Biomass, Biofuels and RNG Development and Valuation

Powering the Future with Sustainable Feedstocks

Biomass, biofuels, and renewable natural gas (RNG) represent a dynamic and fast-growing segment of the energy transition, offering opportunities to convert agricultural residues, waste streams, and dedicated energy crops into low-carbon fuels. With deep expertise in process engineering, technology assessment, and financial valuation, EPS helps navigate the complexities of feedstock handling, process optimization, and regulatory frameworks.

Industry Challenges and EPS Solutions

The biomass and biofuels sector faces diverse technical, financial, and environmental considerations:

Feedstock Assessment and Supply Chain

From agricultural residues and forest byproducts to industrial waste streams, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective feedstock supply is crucial for project viability.

Process Selection and Optimization

Designing and optimizing fermentation, gasification, pyrolysis, or anaerobic digestion processes requires in-depth chemical engineering expertise to enhance fuel yields, reduce byproducts, and control emissions.

Regulatory and Environmental Compliance

Projects may involve U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), and other local or international frameworks, demanding meticulous technical and legal compliance.

Economic and Market Volatility

Fluctuations in commodity prices, changes in biofuel incentives, and evolving consumer demand can significantly influence the financial outlook of biomass-based energy solutions.

Technology Commercialization and Scalability

Moving from pilot-scale demonstrations to commercial-scale production often involves complex scaling challenges, capital expenditures, and performance validation.

Our Services

  • Evaluating feedstock availability, costs, and quality parameters to guide technology selection and process design.

  • Designing pilot plants, optimizing fermentation or thermochemical processes, and troubleshooting operational bottlenecks.

  • Performing fair market valuations for biomass and biofuel production assets, including equipment, intellectual property, and RIN credits.

  • Investigating operational mishaps, contamination events, or conflicting processing claims to mitigate future risks and protect shareholder value.

  • Guiding clients through permitting, recordkeeping, and environmental impact reports to ensure alignment with government mandates.

  • Offering technical analyses, economic modeling, and credible expert testimony in disputes related to patent infringements, technology licensing, or feedstock contracts.

  • Evaluating projects during acquisitions, mergers, or divestitures to uncover hidden risks, appraise asset values, and identify strategic opportunities.

Why Choose EPS?

Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our team of chemical engineers, environmental specialists, and accredited appraisers combines hands-on experience in fermentation, thermochemical processing, and biomass handling.

Robust Analytical and Financial Methodologies
We integrate advanced simulation tools, laboratory analyses, and economic models to develop precise, defensible assessments for technology viability and profitability.

Regulatory Proficiency
EPS is well-versed in U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements, LCFS, and other environmental mandates, ensuring streamlined compliance for your project.

Decades of Engineering and Forensic Experience
From pilot projects to commercial-scale refineries, EPS has a proven track record assisting clients in overcoming technical barriers and achieving financial success.

Litigation and Expert Witness Strength
With a history of credible courtroom testimony, EPS effectively clarifies complex scientific and financial issues to support legal arguments and enforce intellectual property rights.

  • Biogas Facility Regulatory Challenge

    Challenge: A major renewable biogas facility for RNG experienced contractual performance issues, operational upsets, and environmental emissions. The owner, a large international energy firm, sought approximately $74 million in damages due to its closure from the County and State of Colorado.

    Solution: EPS conducted an analysis of the facility's technology, operational performance, and environmental emissions, providing insightful technical analysis of the facility, its regulatory compliance, and economic viability.

    Result: The technical assessment and financial appraisal determined that the fair market value of the facility was effectively zero.

About Dr. John A. Williams

Leadership in Biomass and Biofuels Innovation

Dr. John A. Williams, PE, ASA, MBA, CFEI, AIChE Fellow, is the founder and General Manager of EPS. With over four decades of specialized experience in renewable energy processes, large-scale project valuation, and forensic investigations, Dr. Williams guides the team in delivering reliable, data-driven solutions.

Dr. Williams's guidance ensures every biomass and biofuels engagement benefits from rigorous scientific analysis, financial acumen, and industry best practices.

    • Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) – Machinery & Technical Specialties in Energy

    • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) – National Association of Fire Investigators

    • Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

    • PhD in Chemical and Fuels Engineering – University of Utah

    • MBA in Finance – University of Chicago

    • BS in Chemistry – University of Delaware

    • Licensed Professional Engineer in more than 20 states