US DOE offering more funds for biomass

The U.S. Department of Energy announced that it has more cash up for grabs for biomass research.

The agency said up to $7 million is available for projects that can improve the conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels via pyrolysis.

"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 Jacques Beaudry-Losique, the DOE's biomass program manager.

"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."

In March, the DOE teamed up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to put up to $18.4 million into 21  biomass research projects (see USDA, DOE to invest up to $18.4M in biomass research).

Those projects are aimed at addressing critical barriers to making production of biomass more efficient and cost-effective.

Under the latest pyrolysis funding program, the energy department said that combined with a private minimum cost share of 20 percent, up to $8.75 million is expected to be invested in the research effort.

Pyrolysis is a process that uses heat to chemically decompose the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose of biomass materials.

The DOE said it plans to select five to seven projects under the program, which it said would focus on lowering the production costs of bio-oils and expanding the suite of biofuels produced and available in the U.S.