DOE Provides $118M Boost to Domestic Biofuel Industry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy is providing $118 million in funding for 17 projects intended to accelerate the production of sustainable biofuels for the nation’s transportation and manufacturing needs. 

The selected projects, all being carried out at universities and private companies, will drive the domestic production of biofuels and bioproducts by advancing biorefinery development, from pre-pilot to demonstration, to create sustainable fuels that reduce emissions associated with fossil fuels, the department said.

“Biofuels are a versatile tool because they have the immediate potential to power our ships, trains, airlines and heavy-duty vehicles — a huge contributor to total carbon emissions — with a significantly reduced carbon footprint,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a written statement. 

“DOE investments are helping to build out a domestic bioenergy supply chain that increases America’s energy independence, creates jobs and accelerates the adoption of cleaner fuels for our transportation needs,” she added.

Biofuels made from widely available domestic feedstock using advanced refining technologies are seen as a linchpin to lowering greenhouse gas emissions through the transportation sector while also accelerating the development of the bio-energy sector.

The selected projects include pre-pilot, pilot and demonstration projects that will scale up existing biomass to fuel technologies that will eventually create millions of gallons of low-carbon fuel annually. 

Additionally, the funded projects align with renewable fuels goals in the first-ever U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a multi-agency framework for reducing emissions, creating a robust transportation workforce and securing America’s energy independence.

Individual award amounts range from $500,000 to $80 million, with most receiving at least $2 million. A full list of funded projects can be found here. 

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