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Recently Announced Bioenergy Research Centers may Advance the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee Vision
by Chris Lawrence, BCS, Incorporated
On June 26, 2007, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman announced that the Department of Energy will invest up to $375 million into three Bioenergy Research Centers located in the southeast (Oak Ridge, Tennessee); Midwest (Madison, Wisconsin); and west (Berkeley, California). The purpose of the centers is to focus on the acceleration of research in the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels.
The Bioenergy Research Centers should contribute to the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee Vision which states that “by 2030, a well established economically viable, bioenergy and biobased products industry will continue new economic opportunities for the United States, protect and enhance our environment, strengthen U.S. energy security, provide economic opportunity, and deliver improved products to consumers.”[i]
The Vision set forth goals to increase the share of biofuels use in the transportation sector. To do this, the Technical Advisory Committee noted that research must focus on improving plant science in order to increase sustainable biomass production as well as enabling greater conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.[ii] The Research Centers will do research in both of these areas. They will examine the uses of alternative feedstocks, specifically those cellulosic in nature such a poplar and agricultural residues.
The Committee held a series of Regional Roadmap Workshops to outline the technical barriers to its vision and to develop the research agenda to overcome those barriers. The outcomes of these workshops will be used to update the Committee’s Roadmap, which is currently being authored. Barriers identified include addressing a lack of feedstock diversity. The Bioenergy Research Centers should help diversify the feedstocks available for producing ethanol and improve conversion efficiency. According to the DOE Office of Science, “a major focus will be on understanding how to reengineer biological processes to develop new, more efficient methods for converting the cellulose in plant material into ethanol or other biofuels that serve as a substitute for gasoline.”[iii]
Although not specially planned, having Research Centers located in geographically distinct regions will provide an added benefit of including region specific feedstocks into research activities. The region specific nature of biomass feedstocks as well as distribution infrastructure was one of the key reasons the Committee held Regional Roadmap Workshops. For example, the east has an abundance of woody biomass, currently underutilized due to a lack of available processes to convert them. If these processes existed, growers would have more incentive to produce them.
The announcement of the Research Centers takes a step at addressing one overarching barrier discussed at the workshops, the absence of a long-term National commitment to biomass research and development. Workshop participants noted a lack funding for biomass R&D that result in academia and research laboratories not making major research advances. The barrier also notes a lack of incentive for exploratory R&D. The Research Centers, comprised of 18 leading universities and seven national laboratories will not only focus on basic science but also on high-risk, high-return research.
[i] Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee. Vision for Bioenergy and Biobased Products in the United States. Executive Summary. 2006.
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California
In 1971, the California Air Resources Board adopted the first vehicle emissions standards in the nation, and since that time California has continued to be a model for states who wish to be environmental and energy innovators. [i] California currently offers over one hundred incentives to factories, businesses, schools, and individuals who can benefit financially from conserving energy or converting to using renewable fuels. [ii]
California is home to various research and development efforts that are making substantial contributions to the biomass field. Novozymes Inc. is on the cutting edge of enzyme research, bringing much attention to the Sacramento area by making the production of biofuels progressively less expensive while developing more effective methods of converting biomass into fuel. [iii] UC Davis operates the California Biomass Collaborative, which addresses various issues in renewable energy and creates partnerships between the academic and policy making community. The most recent annual forum dealt with the various aspects of successfully generating and disseminating energy from biomass, and was attended by experts from around the world. [iv]
In addition to the research and development occurring in the state, California is involved in the production and consumption of energy from various types of biomass. Ninety waste-to-energy plants have been operating in Riverside and San Bernardino counties for over a decade, converting household garbage and industrial waste into energy. [v] Currently, there are 34 biodiesel fueling stations and five E85 fueling stations in the state.[vi]
California consumes over 900 million gallons of ethanol a year, which equals approximately 25 percent of all ethanol produced domestically. Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger set benchmarks to increase California’s integration of renewable energy. One of the Governor’s goals is for California to produce 20 percent of the biofuels that it consumes by 2010, and 40 percent by 2020. [vii] To do this, various state agencies are collaborating with each other, and industry is investigating ways to meet the new demands. [viii]
California has a large amount of untapped biomass potential that is beginning to be investigated more fully. Pacific Ethanol currently operates one ethanol plant in Madera, and will be opening two larger plants at Port of Stockton and at Calipatria in 2008. [ix] Bill Jones, Pacific Ethanol board chairman, has said that the company is considering several additional processing options such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, which would create even more energy and options for California. [x]
[iii] Downing, Jim. (2007, April 16). Region takes biofuels lead; Breakthrough in cellulosic field could bring big payoff. Sacramento Bee, D-1.
[ix] Staff. (2007, March 21). Two big renewable energy projects in the works. The Kiplinger California Letter, 43 (6).
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| Bill # |
Sponsor |
Description |
Last Action |
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| H.R.2261 |
Rep Lucas, Frank D. [OK-3] |
Rural America Energy Act of 2007. To increase the diversity and independence of the United States energy supply by providing encouragement of energy sources from rural America, including biofuels and wind energy, and for other purposes. |
6/26/07: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Executive Comment Requested from USDA. |
| H.R.2337 |
Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] |
Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. To promote energy policy reforms and public accountability, alternative energy and efficiency, and carbon capture and climate change mitigation, and for other purposes. |
6/13/07: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 22. |
| H.R.2354 |
Rep Visclosky, Peter J. [IN-1] |
American Fuels Act of 2007. To promote the national security and stability of the economy of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes. |
6/28/07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness. |
| H.R. 2419 |
Rep. Peterson, Collin C. [MN-7] |
Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. To provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. |
7/27/2007: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 191 (Roll no. 756). |
| H.R.2428 |
Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] |
Biofuels Research Initiative Act of 2007. To enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and biomass research and development programs through improved coordination and collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, and land-grant colleges and universities, and for other purposes. |
6/26/07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research |
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H.R.2594 |
Rep Knollenberg Joe [MI-9] |
Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007. To establish a Federal public relations and education campaign to promote responsible and fuel-efficient driving in the United States. |
6/6/07: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. |
| H.R.2652 |
Rep English, Phil [PA-3] |
Generating Renewable Energy and Encouraging Novel Technologies Act of 2007. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to generate renewable energy and encourage novel technologies related to the production of energy, and for other purposes. |
6/11/07: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. |
| H.R.2656 |
Rep Mahoney, Tim [FL-16] |
American Farm Improvement Act of 2007. To enhance the ongoing profitability and viability of America's farms, forests, and ranches by making conservation activities more cost-effective and efficient, by creating new revenue opportunities through biofuels, and for other purposes. |
6/11/07: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture. |
| H.R.2763 |
Rep Lampson, Nick [TX-22] |
Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act. To enhance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of biofuels related technologies, and for other purposes. |
6/18/07: Introduced in House. 6/20/07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. |
| H.R.2809 |
Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] |
New Apollo Energy Act of 2007. To ensure that the United States leads the world baseline in developing and manufacturing next generation energy technologies, to grow the economy of the United States, to create new highly trained, highly skilled American jobs, to eliminate American overdependence on foreign oil, and to address the threat of global warming. |
6/25/07: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. |
| H.R.2950 |
Rep Wilson, Heather [NM-1] |
Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. To reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes. |
6/28/07: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. |
| S. 1554 |
Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] |
Energy Independence, Clean Air, and Climate Security Act of 2007. A bill to comprehensively address challenges relating to energy independence, air pollution, and climate change facing the United States. |
6/6/07: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. |
| S. 1601 |
Sen Hagel, Chuck [NE] |
Energy Infrastructure Tax Reform and Incentives Act of 2007. A bill to lower the effective tax rate on investment in necessary energy infrastructure and credits for renewable energy, and for other purposes. |
6/12/07: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. |
| S. 1697 |
Sen Sununu,
John E. [NH] |
Renewable Energy Tax Parity Act of 2007. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for residential biomass fuel property expenditures. |
6/26/07: Introduced into Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance. |
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IEA: World Biofuel Output to Double From 2006 To 2012
Date: 07/09
The IEA forecast global biofuel output will double from 2006 levels to 1.75 million barrels a day in 2012. In its medium-term oil market report through to 2012, the agency included its second annual report on biofuels. IEA also raised its 2006 biofuel supply baseline by 79,000 barrels a day to 863,000 barrels a day due to stronger-than-expected growth and more detailed capture of projects. Still the agency warned while the forecasts showed a "considerable rate of growth" for global biofuel production they were significantly below capacity planned for 2012. IEA said it maintained a cautious biofuels stance because high feedstock prices raised doubts over economic viability.
Link: http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=143049
Bioenergy market heats up
Date: 07/13
A new report from Oregon State University shows the biofuels industry is on track to be a $2.5 billion chunk of the state's economy within 20 years. The study identifies 80 potential biodiesel, ethanol and biomass facilities which could produce a combined 400 million gallons per year of ethanol and another 315 million gallons of biodiesel.
Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2007/07/16/story3.html?from_rss=1
Support for New Ethanol Crops To Be Added To Farm Bill
Date: 07/18
The U.S. House version of the 2007 farm bill will contain a provision to allow farmers to plant cellulose ethanol crops such as switchgrass on some environmentally sensitive land that the government pays to keep fallow, lawmakers said Wednesday. Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN), at first opposed the amendment because "there's no place for it to go, not for five years.", but agreed to include it after most of the committee members stressed support for it
Link: http://www.agriculture.com/ag/futuresource/FutureSourceStoryIndex.jhtml?storyId=98300396
House Ag Committee Supports More Research Concerning Use of Ethanol Byproducts
Date: 07/20
The House Agriculture Committee agreed that more research needs to be done to maximize the use of corn-based ethanol byproducts to feed livestock, something USDA officials say they tentatively support because of growing use by ranchers. The leftover material after the corn is processed into fuel has become increasingly important to cattle ranchers, but work needs to be done to make it more "palatable" to other livestock sectors, National Farmers Union President Tom Bius told Dow Jones Newswires
Link: http://www.grainnet.com
Nation's Governors Pursue Clean Energy Future
Date: 07/23
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty took over chairmanship of the National Governors' Association today, introducing his goal for the coming year - Securing a Clean Energy Future. His initiative has wide support – many governors have introduced clean or renewable energy initiatives recently or have joined in regional greenhouse gas control associations. "America is at a tipping point," said Governor Pawlenty, a Republican. "Our country is too dependent on imported sources of energy and greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow too quickly. Governors have a tremendous opportunity to lead the country toward a cleaner, more independent, more secure energy future."
Link: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2007/2007-07-23-09.asp
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| Marketplace provides data relevant to the production of biofuels from biomass as well as the state of the petroleum markets in which biofuels are used. Cost fluctuations in the price of a bushel of soybeans, the main biodiesel feedstock, and corn, affect the finished products i.e., biofuels. Key indicators in the petroleum industry provide a snapshot of the supply of finished products stocks and production, and how they relate to demand and the price of finished product (i.e. gasoline and diesel). The tables show actual grain prices, indicators which may affect gasoline prices, and the production of ethanol. |
| Grain Prices Received by Farmers |
June 2007 |
June 2006 |
% Change |
24 Months |
| Corn ($/bushel) |
3.77 |
2.14 |
43% |
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| Soybean ($/bushel) |
7.57 |
5.62 |
26% |
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| Spot Prices W. Tex. Int Cush & Henry Hub |
June 2007 |
June 2006 |
% Change |
24 Months |
| W. Tex. Int Cush ($/Bbl) |
67.49 |
70.95 |
-5% |
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| Henry Hub ($ per MMbtu) |
7.50 |
6.39 |
15% |
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| Fuel Supply |
June2007 |
June 2006 |
% Change |
24 Months |
| Percent Refinery Utilization |
89.62 |
91.94 |
-3% |
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| Production by Product - Finished Motor Gasoline (1,000 bbl/d) |
9,275 |
9,225 |
1% |
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| Stocks - Finished Motor Gasoline (1,000 bbl) |
112,170 |
121,688 |
-8% |
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| Imports - Total Motor Gasoline (1,000 bbl/d) |
1,353 |
1,352 |
0% |
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| Oxygenate Production |
April 2007 |
April 2006 |
% Change |
24 Months |
Ethanol Production
(1,000 bbl) |
11,716 |
8,656 |
26% |
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MTBE Production
(1,000 bbl) |
1,959 |
2,909 |
-48% |
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Data Sources:
U.S. DOE-Energy Information Administration, "Weekly Petroleum Status Report" and "Monthly Oxygenate Report"; USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service, "Agricultural Prices,""Grain Stocks"; Wall Street Journal, Markets Data, Spot Prices, Oil Prices | | |
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No awards were granted this month. | |
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Title: |
Demonstration of integrated Biorefinery Operations for Producing Biofuels and Chemical/Materials Products |
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Description: |
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is one of two announcements supporting Section 932 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The FOA, DE-PS36-06GO96016, was announced for applications to design, construct, build and operate, at the commercial scale, an integrated biorefinery employing lignocellulosic feedstocks. Its thrust was commercial demonstration rather than research and development for all products listed in Section 932. |
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Government Agency: |
Golden Field Office |
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Schedule: |
Aug 14, 2007 |
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URL: |
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=13741&mode=VIEW |
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Title: |
Energy for Sustainability |
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Description: |
The Energy for Sustainability program supports fundamental research and education in energy production, conversion, and storage and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable. |
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Government Agency: |
National Science Foundation |
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Schedule: |
Sep 15, 2007 |
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URL: |
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=11349&mode=VIEW |
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August 7 - 10, 2007
St. Paul, MN |
Ethanol Conference & Trade Show
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August 21 - 24, 2007
Oahu, HI |
EnergyOcean 2007
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September 3 - 10, 2007
Jyväskylä, Finland |
Bioenergy 2007
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September 15 - 20, 2007
Broomfield, CO |
International Symposium on Air Quality and Waste management for Agriculture |
September 24 - 27, 2007
Arlington, VA |
International Conference on Air Quality VI |
September 27 - 30, 2007
Austin, TX |
Texas Biodiesel Conference and Expo |
October 29 - November 1, 2007
Beijing, China |
Biomass Asia 2007 |
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Click here for additional bio-related events. | | |
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U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail-Code EE-1, Washington DC 20585
Office: 202-586-4541 | Fax: 202-586-1640 | BRDI@bcs-hq.com
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