DATE: September 29, 2008

CONTACT: Terry Walker, 864-656-0351
walker4@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Kent, 864-656-4355
pkent@clemson.edu

Clemson researcher joins energy leaders speaking at S.C. energy forum

CLEMSON — Clemson University bio-energy researcher Terry Walker will speak at the upcoming Alternative Energy Forum in Myrtle Beach.

Hosted by The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce the half-day meeting will be Oct. 8 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Approximately 20 energy-related exhibitors will display product and educational information. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The forum will address the pros and cons of various forms of power generation as the Myrtle Beach area seeks viable, long-term solutions to rising gasoline prices and growing energy needs.

One of the eight featured speakers at the forum, Walker's research focuses on bio-processing, the application of engineering design and technologies to create a wide range of biologically based products, including alternative fuels, medicines and industrial materials.

Walker is a professor in biosystems engineering. He is investigating methods to process plants, such as switchgrass, into ethanol. He also has worked on producing biodiesel from used cooking oil.

Walker joins U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and John F. Clark, director of the South Carolina Energy Office, along with a number of executives, analysts and academicians presenting at the meeting.

For more information and to register, please go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. The registration deadline is Oct. 6.

END