Michael Long

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Trends and Perspectives in Bioresource Valorization - Pathways, Insights, Economics, and Barriers in Commercialization

Michael Long, Principal, Thermochemical Engineer, Long Thermochemical

This presentation explores current trends in bioresource valorization, highlighting current and near-future pathways for the conversion of biomass and waste resources into valuable products such as renewable fuels and chemicals. Drawing from experiences gained through years of technical pilot site development and project management, as well as a world-wide network of leading collaborators, the presentation will examine key insights into the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges facing commercialization. Additionally, perspectives on the future of bioresource markets will be discussed, focusing on emerging opportunities for successful technology development and overcoming commercialization barriers. The presentation aims to provides an entry level, yet comprehensive, introduction to emerging technological pathways, an overview of the current state of bioresource valorization, and review of market forces impacting project economic viability.

As Principal of Long Thermochemical, Mr. Long provides strategic advisory, process engineering, and research services throughout the bioresource and decarbonization economy. After 10 years at the cutting-edge of thermochemical RnD and commercialization, he founded the consultancy to address the industry-wide need for an agile consortium of experienced practitioners to assist in commercialization of these projects by providing critical-path solutions - where needed, as needed. The consultancy, with its world-wide network of leading research and industry collaborations, assists both public and private clients in bioresource assessment and project conceptualization through detailed engineering and system commissioning efforts. Previously, as Director of Research and Development at West Biofuels, Mr. Long managed the company’s research activities and coordinated collaborations with public and private partners. He managed the daily efforts of RnD staff and subcontractors while leading the development of thermochemical and catalytic synthesis processes on multiple demonstration systems at pilot and engineering scales. Mr. Long authored the winning proposal for the 1st U.S. pilot demonstration project for woody biomass to RNG with Power to Gas upgrading and has managed multiple publicly funded projects demonstrating the conversion of bioresources to products including: RNG, FT liquids for SAF and Renewable Diesel, Hydrogen, Alcohols, and Advanced Carbons. His research is featured in publications including, “Renewable Natural Gas Production from Woody Biomass via Gasification and Fluidized-Bed Methanation.” He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and PhD Candidacy in Biological Systems Engineering at the University of California, Davis.