DOE and USDA Offer $18 Million for Biomass Research

June 11, 2007

DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on June 11th that $18 million will be available for biomass research and development projects aimed at increasing the availability of alternative and renewable fuels. The $18 million solicitation will primarily support the development of technologies to convert cellulosic biomass into intermediaries for biobased fuels. It will also fund projects in biobased product diversification, biomass feedstock production, and analysis.

USDA will provide up to $14 million and DOE will provide up to $4 million this fiscal year. Maximum award amounts will not exceed $1 million. Eligible applicants include state and federal research agencies, national laboratories, private-sector groups, and nonprofit organizations. Consortia of two or more groups also are encouraged to apply. The closing date for pre-applications is July 11th. See the DOE press release and the full solicitation on grants.gov.