Energy Department announces new funding to reduce cost of producing advanced drop-in biofuels

The Energy Department announced up to $12 million in new funding for projects that aim to drive down the cost of producing gasoline, diesel and jet fuels from biomass. These advanced biofuels can be blended with conventional petroleum fuels for use in traditional cars, trucks, and airplanes—giving American consumers and businesses more options and helping to diversify the nation’s energy economy.

The funding announced today will support up to five research and development projects that will boost biofuel yields from non-food-based lignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural residue, fast-growing poplar trees, and switch grass. These projects will help improve the carbon, hydrogen, and separation efficiencies in bio-oil production and upgrade processes to meet these goals.

This funding opportunity is open to universities, national laboratories, industrial entities, and nonprofit organizations. View the full funding opportunity announcement.

The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energyaccelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. Learn more about EERE's work with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies.