The $8.9m investment is part of the US government’s effort to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio and to accelerate the development of new energy technologies to decrease the dependence on foreign oil.
The research grants will be awarded under the joint program focused on fundamental investigations of biomass genomics, with the aim of harnessing lignocellulosic materials for biofuels production.
Emphasis is on perennials, including trees and other nonfood plants that can be used as dedicated biofuel crops.
DOE’s Office of Science will provide $6.9m in funding for seven projects, while USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will award $2m to fund two projects, and initial funding will support research projects for up to three years.
