DOE Announces Up to $7M for Biomass Research

May 2, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the issuance of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $7 million in federal funding over two years (Fiscal Year 2008-2009) in advanced R&D in converting non-food based biomass to advance clean and affordable biofuels.

Combined with private minimum cost share of 20%, up to $8.75 million would be invested in this research effort.

This FOA seeks to solicit applications for projects that can improve the conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels via pyrolysis - a process that uses heat to chemically decompose the lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose of biomass materials.

DOE anticipates selecting up to five to seven projects under this announcement and will require a minimum of 20% cost share from applicants. The research aims to lower the production costs of bio-oils and expand the suite of biofuels produced and available in the U.S.

The DOE advanced R&D funding contributes to the U.S. federal government goals of making cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive by 2012. This research would also further DOE effort to advance biofuels as well as the federal government's goal of slowing and stopping the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Funds for 2009 are subject to appropriations from Congress.

"By expanding the technical diversity and breadth of partners working to advance biofuels development, the Department is striving to change the way we power our nation's vehicles," said DOE Biomass Program Manager Jacques Beaudry-Losique. "Renewable energy sources must continue to play a growing role as we reduce our dependence on foreign oil, confront global climate change and secure clean reliable supplies of energy."

Applications for this FOA are due May 29, 2008. More information is available on the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy web site.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).