Biomass Program to Host Webinar on Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuels

November 15, 2012

On December 12, 2012, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET, the Biomass Program will host a webinar, “Upgrading Renewable and Sustainable Carbohydrates For the Production of High Energy Density Fuels.” Presenters from Los Alamos National Laboratory will highlight the development of hydrocarbon fuels as renewable alternatives to petrochemical feedstocks.

With decreasing global production of crude oil, it is essential to our nation that renewable alternatives to petrochemical feedstocks for hydrocarbon fuels are developed. A constant, reliable supply of these fuels would help ensure that the nationwide transportation of food, medicine, and consumer goods remains uninterrupted, regardless of sociopolitical conflict. Lignocellulose is a promising carbon-neutral source of energy derived from wood, agricultural waste, and woody grasses. The carbohydrates D-glucose (C6), L-arabinose (C5), and D-xylose (C5) are readily obtained from the hydrolysis of lignocellulose and constitute the most abundant renewable organic carbon source on the planet. Because they are naturally produced on such a large scale, these sugars have the greatest potential to displace petrochemical-derived transportation fuel. Researchers will discuss investigations into a potentially transformational strategy aimed at obtaining high energy density hydrocarbon fuels from non-food-based carbohydrate sources.

Agenda
3:30–4:10 p.m.: Presentation by John Gordon and Pete Silks
4:10–4:30 p.m.: Q&A Session

Please join us for an informative and insightful discussion of these critical issues. For any questions regarding the webinar, please email Katherine Barno. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot