Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center receives funding renewal

In Michigan, Michigan State University reported that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), another five years of funding to develop sustainable alternatives to gasoline, diesel and other hydrocarbon fuels as well as products currently made from petroleum. The center will receive $27.5 million for 2023 research. The extension will allow scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Michigan State University and other partners to continue foundational research to enable the breakthroughs needed for the cost-effective conversion of nonfood plants into low-carbon replacements for jet fuel, diesel and other fossil fuels. GLBRC researchers also are working to increase plant productivity and develop cost-effective processes to convert as much of the plant material as possible into chemicals used to make products like polyester, nylon, lubricants and plastics. “GLBRC is a flagship program and one of our most important partnerships,” said Doug Gage, vice president for research and innovation at MSU. “This collaboration has been a model for bringing together the research strengths of MSU, the University of Wisconsin and other partners to comprehensively address very complex problems. We look forward to continuing the collaboration to advance basic science and energy security for the U.S. and beyond.”

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