Most of Congress' attention in the renewable energy area in the past months has been in renewable fuels, especially ethanol. It seems that every Senator and Representative is sponsoring a bill to increase the amount of ethanol this country produces in the future. Increasing renewable fuels is perceived as a win-win in the policy arena, but what is actually happening in the development of such fuels right now and will the country be able to produce enough ethanol to meet proposed levels in a cost-effective manner?

Another supposed panacea to our energy problems is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that uses either gasoline or renewable fuels. What is the status of PHEV technology? When will the PHEV battery be ready for mass production and will the automakers be prepared as well? How can grid management support the most effective use of PHEV's batteries?

The panel will discuss these matters, and will update the audience on the technology and issues surrounding renewable fuels and PHEVs.