Developing more productive ways of converting plant sugars to fuels is the problem being tackled by this program. The current method of accomplishing this for many biofuels used today — such as ethanol, butanol, and biodiesel — is similar to the centuries-old fermentation practices relied on to make beer and wine. While those methods are successful for spirits, they've proved inadequate in the production of biofuels, especially on the large scale that's necessary if the U.S. is ever to attain the Department of Energy's goals for biofuels. That target would have the U.S. satisfying 30 percent of its transportation fuel needs from biofuels by 2030.
Biofuel production researchers at the EBI are searching for ways to boost the concentration of fuel produced by the biofuel fermentation process. Doing so could significantly shrink the cost of making biofuel, causing a surge in demand for this environmentally friendly substance.
Programs (with 2009 Updates)
Projects (with 2009 Updates)
