4 Minutes with…Jonathan Cristiani, Bioenergy Engineer, Black & Veatch

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Black & Veatch has significant experience with all types of biomass, waste to energy, biogas, and biofuels facilities. We have strong capabilities to successfully develop and execute bioenergy projects including resource assessments, conversion technology selection, conceptual engineering, and EPC implementation.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

The Black & Veatch Bioenergy Services Team is currently focused on the following key strategic areas for 2018:

– Waste / biomass to energy in Europe, Africa, and Asia

– Waste / biomass to biofuels in the Americas

– Biomass to pellets in the Americas

– Biomass, food waste, and manure to renewable natural gas in the Americas

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?   

I think it is critical for bioenergy projects to demonstrate economic viability without a reliance on subsidies/incentives. I also think that second-generation biofuel projects that are currently in the late stages of development or under construction must be successful in order for other projects to follow thereafter.  

Where are you from?

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

What was your subject focus (e.g. major) in university (undergraduate and/or graduate, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

BS Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia

Master of Gas Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?   

Gymnastics, yoga, cooking, reading, traveling, listening to podcasts/music.