U.S. pledges $4 million for industry development

By Jim Stafford
As printed in The Oklahoman, October 13, 2006.

Researchers into bio-based fuels received a bonus Thursday when the U.S. departments of Energy and Agriculture announced a $4 million commitment to development of alternative fuels.

The departments issued a solicitation for research proposals for new plant feedstock genomics research projects during a renewable energy conference in St. Louis. Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance was hosted by the two agencies.

"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 percent of transportation fuels with biofuels by 2030," said Ray Orbach, under secretary for science at the Energy Department. "Close and effective cooperation on research between the departments of Energy and Agriculture will be an important element for the success of this effort,"

The new funding continues a commitment, begun in 2006, to conduct a fundamental 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.

The funding program will take advantage of advances in breeding, molecular genetics and genomic technologies, the agencies said in a news release. The program will build upon the existing knowledge base of plant biology to enable researchers to predict and manipulate plants' biological function for bioenergy resources.

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. Researchers at Ardmore-based Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation already are working to develop genetically altered varieties of Oklahoma native switchgrass that will serve as a biofuel feedstock for the industry.

"The continued investment by the federal government in biofuels research demonstrates the importance of this emerging industry," said Michael Cawley, Noble Foundation president. "The United States' long-term energy and security needs mandate a thriving biofuel industry, and this commitment is another step to achieving that goal."

In 2006, the Energy Department'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. In August 2006, the agencies awarded nine research grants totaling $5.7 million spanning three years.

"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," Under Secretary of Agriculture Tom Dorr said.

Information about the joint research program, the current solicitation and currently funded projects are available at genomicsgtl.energy.gov/.

This article appeared in the Daily Oklahoman, www.newsok.com, on October 13, 2006.