Report to Parliament Trade and Investment Mission to the ...€¦ · BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Welcome Reception Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch

Report to Parliament

Trade and Investment Mission to

the United States of America

13 to 19 July 2018

The Honourable Cameron Dick MP

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Page | 2

Report to Parliament – Trade and Investment Mission to the United States of America – 13 to 19 July 2018 The Honourable Cameron Dick MP – Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Trade and Investment Mission to the United States of America

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Official delegation .................................................................................................................................. 3

Program ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Saturday 14 July 2018 - Chicago

Confidential business meeting .................................................................................................... 8

Sunday 15 July 2018 – Washington DC

Urban Development Tour – The District Wharf, Washington DC ............................................... 9

Meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, American Chamber of Commerce Australia ............... 10

Monday 16 July 2018 – Washington DC / Philadelphia

Meeting with Boeing ................................................................................................................... 11

Meeting with the US Department of the Navy ............................................................................. 12

Meeting with Queensland Attendees of the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology.... 14

BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Welcome Reception ...................................... 16

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception ........................................................................................ 17

Tuesday 17 July 2018 – Philadelphia

Meeting with Lygos ................................................................................................................... 19

Meeting with Calysta .................................................................................................................. 21

Meeting with Mercurius .............................................................................................................. 22

Meeting with Agrisoma ............................................................................................................... 24

BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology – Speech ....................................................... 25

Meeting with Genomatica ........................................................................................................... 26

Meeting with Gevo ..................................................................................................................... 27

Meeting with Leaf Resources ..................................................................................................... 28

Page | 3


Official Delegation

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Honourable Cameron Dick, MP Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Ms Stephanie Challen Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister for State Development,

Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Mr Javier Jativa Acting Trade and Investment Commissioner, North America

Trade and Investment Queensland

Mr Michael Burke Director, Biofutures Queensland

Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and

Planning (DSDMIP)

Professor Ian O’Hara Queensland Biofutures Industry Envoy, DSDMIP

Page | 4


Trade and Investment Mission to the United States of America by the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for State Development,

Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Chicago, Washington DC and Philadelphia

PROGRAM Time is in local time

Friday 13 July 2018 – Brisbane / Los Angeles (in transit) / Chicago

10:10am – 6:00am Depart Brisbane for Los Angeles (LAX) American Airlines flight no AA7380 Flight time: 12 hrs 50 mins

6:00am

Arrive LAX Layover time: 3 hrs 20 mins

9:20am – 3:33pm

Depart LAX for Chicago American Airlines flight no AA0256 Flight time: 4 hrs 13 mins

3:33pm Arrive Chicago

Overnight The Whitehall Hotel, Chicago

Saturday 14 July 2018 – Chicago / Washington DC

8:00am – 12:30pm

Confidential business meeting Venue: Location withheld due to non-disclosure agreement

4:02pm – 7:08pm

Depart Chicago for Washington DC United Airlines flight no UA3711 Flight time: 2 hrs 6 mins

7:08pm

Arrive Washington DC

Overnight The Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Washington DC

Page | 5


Sunday 15 July 2018 – Washington DC

12:00pm – 1:30pm

Urban development tour of the District Wharf Venue: The District Wharf 735 Water Street, SW, Washington DC 20024

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Dinner meeting with the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia – Ms April Palmerlee Venue: Fiola Mare Restaurant 3050 K St NW, Washington DC 20007

Overnight

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Washington DC

Monday 16 July 2018 – Washington DC / Philadelphia

8:30am – 9:30am

Meeting with Boeing Venue: Collaboration Centre, Boeing’s Long Bridge Facility 929 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

10:30am – 11:30am

Meeting with US Department of the Navy – Mr James (Jim) Caley, Director of Operational Energy Venue: The Pentagon, Washington DC

12:50pm – 2:25pm

Depart Washington DC for Philadelphia by AMTRAK Express Train Travel time: 1 hr 35 mins

2:25pm

Arrive Philadelphia

4:00pm – 5:00pm Meeting with Queensland attendees of the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Venue: Mezz 1 Boardroom, Mezzanine level Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia

5:00pm – 6:30pm

BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Welcome Reception Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception – Hosted by Life Sciences Queensland Venue: The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia

Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Hotel

Page | 6


Tuesday 17 July 2018 – Philadelphia

8:00am – 8:20am

Meeting with Lygos – Dr Eric Steen, Founder and CEO and Mr Johan van Walsem, Chief Operating Officer Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

8:30am – 8:50am

Meeting with Calysta – Dr Kevin Gray, Senior Advisor (and Consultant) Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

9:00am – 9:20am

Meeting with Mercurius – Mr Karl Seck, President and CEO Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

9:30am – 9:45am

Meeting with Agrisoma Biosciences Inc – Mr Alex Clayton, Vice President, Business Development and Mr Henry (Hank) Krakowski, Director, Sustainable Aviation Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

9:50am – 10:15am

Speaker pre-briefing and microphone set up Venue: Speaker Ready Room 203A Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

10:15am – 11:00am

Speech and participation in breakout session – BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Venue: Room 202B, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

11:00am – 11:30am Time at Queensland Pavilion Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

11:30am – 12:25pm Lunch Plenary Session – CRISPR and Gene Editing Tools to Advance Industrial Biotechnology Venue: Grand Ballroom (300 Level) Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

12:30pm – 12:50pm

Meeting with Genomatica Incorporated – Mr Cameron Hibbert, Vice President Commercial and Licensing Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

Page | 7


Tuesday 17 July 2018 – Philadelphia / Los Angeles (in transit)

1:00pm – 1:20pm Meeting with Gevo – Dr Patrick Gruber, Chief Executive Officer Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

1:30pm – 1:50pm

Meeting with Leaf Resources – Mr Jason Lowry, Chief Operating Officer Venue: Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

3:35pm – 6:30pm Depart Philadelphia for Los Angeles (LAX) American Airlines flight number AA841 Flight time: 5 hrs 56 mins

6:30pm Arrive LAX Layover time: 4 hrs 50 mins

11:20pm – 6:05am (+2) Depart LAX for Brisbane American Airlines flight number AA7409 Flight time: 13 hrs 45 mins

Wednesday 18 July 2018 – In transit

In transit

Thursday 19 July 2018 - Brisbane

6:05am

Arrive Brisbane

Page | 8


Confidential business meeting

Date:

Venue:

Attendees:

Saturday 14 July 2018

Chicago

Withheld

Meeting summary:

Outcomes of this meeting cannot be disclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement.

Page | 9


Urban development tour of the District Wharf, Washington DC

Date:

Venue:

Sunday 15 July 2018

The District Wharf, 735 Water Street, SW, Washington DC

Attendees:

Mr Randy Benn, J.D. Board Member, The Wharf Community Management and Member of the District Wharf Development Advisory Group

Ms Stephanie Challen Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Mr Javier Jativa Acting Trade and Investment Commissioner – North America, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ)

Mr Michael Burke Director, Biofutures Queensland, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP)

Meeting summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to learn about the characteristics and history of the District Wharf in Washington DC. The District Wharf is a $2 billion waterfront major multi-purpose urban renewal project along the shore of the Potomac River in Washington DC. It includes 3.2 million square feet of new residential, office, hotel, retail and cultural space as well as new marinas, public piers, parks and plazas. It was developed by Hoffman-Madison, a partnership between PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, two accomplished mixed-use developers in the District of Columbia. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning was provided with a guided tour of the District Wharf by Mr Randy Benn J.D., Board Member, The Wharf Community Management and Member of the District Wharf Development Advisory Group. Mr Benn was interested in discussing the parallels between the District Wharf and Queensland’s recent major urban renewal projects as well as environmental and sustainability issues in Queensland. Other discussion points included:

• the history and approach used to deliver the District Wharf as a sustainable development and the drivers behind the project

• community involvement in the planning and design process of the District Wharf

• Queensland’s notable history of delivering waterfront developments such as South Bank, Queen’s Wharf, Howard Smith Wharves, Versace, Marina Mirage and Mariner’s Cove on the Gold Coast and the Esplanade and Pier in Cairns.

Page | 10


Dinner meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham)

Date:

Venue:

Sunday 15 July 2018

Fiola Mare Restaurant, 3050 K St NW, Washington DC

Attendees:

Ms April Palmerlee Chief Executive Officer, AmCham

The Honourable Jamie Briggs Partner, PwC

Mr Jens Goennemann Managing Director, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre

Mr Justin Howden Group Head, Global Governmental Affairs and Industry Development, H&H Group

Mr John Mullen Senior Advisor, McLarty Associates


Mr Javier Jativa Acting Trade and Investment Commissioner – North America, TIQ

Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to meet with senior members of the AmCham to discuss bilateral foreign investment and trade issues and gauge the sentiment of the business community in light of recent policy changes in the United States. Ms Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer of AmCham was visiting the United States to lead a delegation of senior executives from various organisations for a door knock co-organised by the US Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the visit was to meet with top trade and commerce officials in Washington DC and to examine trade trends and investment opportunities between the United States and Australia. Discussion points included:

• the status of the bilateral commercial relationship with the United States and how it affects investment and trade prospects for Queensland

• the current economic development priorities of the Queensland Government

• recent trends in the bilateral relationship

• opportunities for AmCham members to work with the Queensland Government to increase investment flows from the United States into Queensland.

Page | 11


Meeting with The Boeing Company

Date:

Venue:

Monday 16 July 2018

Collaboration Centre, Boeing’s Long Bridge Facility

929 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington, VA

Attendees:

Mr Beckett Jackson Senior Manager, New Product Strategy, Phantom Works, Boeing Defense Strategy and Security

Mr Gilbert Griffin Director, Phantom Works, Boeing Defense Strategy and Security

Mr Justin Tkach Global Services Director, Sales and Marketing, Boeing

Mr Michael Hauser Global Innovation Director, Boeing HorizonX



Mr Michael Burke Director, Biofutures Queensland, DSDMIP

Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to discuss Boeing’s current initiatives and future opportunities in Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) development and applications in Queensland. The Boeing Company is a leading manufacturer of commercial jet airliners, military aircraft and defence, space and security systems, employing 160,000 people across the globe. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning explored opportunities to support Boeing’s continued investment and engagement with Queensland in aerospace and defence industries and confirmed that development of the aerospace sector remains a priority for the Queensland Government. Other discussion points included:

• the recent release of the Queensland Aerospace 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan and Queensland’s Aerospace industry

• Boeing’s research into autonomous systems and how the Queensland Government can provide support

• Boeing’s plans for development of space related technology and possible areas for future collaboration.

Minister Dick pictured with Boeing representatives Mr Beckett Jackson, Mr Gilbert Griffin, Mr Justin Tkach and Mr Michael Hauser.

Page | 12


Meeting with the United States Department of the Navy (US Navy)

Date:

Venue:

Monday 16 July 2018

The Pentagon, Washington DC

Attendees:

Mr James (Jim) Caley Director of Operational Energy, US Navy

Commodore Peter Leavy, CSM Australian Naval Attaché, Royal Australian Navy

Mr Britt Boughey Chief Operating Officer, Beryl Renewables





Mr Chris Tindal Queensland Biofutures Strategic Advisor, DSDMIP

A/Professor Robert Speight Microbial Biotechnology, Institute for Future Environments, QUT

Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to meet with representatives of the US Navy to understand the US Navy’s commitment and progress in meeting its goal of sourcing 50 per cent of total operational energy consumption from alternative energy sources by 2020, given changes in US government administration. It also provided the opportunity to reinforce the Queensland Government’s leadership of bioindustrial policy through its Advance Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan and explore potential projects and linkages that advance our shared interests.

On 17 August 2016, a Statement of Cooperation (SOC) was signed between the State of Queensland and the US Navy. The SOC established a formal agreement for the Queensland Government and the US Navy to work together in support of projects that advance shared interests and hold ongoing discussions on the research, development, supply and sale of advanced drop-in biofuels to power naval surface ships and aircraft to realise economic and environmental benefits. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning provided an update on Queensland’s progress against the Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan and discussed linkages between the Roadmap and the US Navy’s goal that 50 per cent of total operational energy consumption will come from alternative energy sources by 2020. Other discussion points included:

• how the Queensland Government is supporting the development of advanced biofuels and the potential for this to assist the US Navy

• the recent announcement of the $100 million Resource Recovery Industry Development Program and the $5 million Waste to Bioenergy Fund which will develop a high-value resource recovery and recycling industry in Queensland and support innovative projects that use waste streams from urban industry, agricultural residues and food processing to develop and manufacture products from sustainable organic feedstocks or waste resources

Page | 13


• sharing the outcomes of Queensland’s port and airport biofuel capability studies, including the capacity to bunker military fuel

• the US Navy’s progression against its goals aimed at transforming energy use

• the outcomes of the bi-annual Australasian Bioenergy and Bioproducts Symposium in Brisbane last October 2017

• potential US Navy representation at the upcoming Bioenergy Australia 2018 annual conference in Brisbane from 16-18 October 2018.

Minister Dick pictured meeting with the Mr James Caley, Director of Operational Energy, US Department of the Navy, and Mr Britt Boughey, Chief Operating Officer, Beryl Renewables, accompanied by Professor Ian O’Hara, Queensland Biofutures Industry Envoy and Mr Chris Tindal, Queensland Biofutures Strategic Advisor.

Page | 14


Meeting with Queensland Attendees of the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

Date:

Venue:

Monday 16 July 2018

Mezz 1 Boardroom, Mezzanine level Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia

Attendees:

Mr Mario Pennisi Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Queensland

Ms Larissa Rose Managing Director, Queensland Renewable Fuels Association

Professor Sagadevan Mundree

Director, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT

Ms Diana O’Rourke Senior Project Officer, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT

Dr Darryn Rackemann Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT

Dr Jan Zhanying Zhang Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT

Mr Sach Jayasinghe Director, Research Infrastructure, Institute for Future Environments, QUT

A/Professor Robert Speight

Microbial Biotechnology, Institute for Future Environments, QUT






Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to provide support to representatives from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) participating on the Queensland Pavilion at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and to learn more about the significance of Queensland’s participation at the Congress.

The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology is the premier global forum for the bioindustrial sector and attracts over 1,000 international delegates. Queensland has had a presence at the Congress since 2009, and Queensland was the only Australian state to have a presence at the 2018 Congress.

LSQ and QUT briefed the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning on current research and development initiatives in the bioindustrial, bioproducts and biofuels fields and advised how the Minister’s presence at the Queensland Pavilion would support their participation in the Congress.

Page | 15


Minister Dick pictured with Queensland attendees of the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology.

Page | 16


BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology: Welcome Reception

Date:

Venue:

Attendees:

Monday 16 July 2018

Pennsylvania Convention Centre, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Approximately 1,000

Event Summary:

The Welcome Reception marked the opening of the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology. Attendance at this event provided the opportunity to raise Queensland’s international profile as the leader of Australia’s bioindustrial and bioproducts agenda and directly network with global bioindustry government leaders and senior business executives, particularly multinationals with biofutures interests in Queensland.

Attendance also provided the chance to attract international interest in upcoming world recognised events in Brisbane such as the Bioenergy Australia Conference, Innovation Week and AusBiotech and to promote Queensland’s new $100 million Resource Recovery Industry Development Program and the $5 million Waste to Bioenergy Fund to an international audience.

Page | 17


BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology: Queensland VIP Welcome Reception

Date:

Venue:

Attendees:

Monday 16 July 2018

Union League of Philadelphia, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia

Invitation only VIP Welcome Reception hosted by Life Sciences Queensland – 80 attendees

Key Attendees:

Name Position

Mr Geoffrey Bell Chief Executive Officer, Microbiogen Pty Ltd

Dr David Bressler Executive Director, Biorefining Conversations Network

Mr Michael Burns Head of Bio-Refining Business Development, North America, Novozymes

Mr Alex Clayton Vice President, Business Development, Agrisoma

Ms Jaleh Daie Managing Partner, Aurora Equity

Mr Patrick Gruber Chief Executive Officer, Gevo

Ms Lisa Kennedy Director, Business Development, Genomatica

Mr Henry (Hank) Krakowski Director, Sustainable Aviation, Agrisoma

Mr Jim Lane Editor and Publisher, Biofuels Digest

Ms Flavia Marples-Lane World Business Council on Sustainable Development

Mr Sandy Marshall Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Dr Murray McLaughlin Advisor, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Dr Gerard Ostheimer Senior Advisor, below50, World Business Council on Sustainable Development

Mr Mario Pennisi Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ)

Mr Damian Perriman Senior Vice President, Specialty Chemicals, Genomatica

Ms Larissa Rose Managing Director, Queensland Renewable Fuels Association

Mr Karl Seck President and Chief Executive Officer, Mercurius

Ms Damiana Serafini World Business Council on Sustainable Development

Dr Eric Steen Chief Executive Officer, Lygos

Mr Johan van Walsem Chief Operating Officer, Lygos

Mr Kevin Weiss President and Chief Executive Officer, Byogy Renewables

Mr Roger Wyse Managing Partner, Spruce Capital Partners






Page | 18


Event Summary:

The Queensland VIP Welcome Reception was an informal networking event organised by Life Sciences Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. Attendance at this event provided the opportunity to welcome, meet and engage with industry leaders attending the 2018 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology who were representing Queensland or Australia, have a direct interest in Queensland’s biofutures sector, or are of strategic interest to Queensland. The event also provided a global platform to announce the Queensland Government’s Statement of Collaboration with below50 Australia and demonstrate Queensland’s biofutures leadership. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning opened the Queensland VIP Welcome Reception with an informal speech welcoming approximately 80 attendees to the event. The Minister’s speech was followed by the signing of the Statement of Collaboration with below50 Australia, which supports various government policy commitments including the Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, the Queensland Biofuel Mandate and the Queensland Climate Transition Strategy. Formalising the Statement of Collaboration with below50 Australia provides Queensland with opportunities to demonstrate national leadership in growing an advanced bio-economy and leverage opportunities for Queensland from below50 Australia collaborating with stakeholders in the renewable fuel supply chain and promoting the uptake of sustainable low carbon fuels.

Minister Dick pictured with Ms Larissa Rose, Managing Director, Queensland Renewable Fuels Association and Dr Gerard Ostheimer, World Business Council on Sustainable Development announcing the signing of a Statement of Collaboration with below50 to support the production and use of sustainable biofuels.

Page | 19


Meeting with Lygos

Date:

Venue:

Tuesday 17 July 2018

Queensland Pavilion, Pennsylvania Convention Centre, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Attendees:

Dr Eric Steen Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lygos

Mr Johan van Walsem Chief Operating Officer, Lygos





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to highlight the Queensland Government’s leadership of Australia’s national bioeconomy policy through its biofutures agenda and identify any further opportunities for Lygos to do business in Queensland. Lygos is an industrial biotechnology start-up spun out of the Joint BioEnergy Institute and the University of California-Berkeley. Lygos uses biology to convert low cost sugar to high value chemicals and identifies expensive, environmentally hazardous and harmful chemical and petrochemical production processes and develops safe, renewable routes to manufacture the same products. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning advised Lygos that there is another round of the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship, and that this round contains funding specifically for biofutures related research proposals. The Minister also extended an invitation to Dr Steen and Mr van Walsem to visit Queensland in October 2018 to attend the Bioenergy Australia Annual Conference in Brisbane, which will be sponsored by the Queensland Government. Other discussion points included:

• the Queensland Government’s commitment to the biofutures sector

• opportunities for Lygos to utilise Queensland sugar manufacturers to ship higher-value bio-chemicals

• diversification of product for the sugar industry and the competitive sugar position and infrastructure offered by Queensland

• Queensland’s competitive advantages such as proximity to the Asia-Pacific region, feedstock quality, availability and biotechnology research leadership

• opportunities for further engagement with Lygos and impediments to establishment in Queensland.

Page | 20


Minister Dick pictured with Mr Johan van Walsem, Chief Operating Officer and Dr Eric Steen, Founder and CEO, Lygos.

Page | 21


Meeting with Calysta

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Dr Kevin Gray Senior Advisor (and Consultant), Calysta





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to discuss Calysta’s current methane fermentation project and identify any new opportunities for Calysta to develop projects in Queensland. Calysta is a United States biotech company that creates high-value nutrition products and industrial materials by converting energy-rich methane into sustainable building blocks for life. They are developing and commercialising FeedKind® protein, a sustainable, traceable alternative feed ingredient for fish, livestock and pet nutritional products. Calysta’s products are produced using methanotrophs, natural organisms that consume methane from multiple sources, including anaerobic digestion and municipal solid waste, as their energy source. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning highlighted the Queensland Government’s leadership of bioindustrial policy through its policy agenda and advised Calysta that there is another round of the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship, and that this round contains funding specifically for biofutures related research proposals. The Minister also extended an invitation to Dr Kevin Gray and other Calysta senior executives to visit Queensland in October 2018 to attend the Bioenergy Australia Annual Conference in Brisbane, which will be sponsored by the Queensland Government. Other discussion points included:

• Calysta’s process for converting energy-rich methane into high value industrial and consumer products

• Calysta’s site requirements, project impediments and potential solutions to locate a project in Queensland

• how the Queensland Government’s newly announced $5 million Waste to Bioenergy Fund will help rapidly advance waste to bioenergy projects in Queensland as part of the government’s comprehensive waste management strategy.

Page | 22


Meeting with Mercurius Australia Pty Ltd

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Mr Karl Seck President and Chief Executive Officer, Mercurius





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to discuss Mercurius Australia Pty Ltd’s plans to develop a pilot plant at Gladstone, as the next step towards developing an $11 million biorefinery project to convert excess sugar cane fibre into renewable fuel and bio-plastics. Mercurius Australia is a subsidiary of Mercurius Biorefining Inc of Washington State, USA. Mercurius Biorefining Inc was established as a vehicle to commercialise cost-effective production of drop-in diesel, jet fuel and green chemicals from waste biomass such as sugarcane bagasse, logging waste and municipal solid waste. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning highlighted the Queensland Government’s leadership of bioindustrial policy through its policy agenda and advised Mercurius that there is another round of the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship, and that this round contains funding specifically for biofutures related research proposals. The Minister also extended an invitation to Dr Karl Seck to visit Queensland in October 2018 to attend the Bioenergy Australia Annual Conference in Brisbane, which will be sponsored by the Queensland Government. Other discussion points included:

• Queensland’s desire to continue to work with Mercurius to accelerate the feasibility planning for a biorefinery in Queensland

• the latest developments in Mercurius’ strategy to develop a pilot and demonstration facility at Gladstone

• the status of Mercurius’ discussions with potential partners at Southern Oil, QUT and Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals

• Mercurius’ progress in capital fund raising initiatives for the pilot plant.

Page | 23


Minister Dick pictured at the Queensland Pavilion at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology with Mr Karl Seck, President and CEO of Mercurius.

Page | 24


Meeting with Agrisoma Biosciences Inc.

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Mr Alex Clayton Vice President, Business Development, Agrisoma

Mr Henry (Hank) Krakowski Director, Sustainable Aviation, Agrisoma





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to meet with senior executives of Agrisoma to strengthen existing relationships and reinforce the Queensland Government’s commitment to develop a biofutures industry, including critical feedstock needed for biorefining. Agrisoma develops and sells seed for a crop called Brassica carinata (carinata) – a non-food, industrial oilseed that delivers high-quality oil that is ideal for use in the biofuel industry, and high-quality protein that is used as animal feed. The company is developing its carinata plant lines and supply chain worldwide, including in Australia, and currently has carinata field trials in Queensland and across Australia. Carinata oil seed provides an opportunity to further develop Queensland’s agricultural sector by providing a new crop that can potentially be grown complementarily with existing crops, such as sugar cane and canola. It also has the potential to expand farming land into drier unproductive land adjacent to existing cropping and provide farmers with a new source of revenue. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning encouraged Agrisoma to continue its investment in Queensland and develop a new biofuel oilseed crop carinata for local conditions. The Minister also reinforced the Queensland Government’s support for developing new biofuels feedstocks needed for biorefining and the greater biofutures value chain. Other points of discussion included:

• available support to accelerate trial plantings of carinata, enabling Agrisoma to determine the best strains across different growing regions in Queensland and ultimately determine the best commercial carinata crops for producing biodiesel and jet fuel in the state

• the Queensland Government’s current policy work to attract investment and projects by enhancing existing biofutures policy, particularly in the areas of waste, climate transition, procurement and fuel/air quality standards

• Agrisoma’s progress with carinata field trials in Gatton with the University of Queensland.

Page | 25


BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology – Speech

Date:

Venue:

Attendees:


Pennsylvania Convention Centre, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Approximately 30-50 attendees participating in the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

Event Summary:

The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning delivered a 15-minute speech to an audience of approximately 30-50 attendees participating in the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology. During the speech, the Minister announced the appointment of Mr Chris Tindal, former Director of Operational Energy with the US Department of the Navy, to the position of Strategic Biofutures Advisor to the Queensland Government. The Minister also spoke about:

• how Queensland is meeting the challenges of transforming how it sources, uses and recycles energy

• how Queensland is leveraging its natural resources to reduce energy consumption and waste and generate the knowledge jobs of the future

• progress and outcomes since the launch of the Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan at the BIO International Conference in 2016

• Queensland’s work with major and domestic international companies on refinery projects, including Amyris, Mercurius, Leaf Resources, United Petroleum, Utilitas, MSF Sugar and Gevo

• the Queensland Government’s new waste management strategy, including the $100 million Resource Recovery Industry Development Program and the $5 million Waste to Bioenergy Fund

• the Statement of Collaboration with below50 Australia

• the launch of the Queensland Biomass Dashboard, an interactive tool that enables anyone looking for the latest information on biomass feedstock for their project in Queensland to access data on forestry, cropping, urban waste, intensive livestock, food processing and horticulture

• Queensland’s vibrant and diverse $309 billion economy and the advantages of doing business in Queensland

• the Bioenergy Australia 2018 National Conference in Brisbane.

Minister Dick addressing attendees at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Philadelphia.

Page | 26


Meeting with Genomatica Incorporated

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Mr Cameron Hibbert Vice President, Commercial and Licensing, Genomatica





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to highlight the Queensland Government’s leadership of Australia’s national bioindustrial policy through its biofutures agenda and receive an update on Genomatica’s discussions with Queensland canegrowers about potential establishment in Queensland. Genomatica delivers new manufacturing processes that enable its partners to produce chemicals from alternative feedstocks, with better economics and greater sustainability than petroleum-based processes. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning offered continued support from the Queensland Government in driving Genomatica’s establishment in Queensland. The Minister also took the opportunity to promote Queensland’s competitive advantages such as the Biofutures Roadmap, proximity to the Asia-Pacific, feedstock quality availability and biotechnology research leadership.

Minister Dick pictured with Mr Cameron Hibbert, Vice President, Commercial and Licensing, Genomatica.

Page | 27


Meeting with Gevo

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Dr Patrick Gruber Chief Executive Officer, Gevo





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to discuss opportunities for Queensland to produce sustainable aviation fuels based on Gevo’s ‘alcohol to jet’ (ATJ) technology and receive an update on the status of a collaborative project between Gevo and Virgin Australia to deliver bio-jet fuel to the ‘wing’ of commercial flights from Brisbane Airport. Gevo is a leading advanced biofuel company with a fully certified technology called ATJ that produces commercial aviation fuel from an alcohol called isobutanol. Gevo produces other fuel products including iso-octane which is an additive to petrol to increase the octane number of fuel and ensure complete combustion. Isobutanol is also used in petroleum and in specialty chemicals. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning highlighted the Queensland Government’s leadership of bioindustrial policy through its policy agenda and advised Gevo that there is another round of the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship, and that this round contains funding specifically for biofutures related research proposals. The Minister also extended an invitation to Dr Patrick Gruber to visit Queensland in October 2018 to attend the Bioenergy Australia Annual Conference in Brisbane, which will be sponsored by the Queensland Government. Other discussion points included:

• how the collaboration between Gevo and Virgin has the potential to accelerate the use of aviation biofuels at other Queensland regional airports including Brisbane West-Toowoomba, Gold Coast and Townsville

• the longer-term supply of aviation biofuel to Brisbane Airport

• how the Queensland Government can work with Gevo to identify opportunities to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel in Queensland

• the benefits of isobutanol and Gevo’s plans to convert existing ethanol plants into multi-product biorefineries in the United States.

Page | 28


Meeting with Leaf Resources Limited

Date:

Venue:



Attendees:

Mr Jason Lowry Chief Operating Officer, Leaf Resources





Meeting Summary:

This meeting provided the opportunity to meet with the Chief Operating Officer of Leaf Resources and discuss the company’s plans for a proposed biorefinery in regional Queensland. Leaf Resources is a publicly listed company headquartered in Darra, Queensland, focused on making sustainable products from plant biomass. The company signed an MoU in October 2016 with the Malaysian Government and is currently working to establish a biorefinery in Malaysia. Leaf Resources is looking to construct a similar biorefinery in regional Queensland and their proposal was selected for acceleration under the Queensland Biofutures Acceleration Program. Leaf Resources’ patented Glycell™ process produces high-purity sugars from plant biomass, which are sought after by other biorefineries to make biofuels and biochemicals. The biorefinery in Malaysia is expected to use empty fruit bunches as feedstock. The company’s technology enables one of the lowest cost methods of converting plant biomass into a value add product and has good potential for international demand. The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning highlighted the Queensland Government’s leadership of bioindustrial policy through its policy agenda and advised Mr Lowry that there is another round of the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship, and that this round contains funding specifically for biofutures related research proposals. The Minister also reinforced Queensland’s desire to continue to work with Leaf Resources to accelerate the feasibility planning for a biorefinery in Queensland. Other discussion points included:

• the progress of Leaf Resources’ work plan under the Biofutures Acceleration Program to complete a prefeasibility study for the proposed biorefinery in Queensland

• progress with Leaf Resources’ Malaysian biorefinery and synergies with feasibility studies in Queensland.

Page | 29


Minister Dick pictured with Mr Jason Lowry, Chief Operating Officer, Leaf Resources.

Documents

Report to Parliament Trade and Investment Mission to the ...€¦ · BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Welcome Reception Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Centre 1101 Arch