DOE Announces up to $33.8 Million for Cellulosic Biofuels Development

On August 27, DOE announced a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), providing as much as $33.8 million to support research into enzymes to convert cellulosic biomass into biofuels

DOE announced on August 27th a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) offering up to $33.8 million to support the development of enzymes for converting cellulosic biomass into biofuels. Cellulosic biomass includes a variety of non-food plant materials, such as agricultural wastes, sawdust, paper pulp, and switchgrass. Enzymes can be used in biorefineries to more efficiently break down cellulosic biomass into simple sugars, which can then be fermented into biofuels such as ethanol. Enzymes developed under the FOA must prove durable and effective in the conditions at which biorefineries would operate.

Funding will total nearly $68 million, with 50% of the cost shared by industry. Letters of intent are due on September 10, 2007, and completed applications are due on October 30, 2007. Projects are expected to begin in fiscal year 2008 and continue through fiscal year 2011. See the DOE press release and the complete FOA.