ALEXANDRIA, VA – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the issuance of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $7 million in federal funding over two years (FY 2008 – 2009) in advanced research and development in converting non-food based biomass to advance clean and affordable biofuels.  Combined with private minimum cost share of 20 percent, up to $8.75 million would be invested in this research effort. DOE’s Biomass Program Manager, Jacques Beaudry-Losique, discussed the Biomass FOA in his opening remarks today at DOE’s Biomass 2008: Fueling Our Future conference in Alexandria, VA. 

“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.  

The Department’s advanced research and development funding contributes to President Bush’s goals of making cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive by 2012.  This research would also further the Department’s effort to advance biofuels as well as the President’s goal announced yesterday of slowing and stopping the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Funds for 2009 are subject to appropriations from Congress.

Applications for this FOA are due May 29, 2008.  Learn more information from Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Financial Opportunities page or Grants.gov.

Media contact(s):
Jennifer Scoggins, (202) 586-494