortisBC. During that time, his roles have included work in marketing and customer service, gas supply, business development, energy efficiency and conservation programs, public affairs and communications.
David is a Director on the Surrey Board of Trade, the Private Sector Co-Chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a member of the Executive Committee and Policy Chair of the National Electricity Roundtable and Chair of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria with a double major in economics and computer science.

Vivian Kan

Director

Vivian Kan is a Director in the Cleantech Practice at BDC Capital Inc. Vivian has over 15 years of experience in business development, structuring, risk analysis, and commercial and corporate finance. She has helped some of Canada’s top exporters and emerging global entrepreneurs in sectors ranging from cleantech, oil and gas, mining, transportation, infrastructure, light manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, forestry pulp and paper, and consumer products. Vivian holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Calgary and has completed the Certificate in Carbon Finance from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Environment.

Dave Schick

Chairperson

Dave Schick is the Vice President of the Canadian Fuels Association. He has worked in the downstream energy business for over 30 years, primarily for a major integrated oil company in a variety of government relations, marketing, systems development, planning and finance roles, including his position as the Director of Policy and External Affairs at Parkland Fuel Corporation. Dave is active in the development of environmental policy at the federal, provincial and local levels. Recent activities include technical development of the Clean Fuel Standard and evolving the B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard to meet CleanBC targets. He has served as chair of the B.C. Used Oil Management Association for over 11 years.