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Up to $7m made available for biomass research by DOE |
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Written by Giles Clark, London
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Friday, 18 April 2008 |
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Federal funding, worth up to $7 million over two years (FY 2008 – 2009), has been unveiled by the US Department of Energy for advanced research and development in converting non-food based biomass to biofuels. The Funding Opportunity Announcement was made today (18th April) and when combined with private minimum cost share of 20 percent, up to $8.75 million would be invested in this research effort, sasy the DOE.
Commenting on the announcement the DOE’s Biomass Program Manager, Jacques Beaudry-Losique said; “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,” Beaudry-Losique said. “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.”
Today’s 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 percent 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 United States.
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