DOE Announces Up to $4M for University Research into Advanced Biomass Conversion

April 26, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $4 million in funding available to U.S. universities for R&D of cost-effective, environmentally friendly biomass conversion technologies.

According to DOE, advancing biomass technology is critical to diversifying the U.S.'s energy sources in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil. Combined with a university cost share of 20%, up to $4.8 million would be invested in these projects.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks projects that improve the conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels through biochemical, thermochemical and chemical processes and is focused on lowering production costs and increasing yields and productivity.

Applications for this FOA are due June 2, 2008. DOE anticipates selecting 12 awards under this announcement and requires project applicants to contribute a minimum of 20% cost share.

DOE advanced R&D funding contributes to the U.S. federal government's goal of making cellulosic ethanol, which is produced from agricultural waste products through biomass conversion, cost-competitive by 2012. This FOA will expand the geographic diversity and breadth of partners working on advanced biofuels development across the U.S.

This research also aims to increase the suite of biofuels necessary to supply at least 36 billion gallons of U.S. motor fuel by 2022 and meet interim supply targets for specific advanced fuels outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

"As world demand for energy continues to grow, so too must our supply of clean, reliable and affordable sources of energy. Cellulosic biofuels provide a promising way to meet President Bush's ambitious goals of reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improving our air quality and supporting rural communities," Undersecretary of Energy Bud Albright said.

"These projects will expand the field of biomass and bioenergy encouraging collaboration with universities to the innovation necessary to diversify our nation's energy sources."

For more information on this FOA, visit Grants.gov and search for FOA DE-PS36-08GO98017.

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