Applying Technology to Reduce the Risk of Catastrophic Wildfires: Real Pathways for Turning Forest Waste into Products

Originally aired September 11, 2025

Wildfires continue to escalate in scale and severity, driven in part by the buildup of forest biomass with limited pathways for removal or reuse. Forest thinning efforts are producing massive volumes of low-value material, but without viable markets, this critical work stalls and wildfire risk grows.

This webinar focuses on technologies — including biochar, renewable natural gas, and e-methanol — that are ready for commercial application but need infrastructure, investment, and policy support to scale.

Speakers

Dr. Lynn Wendt

Distinguished Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory

Dr. Wendt directs the Biomass Feedstock National User Facility and serves as Laboratory Relationship Manager to DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, bringing deep expertise in biomass feedstock development.

Lalitha Krishnamurthi

AI Integration Strategist; Co-Founder, Open Teams Global

A global executive focused on integrating responsible AI across complex operations. Drawing on leadership roles at IBM and as co-founder of Open Teams Global, she brings expertise in applying AI to feedstock forecasting, transport optimization, and wildfire prediction.

Dr. Jeffrey Jacobs

Chairman, BioEnergy Technical Review Panel, DOE/NREL

Dr. Jacobs is the retired Vice President and President of Chevron Technology Ventures. He brings decades of experience integrating advanced biofuel technologies — including forest-based biomass systems — into commercial energy infrastructure.