EUBCE 2024 - BIO: James SPAETH

James SPAETH

Program Manager for Bioenergy Systems Development & Integration, Sustainable Aviation, and International Engagement at the Department of Energy, USA

Biography

Jim serves as the U.S. DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office - System Development and Integration Program Manager. Jim is leading the program's deployment and coalition development strategy for sustainable aviation fuels. His current portfolio includes the DOE investments in integrated biorefinery projects focused on advanced biofuels and bioproducts including sustainable aviation, marine and other heavy-duty biofuel applications.Jim is also the current Chair of the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Initiative, and recently completed a 3-year term as the Chairperson of the IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Program Executive Committee. Jim leads BETO's international engagement including catalyzing collaboration among key organizations such as the G7/G20, IEA, FAO/GBEP, the European Commission, bi-lateral initiatives, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and others.Since 1994 Jim has served in various roles at DOE including: Senior Advisor for the Pacific Region; Director for the Office of Commercialization & Project Management; and Biomass and Renewable Energy Programs Team Manager. Jim also served as a Legislative Fellow for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Prior to joining DOE, Jim worked for over 10 years in the aerospace industry in engineering and business development positions with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.