USDA, DOE to Provide $4M for Biomass Genomics Research to Support Alternative Fuels Development
December 7, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The new funding continues a commitment, which began in 2006, to conduct a research program in biomass genomics, to provide the scientific foundation to facilitate the use of woody plant tissue, specifically lignocellulosic materials, for bioenergy and biofuels.
Developing lignocellulosic crops for energy fuels could use less intensive production techniques and poorer quality land, thereby avoiding competition with food production on better quality land, according to the USDA.
The program will take advantage of advances in breeding, molecular genetics and genomic technologies and build upon the existing knowledge base of plant biology to enable researchers to predict and manipulate plants' biological function for bioenergy resources.
"We are seeking to accelerate research breakthroughs that contribute toward making biofuels a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, with a goal of replacing 30% of transportation fuels with biofuels by 2030," said Dr. Ray Orbach, DOE undersecretary for science.
"Close and effective cooperation on research between the Departments of Energy and Agriculture will be an important element for the success of this effort," he said.
"This joint research initiative shows a commitment to acquiring new alternative energy resources and improving the efficiency with which biomass and plant feedstocks are used to produce renewable fuels such as ethanol," said Tom Dorr, undersecretary of agriculture.
In 2006, DOE's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service National Research Initiative began the joint competitive grants program.
The program focused on fundamental research on plants that will improve biomass characteristics and yield or that will facilitate lignocellulosic degradation. In August 2006, the agencies awarded nine research grants totaling $5.7 million spanning three years.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).