Program Partners

National Bioenergy Center

The National Bioenergy Center (NBC) is a virtual management center responsible for overseeing the research performed by the National laboratories. Ongoing efforts by bioenergy programs at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are all generally overseen by the NBC. The NBC is responsible for performing analysis that supports the agenda OBP agenda and other related goals, and is based at NREL.

The NBC actively collaborates with industry, academia, other EERE programs and other governmental research, development and commercialization programs to support the achievement of the biomass goals and help reduce the production cost of biofuels.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

NREL is the lead laboratory in the NBC and is working to develop economical and efficient biomass pretreatment and conversion technologies. Their biomass R&D efforts encompass the activities at each stage of the biorefinery including both biochemical and thermochemical conversions. NREL also has a process development unit (PDU) available to evaluate the efficiency and ethanol yield due to different feedstock compositions.

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

The biomass related efforts at INL focus on the major science and technology needs associated with the cost-effective harvesting, collection and utilization of waste biomass and agricultural waste. In partnership with industry, INL is currently investigating methods to enhance cost-effective agricultural processes, reducing the cost of supplied feedstocks.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

ORNL specializes in feedstock and environmental R&D to improve the yield, quality and sustainability of biomass. Research focuses on evaluating the environmental effects of collecting agricultural residues and planting alternative crops on traditional cropland. ORNL also partners with industry to develop methods for biomass conversion to commodity chemicals.

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

Work at ANL is concentrated on analysis of vehicle systems, emissions and their environmental impact on the environment. ANL has developed a well-to-wheels analysis that compares alternative vehicle technologies to conventional systems. ANL also collaborates with industry to develop new bioproducts that can benefit the economics of the integrated biorefinery.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory(PNNL)

PNNL in the developing of novel thermochemical processes to convert biomass bioproducts, fuels, and energy. Specifically, PNNL specializes in the use of catalysis to convert biomass to higher value fuels and products. Additionally is working with industry to find and develop new fungal species to improve the biochemical production of bioproducts.

Various Industry and Academic Project Performers

OBP works closely with industry and academia through competitively selected projects. Industry collaboration ensures private sector interest in commercializing the expected technology improvements resulting from the research. Partnerships with industry exist throughout the OBP portfolio, and the efforts funded in the Integrated Biorefinery platform are exclusively industry-led projects. Information about project partners can be found on this Web site's Funding Opportunities and Information Resources pages.

Academics work closely with the program and national laboratories on pre-competitive research. This research is not yet ready for testing at scale, but can often become the basis of further evaluation in industry. Industry and Academic stakeholders also participate in guiding and reviewing the Program through membership on the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee, and as Program peer reviewers.

OBP works closely with several industry groups, which are available to provide input on key technical areas and gaps. Links to Trade and Non-Profit Organizations are provided on this Web site's Related Links page.

International Activities

The Biomass Program, with oversight from the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, collaborates to exchange information and coordinate international bioenergy efforts. More information about these activities is provided on the EERE International Activities page. Additional resources can be found on this Web site's Related Links page.

Biomass R&D Board

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy collaborate via the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), created by the Biomass R&D Act of 2000. These two agencies provide funding for R&D projects via an annual joint solicitation. Joint solicitation projects specifically target cellulosic ethanol cost, biomass feedstocks logistics, biobased products, and analysis and policy efforts.

The BRDI was established concurrently with two oversight and advisory panels, the Biomass R&D Board (Board), and the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee (Committee).

The Biomass Research and Development Board, co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is responsible for coordinating Federal activities for the purpose of promoting the use of biobased fuels and biobased products.

Membership includes the following agencies:

Department of Energy (DOE)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Department of Interior (DOI)
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department of the Treasury (Treasury)
Department of Defense (DOD)

OBP is working with the Board to help develop and implement a National Biofuels Action Plan. The Action Plan will facilitate collaboration across the agencies as each strives to respond to the President's call for greater use of biofuels in our Nation's economy.

USDA
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

USDA is a dynamic organization that is able to efficiently provide the integrated program delivery needed to lead a rapidly evolving food and agriculture system.
NSF
The NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." With an annual budget of about $5.58 billion, NSF is the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. In many fields, such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.
EPA
The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. View the Agency's complete strategic plan, annual report, and policy resources.
DOI
The Mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our commitments to island communities.

DOI has established five Departmental goals that encompass the major responsibilities of the Department. These goals provide a framework for the strategic plans of Interior's bureaus. The Departmental goals are as follows:
- Resource Protection - Protect the Nation's Natural, Cultural, and Heritage Resources
- Resource Use - Manage Resources to Promote Responsible Use and Sustain a Dynamic Economy
- Recreation - Provide recreation opportunities for America
- Serving Communities - Safeguard lives, property and assets, advance scientific knowledge, and improve the quality of life for communities we serve
- Management Excellence - Manage the Department to be highly skilled, accountable, modern, functionally integrated, citizen-centered and result-oriented
OSTP
OSTP's continuing mission is set out in the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-282). It calls for OSTP to serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government.

The Act authorizes OSTP to:
- Advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the impacts of science and technology on domestic and international affairs;
- Lead an interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets;
- Work with the private sector to ensure Federal investments in science and technology contribute to economic prosperity, environmental quality, and national security;
- Build strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, other countries, and the scientific community;
- Evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology.
OFEE
OFEE's mission is to promote sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the federal government.

OFEE defines sustainable environmental stewardship to include those concepts, strategies, tools, practices, and approaches that lead to environmental improvement in a manner that is sustainable over time, considers the long term effects as well as the shorter term, more immediate effects, and that contributes positively, even if indirectly, to the social and economic condition.
DOT
DOT serves the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
DOC
DOC's strategic goals include fostering science and technological leadership, environmental stewardship, while enabling economic growth for American industries, workers, and consumers.
Treasury
The mission of the Department of the Treasury is to promote the conditions for prosperity and stability in the United States and encourage prosperity and stability in the rest of the world.
DOD
The Department of Defense's Environment, Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) program is committed to sustaining the national defense mission, reducing the environmental impact of defense activities, protecting its workforce and the public, and maintaining an open and productive dialogue with stakeholders.

Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee

The BRDI was established concurrently with two oversight and advisory panels, the Biomass R&D Board (Board), and the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee (Committee).

The Committee is a 30-member external advisory panel, consisting of members appointed by the Board co-chairs representing industry, academia, environmental groups, and state or tribal government. Committee members discuss biomass R&D technologies, strategy, progress, and policy at quarterly public meetings, and provide annual recommendations to the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy, via the Board, as part of the BRDI's Annual Report to Congress. Recent strategic planning documents published by the Committee include the updated Vision for Bioenergy and Biobased Products in the U.S., which sets industry targets through 2030 for biobased fuels, products, and power. The Committee will also update its Roadmap for Bioenergy and Biobased Products in 2007. The Roadmap is used to provide technical guidance for research solicited under the joint solicitation.

More information on the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee can be found on the BRDI website.

For information on research projects funded under the USDA-DOE joint solicitation, visit the BRDI solicitations page.