At the 2026 International Biomass Conference & Expo, BBI International and Biomass Magazine recognized outstanding contributions to the bioenergy industry by naming Alicia Gibson, Rudi Roeslein and Cold Steppe Inc. as recipients of the 2026 International Biomass Conference & Expoâs prestigious industry awards.
Honorees
Alicia Gibson, PE, principal at Evergreen Engineering Inc., received the Women in Biomass Award for her leadership and technical contributions to advancing biomass and bioenergy systems. Gibson is widely recognized for bridging engineering expertise with real-world implementation, helping bring complex projects from concept to operation while improving efficiency, reliability and environmental performance.
At Evergreen Engineering, Gibson has played a key role in optimizing biomass handling, processing and conversion systems, reducing waste and improving lifecycle sustainability. In addition to her technical work, she is a respected mentor and industry leader, helping elevate engineering standards and inspire the next generation of women in energy.
Rudi Roeslein, founder and board chairman of Roeslein & Associates and Roeslein Renewables, received the Excellence in Bioenergy Award for his decades-long leadership in renewable energy development, conservation and industrial innovation.
Roeslein founded Roeslein & Associates in 1990, building the firm into a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction. He later established Roeslein Renewables to advance renewable natural gas production and anaerobic digestion technologies, converting agricultural and industrial waste into clean energy and sustainable co-products. His work has demonstrated how environmental stewardship and economic growth can advance together at scale, particularly through prairie restoration and land conservation initiatives.
Cold Steppe Inc., led by co-founders Matthew Freniere and Kevin Crow, received the Groundbreaker of the Year Award for its rapid development and deployment of a commercial-scale biomass-to-energy facility in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
The facility converts agricultural residues, primarily rice hulls, into renewable energy and durable biochar using continuous pyrolysis, waste heat recovery and an Organic Rankine Cycle system. Completed and commissioned in just 169 days, the project demonstrates a scalable, repeatable model for biomass-to-energy infrastructure and highlights the potential for rapid deployment of carbon-negative technologies.
âEach year, these awards recognize the people and projects pushing the biomass industry forwardâbut this year is especially meaningful as we introduce the first annual Women in Biomass Award,â said Anna Simet, director of content at BBI International and senior editor of Biomass Magazine. âWeâre incredibly excited to honor Alicia Gibson as our inaugural recipient, not only for her technical excellence and leadership, but for the example she sets for others entering this industry. Alongside Rudi Roeslein and Cold Steppe Inc., this yearâs honorees reflect the innovation, determination and real-world impact that continue to drive bioenergy forward.â