energy bioscience

Seeking a New World of Renewable Energy

Embarking on a journey of discovery is always exciting, as any of the scientists at the Energy Biosciences Institute can tell you. Like the explorers of old, the partners in the Institute are setting forth in a colossal search for new breakthroughs that will lead to sustainable, clean fuel sources, like non-food crops from which biofuels can be made.

"Our mission is to harness the potential of bioenergy, to make discoveries and commercialize realities out of these, which could benefit the world," says Institute Director Dr. Chris Somerville, who leads a team of top researchers affiliated with the EBI, a partnership between BP, the University of California, Berkeley; the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; and the University of Illinois.    Read More

 



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What do you perceive to be the main benefit of biofuels?
 
 
 
 

 

Feedstock Development
Scientists in this program study plant species that can be used to produce biofuels in a more productive and highly sustainable fashion. Switchgrass and miscanthus are just two plants fitting that description. Researchers believe there are more.
Biomass Depolymerization
Discovering more productive methods of breaking down plant sugars so they can be used in the biofuel-making process is this program's goal. Success could result in trimming the cost of biofuel production and making this sustainable energy product more affordable.
Biofuels Production
This program's aim is to find ways of improving the concentration of fuel produced by traditional fermentation processes that have been used for centuries to make beer and wine. Achieving that objective could reduce the cost of making biofuel.
Fossil Fuel Bioprocessing
Researchers in this program are seeking ways to use biological processes to reach oil and coal – and to do so in a manner that conserves energy and spares the environment. Making it easier to gather fossil fuels aids in the sensible use of these limited resources.
Environmental, Social and Economic Dimensions Even renewable forms of energy, such as biofuels, can have harmful impacts on society and the environment. This program will provide critical data that policymakers can use in adopting energy policies that are kinder to the land and its people.
 

 

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