Joint Biomass Initiative Distributes $23 Million for R&D, Demonstrations

Nineteen projects figure to share in the $23 million awarded last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for biomass research, development and demonstration activities.

USDA and DOE selected the projects as part of a joint program to increase America’s energy independence through the development of additional renewable energy resources from the agricultural and agroforestry sectors. Biomass is defined as organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis.

“The conversion of biomass into biobased products, fuels and energy offers significant benefits to the nation through healthier rural economies, improved environmental quality and improved energy independence,” Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said. “These grants will help develop additional renewable energy resources and expand markets for agricultural products.”

The 2002 Farm Bill allocated $75 million to USDA over six years to fund research, development and demonstration projects under the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The legislation established a governing board co-chaired by USDA and DOE.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy coordinated efforts to issue a joint solicitation that is awarding nearly $16 million in USDA funding and more than $7 million from DOE appropriations. About 400 proposals requesting more than $370 million were competitively evaluated.

“This Administration is committed to the development of a next-generation of biorefineries that serve the nation by producing cost-competitive biobased industrial products and transportation fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel,” said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. “The development of the biomass industry and biobased products will have a tremendous economic impact on rural America.”

A listing of the 19 selected projects is available at http://www.usda.gov/.