Ethanol and biomass
Biomass Program develops technology for conversion of
biomass (plant-derived material) to valuable fuels, chemicals,
materials and power, so as to reduce dependence on foreign
oil and foster growth of biorefineries. Biomass is one of our
most important energy resources. The largest U.S. renewable
energy source every year since 2000, it also provides the only
renewable alternative for liquid transportation fuel. Biomass use
strengthens rural economies, decreases America's
dependence on imported oil, avoids use of MTBE or other
highly toxic fuel additives, reduces air and water pollution, and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Today's biomass uses
include ethanol, biodiesel, biomass power, and industrial
process energy.
Tomorrow, biorefineries will use advanced technology such as
hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass to sugars and lignin and
thermochemical conversion of biomass to synthesis gas for
fermentation and catalysis of these platform chemicals to
produce slates of biopolymers and fuels. To expand the role of
biomass in America's future, the DOE Office of the Biomass
Program fosters biomass technologies with a balanced portfolio
of research and development. While there are various other
technologies for biomass conversion, the graphic picture shows
what the Biomass Program is concentrating on, as outlined in
its Multi-Year Program Plan.
Biomass Program develops technology for conversion of
biomass (plant-derived material) to valuable fuels, chemicals,
materials and power, so as to reduce dependence on foreign
oil and foster growth of biorefineries. Biomass is one of our
most important energy resources. The largest U.S. renewable
energy source every year since 2000, it also provides the only
renewable alternative for liquid transportation fuel. Biomass use
strengthens rural economies, decreases America's
dependence on imported oil, avoids use of MTBE or other
highly toxic fuel additives, reduces air and water pollution, and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Today's biomass uses
include ethanol, biodiesel, biomass power, and industrial
process energy.
Tomorrow, biorefineries will use advanced technology such as
hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass to sugars and lignin and
thermochemical conversion of biomass to synthesis gas for
fermentation and catalysis of these platform chemicals to
produce slates of biopolymers and fuels. To expand the role of
biomass in America's future, the DOE Office of the Biomass
Program fosters biomass technologies with a balanced portfolio
of research and development. While there are various other
technologies for biomass conversion, the graphic picture shows
what the Biomass Program is concentrating on, as outlined in
its Multi-Year Program Plan.
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