Feedstock production is the first step in biofuel supply chain development. Bioenergy feedstocks come from biomass, which we define as renewable, non-food biological materials that can be converted into fuel or other products. BETO is exploring a variety of sustainable biomass resources, including woody biomass (purpose-grown poplar trees, tree trimmings), agricultural residues (corn stover), energy crops (switchgrass, sorghum), algae, and municipal solid waste.
BETO collaborates in developing the technologies and systems needed to produce affordable, consistent, quality-controlled commodity feedstock products that can be efficiently handled, stored, transported, and used by biorefineries. Accomplishing this requires a complementary focus on feedstock supply interfaces at both the production location and the biorefinery, and all logistics involved in between.
The conversion process focuses on researching and developing technologies that convert biomass feedstocks into commercially viable liquid transportation fuels. There is a multitude of different feedstocks and feedstock blends that can be used with different conversion technologies to produce intermediate products ("intermediates"), which can be further upgraded to form biofuels. These processes generally fall into three pathways: thermochemical, biochemical, or a hybrid process that combines different biochemical and thermochemical technologies.
BETO is focused on several technologies that convert biomass into fuels. Some technologies have been strategically selected for in-depth analysis. Follow the link below to learn more about some of the conversion technologies BETO is exploring.
The demonstration stage of bioenergy development tests the efficiency and cost effectiveness of technologies used to convert feedstocks into biofuels. Hydrocarbon fuels and "drop-in" fuels—fuels that can be used with minimal adaptation of existing tankers, pumps, and vehicles—play a critical role in bioenergy development. Proving the performance of these conversion technologies lowers risk for the private sector, creating a pathway to bring bioenergy to market. BETO validates bioenergy technologies through partnerships with the private sector to build and operate integrated biorefineries.
After biomass is converted into biofuels, these fuels must be integrated into the transportation system. BETO works with inter- and intra-agency partners to help facilitate a safe and cost-effective biofuel supply network that will meet the Office's strategic goals, and will help achieve the Renewable Fuels Standard (established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007) target for the use of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022.