Ingvar Landälv to be Recognized for his Innovation and leadership

Gas Technology Institute (GTI) announces that Ingvar Landälv, chair of the European Technology and Innovation Platform Bioenergy (ETIP-Bioenergy), will be presented with the 2017 Don Klass Award for Excellence in Thermochemical Conversion Science. This award recognizes Mr. Landälv as an innovator and leader whose career has advanced the science of thermochemical biomass conversion and aided in shaping international bioenergy policy decisions. He will receive the award on September 19 at the tcbiomass2017 conference in Chicago.

Mr. Landälv holds an M.Sc. in technical physics and chemistry from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. He has over 40 years of experience in process development, design, engineering, and management of gasification-based technologies, and holds a number of patents in the fields of gasification and energy management. In his early career, he was part of a core team managing the design, construction, and start-up of an oil gasification project in Sweden; tested novel feedstocks at Texaco pilot-plant facilities; and helped develop and introduce new heat integration schemes in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. In the mid-1990s, Mr. Landälv turned his attention to using biomass as a feedstock for power and heat, as well as chemicals. He was asked to take a leading role in the development of Chemrec’s Black Liquor Gasification (BLG) technology. Over the next 15 years, he was closely involved with basic and applied BLG research. His interest in renewable energy led him to increased engagement with Swedish national and international energy policy, and he has held many prominent positions in EU energy-related organizations and projects.  “Ingvar’s contributions to the field derive from his passion for sustainable energy solutions, and have been incredibly valuable, both technically and in informing energy policy,” says Vann Bush, tcbiomass2017 conference co-chair and managing director of energy supply and conversion at GTI. “Throughout his career, Ingvar has embodied the personal contributions and recognized leadership we look for in Don Klass Award recipients.” The Award for Excellence in Thermochemical Conversion Science is a tribute to the notable Dr. Donald L. Klass, who was president and one of the original founders of the Biomass Energy Research Association (BERA). He also managed biomass, natural gas, and petroleum research and educational programs for the Institute of Gas Technology (now GTI) and established the IGT Energy from Biomass and Wastes conferences, held annually for 16 years, from 1976 until 1992.