Biomass research and development awards

US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced the investment of up to US$ 16.5 million for two major research and development (R&D) initiatives that will support the expansion of renewable transportation fuels production. The first initiative will invest up to US$ 12 million over three years for four projects to advance technologies for the thermochemical conversion of biomass into advanced biofuels that are compatible with existing fueling infrastructure. The second initiative provides up to US$ 4.5 million for three projects that support research focused on designing landscapes that produce bioenergy feedstock while protecting air, soil, water and wildfire resources and enhancing ecosystem services. These biomass R&D initiatives continue to strengthen the Department’s efforts to accelerate development and deployment of sustainable, renewable biofuels in order to significantly reduce US dependence on foreign oil.

‘Developing cost effective renewable transportation fuels is a key component of DOE’s strategy to reduce green house gas emissions and move the Nation toward energy independence,’ said Secretary Chu. ‘These innovative projects will help America develop a clean, sustainable transportation sector while spurring the creation of jobs in the domestic bioindustry.’

Advanced biofuels technology development

• Awarded up US$ 12 million
• Projects include: W.R. Grace & Company, new technology for processing bio oils to produce gasoline, diesel and jet fuels – up to US$ 3.3 million: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, catalytic deoxygenation of pyrolysis oils – up to US$ 3.1 million.

Sustainable bioenergy feedstock production

• Awarded up to US$ 4.5 million
• Projects include: North Carolina State University – up to US$ 2 092 892: University of Minnesota – up to US$ 790 943.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/09092010/biomass_research_and_development_awards/