DOE announces $14M to optimize production of affordable biofuels and biochemicals

In Washington, the Department of Energy announced $14 million in funding to support and optimize the production of affordable biofuels and biochemicals while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This funding will advance the Biden-Harris administration’s goals to address the climate crisis by building a clean and equitable energy economy and driving innovation in renewable energy and chemicals production.

The 2023 Conversion Research and Development (R&D) funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will accelerate the growth of the bioeconomy by supporting the development of high-impact technologies that convert domestic biomass and waste resources into affordable biofuels and bioproducts through two topic areas:

Topic 1: Overcoming Barriers to Syngas Conversion
Topic 2: Strategic Opportunities for Decarbonization of the Chemicals Industry Through Biocatalysts

Both topic areas contribute to goals outlined in the DOE Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, to produce low-carbon, renewable chemicals, and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to produce 35 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2050—enough to meet 100% of U.S. aviation fuel demand.