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| Feature Article |
November 2005
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DOE and USDA Release Joint Solicitation for Biomass Research
November 14, 2005
Ken Green - BCS, Incorporated
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a joint solicitation for applications for financial assistance addressing research and development of biomass based products, bioenergy, biofuels and related processes. This is the fourth year in which the agencies have jointly solicited R&D under the Biomass Initiative. This funding is intended to promote greater innovation and development related to biomass, and to support the Biomass Research Development Act of 2000, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It also supports Federal policy calling for greater use of biomass-based products, feedstock production, and processing and conversion.
Up to $2 million in DOE funding and $12 million in USDA funding is expected to be available for new awards under this announcement. Approximately ten to 20 awards are anticipated. Awards may range from $250,000 to $2 million per award.
This joint USDA/DOE announcement for FY06 reflects the technical areas identified in the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These technical areas will assist DOE and USDA in developing and maintaining a balanced portfolio of activities under the Federal Government's Biomass program to effectively advance cost effective utilization of biomass for the production of biobased fuels and products.
The Technical Areas are:
- Feedstock Production through the development of crops and cropping systems relevant to production of raw materials for conversion to biobased fuels and biobased products.
Desired Outcomes in Feedstock Production:
- Scientific and technological breakthroughs to overcome production barriers and enhance economic viability.
- Substantive development and demonstration of known and adapted technologies for effective and economical biomass feedstock production and use.
- Comprehensive descriptive and analytical understanding of methods and costs of management, collection, handling, primary processing, and transportation of primary feedstocks.
- Sustainable production and harvesting systems and methods that protect or enhance the site and surrounding landscape, including the long-term soil productivity, water, and other ecological and environmental resources. pr>
- Guidelines, tools, and management systems that provide a basis for decisions on land use, production, and technology application for integrated resource management and biomass use.
- Tools that aid land managers and community developers in evaluating the technical and economic viability of biomass production, markets, and revenue streams for local areas.
- Overcoming Recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass through developing technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into intermediates that can subsequently be converted into biobased fuels and biobased products.
Desired Outcomes in Overcoming Recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass:
- Identification or development of process(es) or process combinations that overcome the recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass by improving the digestibility of cellulose in order to reduce the cost of a mixed, dilute sugar stream suitable for fermentation to ethanol in a mature biochemical plant to $0.10/lb by 2012 and to $0.05 - $0.06/lb by 2030.
- Product Diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of biobased products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and cogenerated power) that eventually can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery.
Desired Outcomes in Product Diversification:
- Develop new technologies that would significantly decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of converting biomass into sugars for subsequent conversion to marketable fuels, chemicals or polymers.
- Develop new technologies that would significantly decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of converting ligno-cellulosic biomass into syngas.
- Develop new technologies that would significantly decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of converting syngas into marketable fuels or chemicals.
- Develop new technologies that would significantly decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of pyrolyzing biomass into oils that could be used for (or converted into) marketable fuels or chemicals.
- Develop new technologies that would significantly decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of producing methane or hydrogen from biomass (excluding landfills).
- Develop new technologies that would significantly improve the performance or decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of producing new, marketable products from biomass.
- Develop new technologies that would significantly improve the performance or decrease the cost and improve the energy efficiency of producing products from the hemicellulose or lignin fractions of biomass.
- Develop new technologies for converting bio-based fats and oils to marketable fuels, chemicals or polymers.
- Analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of biomass technologies in accordance with realization of improved sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development, usually featuring system-wide approaches.
As directed in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.S. 109-58, Section 941(e)), awards up to the amounts listed below will be made in each Technical Area.
- Feedstock Production: $2,800,000
- Overcoming Recalcitrance of Cellulosic Biomass: $6,300,000
- Product Diversification: $4,200,000
- Analysis for Strategic Guidance: $700,000
Pre-applications are due December 20, 2005.
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State Spotlight: Delaware
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In 2001, the state of Delaware consumed 238.6 trillion Btu of energy. Petroleum accounted for the majority of energy used, at 61 percent of the total. Natural gas and coal supplied 22 and 16 percent respectively, while the state did not produce energy using nuclear or hydroelectric sources. Biomass contributed the last one percent of Delaware's energy.1
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The state of Delaware has the potential to generate 0.7 billion kWh from biomass sources. That is the equivalent of 67,000 average homes, or 21 percent of the state's residential needs. The sources for this available biomass are varied, but most plentiful are agricultural residues, at 301,000 dry tons per year. Urban and forest residues are available for energy with annual supplies of 65,000 dry tons and 48,000 dry tons respectively. Energy crops, which are fast growing trees, shrubs and grasses, grown specifically for energy use, have a potential supply of 31,000 dry tons per year in Delaware. Mill residues could contribute an estimated 16,000 dry tons per year in available biomass.2 |
Delaware's biomass efforts are coordinated through the Delaware Energy Office. Current government projects are minimal, but there are facilities in the state that are already functioning. The Cherry Island power plant in Wilmington, Delaware produces energy from non-landfill based biogases at a capacity of 300 kW.3 Wilmington is also home to the Dupont Company, an active leader in the bio-products industry.4 In October of 2004, the state and Mid-Atlantic Biodiesel Inc. began a five million gallon per year biodiesel plant, to be distributed by Delaware's four public biodiesel refueling stations.5
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Delaware offers several incentives and regulations for biomass installations. The state has a competitive grant program in place through the Green Energy Fund to defray 35 percent of costs for renewable research and development. The Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation has self imposed a ten percent renewable energy requirement for the year 2015, and the state has passed a fuel mix regulation mandating that utilities report the makeup of their energy supply. Delaware requires utilities and renewable producers to enter into agreements about connecting to the power grid, and the utilities must also allow these consumers to use net metering, giving them the option of selling power back to the grid.
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Data Sources: EIA and EERE Calculations for biomass Btus are estimated to be 12,000 Btu/kWh
1Energy Information Administration. Table 7: Energy Consumption Estimates by Source, 1960-2001, Delaware. Available:http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_use/total/use_tot_de.html
2Delaware Bioenergy Resources. Available:http://www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy/tech_biomass.cfm?state=DE
3Current Renewable Energy Projects in Delaware. Available:http://www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy/opfacbytech.cfm?state=DE
4Delaware State Fact Sheet. Available:http://www.biomass.govtools.us/publications.asp
5Ag News. Governor Minner Holds Groundbreaking. Available:http://www.state.de.us/deptagri/pressrel/groundbreakingPRESSFINAL.pdf#search='delaware%20biodiesel%20plant
6Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy. Available:http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map.cfm?State=AZ&CurrentPageId=1
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On the Hill
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Bill # |
Sponsor |
Description |
Last Action |
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| S.1862
| Sen Smith, Gordon H. [OR] |
United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act: A bill to establish a joint energy cooperation program within the Department of Energy to fund eligible ventures between United States and Israeli businesses and academic persons in the national interest, to pursue alternative fuels. |
10/7/2005: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 116.
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| H.R. 3941 | Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] |
FUEL Act of 2005: To provide for the establishment of a working group to identify and advance the development and use of alternative sources for motor vehicle fuels. |
10/17/2005: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
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| S. 1859
| Sen Burr, Richard [NC] |
Clean Air Act Revision: A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to provide for a Federal Fuels List, and for other purposes |
10/7/2005: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text as introduced in Senate: CR S11314-11315) |
| S. 1920 |
Sen Obama, Barack [IL] |
Clean Air Act Revision: A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to establish a renewable diesel standard, and for other purposes. |
10/25/2005: Referred to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Work
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Grassroots
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Company studying fossil fuels plans to make Fayetteville home
Two biobased products companies, Biobased Technologies and Biobased Systems, plan to set up shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Producers of soy-based polyols and a biobased spray foam insulation, the two firms hope to take advantage of the area's university base, and an ideal industrial park setting near the Ozark mountains. The companies aim to continue commercialization of their petroleum-replacing chemicals.
http://nwanews.com/story.php?paper=nwat§ion=News&storyid=33053
Russell Biomass Hearing Slated
A proposed Russell, Massachussetts power plant planning to burn wood for renewable electricity production has first generated controversy in the region. State approval of the venture is expected to take time, and an opposing group, Concerned Citizens of Russell, are holding parallel information meetings as the environmental debate heats up.
http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1127979622101730.xml&coll=1
Biodiesel makes history in Minnesota
On September 29, 2005, the state of Minnesota adopted an unprecedented mandate for biodiesel content in all diesel sold. The two-percent law augments the eight million gallons of renewable soy-based diesel already sold annually, and makes Minnesota the only state requiring biobased diesel fuel.
http://webstar.postbulletin.com/agrinews/134659528739428.bsp
Biomass projects under consideration across state
Coloradans are finding a use for their unfortunate surplus of dead trees due to insects and drought. Combining this power source with a $100,000 grant from the Western Governors' Association, residents hope to improve the overall health of their remaining forests, and to produce biodiesel, heat buildings, and provide biobased solutions for mining and waterway pollution, among other options. Though they are still in discussion, the numerous possibilities for the unintended feedstock indicate the future of Colorado will include clean biobased energy production.
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20051006/NEWS/51006002
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Marketplace
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The Grain Prices graph shows the cost of soybeans, the main
biodiesel feedstock, and corn, the main ethanol feedstock.
The tables show actual grain prices, indicators which
may affect gasoline prices, and the
production of ethanol.
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Fuel Prices come from OPIS Ethanol and Biodiesel Report. Ethanol and RBOB Unl New York spot prices and Biodiesel Rack, Chicago, September 2005.
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Grain Prices
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October 2004 |
October 2005 |
% Change |
| Corn |
2.15 |
1.74
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-19% |
| Soybean |
5.56 |
5.44 |
-2% |
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| Fuel Supply |
October 2004 |
October 2005 |
% Change |
| Percent Refinery Utilization |
88.4 |
79.3 |
-10.32% |
| Production by Product - Finished Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
8,748.5 |
8,438.3 |
-3.54% |
| Stocks - Finished Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
132.2 |
128 |
-3.20% |
| Imports - Total Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
836 |
1,304.8 |
56.07% |
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Oxygenate Production |
August 2004 |
August 2005 |
% Change |
Ethanol Production
(Million Barrels) |
225 |
260 |
13.46% |
MTBE Production
(Million Barrels) |
134 |
150 |
10.67% |
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Data Sources:
U.S. DOE-Energy Information
Administration, "Weekly Petroleum Status Report", "Monthly Oxygenate
Report"
USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service, "Agricultural Prices,"
"Grain Stocks"
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R&D Awards
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| Title: |
DOE and USDA Award $12.6 Million for Biomass Energy Research |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week that 11 biomass research, development, and demonstration projects have been selected to receive $12.6 million in funds for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative, a joint effort of DOE and the USDA. The projects will be carried out in Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., and include producing biofuels and bioproducts from woody biomass sources, such as straw, switchgrass, and corn stover; converting biofuel byproducts into useful chemicals; gasifying biomass; combining a biomass digester with a cogeneration system; and examining possible incentives for biomass energy. A more detailed description of each recipient will be in the December 2005 Newsletter. |
| Recipients: |
Multiple |
| Award Total: |
$12.6 million |
| Sponsoring Office: |
USDA and DOE |
| URL: |
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/10/0426.xml |
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| Title: |
USDA Value Added Producer Grants Awarded |
| Description: |
The USDA selected 171 projects in 42 states to receive more than $14.6 million under its Value Added Producer Grant program. Of those, 32 projects in 14 states were related to biofuels and renewable energy. Businesses and producers in California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin will receive grants to assess the feasibility of marketing ethanol, biodiesel, wind power, and other types of renewable energy. |
| Recipients: |
Multiple |
| Award Total: |
$14.6 million |
| Sponsoring Office: |
USDA |
| URL: |
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/09/0411.xml |
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Solicitations
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| Title: |
Continuing Solicitation for the Office of Science
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| Description: |
Seeking grant applications for support of basic energy science fundamental research in the natural sciences and engineering leading to new and improved energy technologies and to understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy technologies. |
| Government Agency: |
Department of Energy's Office of Science |
| Schedule: |
Applications may be submitted at any time. |
| URL: |
http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/FAPN05-01.html
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| Title: |
The Biomass Initiative's Joint Solicitation for Biomass Research
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| Description: |
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly solicit applications for financial assistance addressing research, development, and demonstration of biomass based products, bioenergy, biofuels and related processes. This funding opportunity, herein referred to as the “solicitation,” is intended to promote greater innovation and development related to biomass, and to support the Biomass Research Development Act of 2000, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 and Federal policy calling for greater use of biomass-based products, feedstock production, and processing and conversion.
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| Government Agency: |
U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture |
| Schedule: |
Pre-applications are due December 20, 2005 |
| URL: |
http://doe-iips.pr.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/
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| Title: |
SARE |
| Description: |
The program sponsors grants in research/education, professional development for agricultural educators and producer projects in sustainable agriculture |
| Government Agency: |
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) |
| Schedule: |
Grant programs, funding amounts and funding cycles vary by region. |
| URL: |
http://www.sare.org/htdocs/sare/cfp.html |
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| Title: |
TIFIA |
| Description: |
Provides credit assistance in the form of secured (direct) loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees to public and private sponsors of eligible surface transportation projects. Highway, passenger rail, transit, and intermodal projects (including intelligent transportation systems) may receive credit assistance |
| Government Agency: |
U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Joint Program Office |
| Schedule: |
Letters of interest are required and are accepted at any time. |
| URL: |
http://tifia.fhwa.dot.gov |
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| Title: |
Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) Program |
| Description: |
The EISG provides funding to small businesses, small non-profits, individuals and academic institutions for establishing the feasibility of new energy concepts. Qualifying entities outside of California are eligible. Projects must develop innovative and original energy concepts that address a clear market need, provide benefit for California electricity ratepayers and target one or more areas of interest: Industrial/agriculture/water end-use efficiency; building end-use efficiency; advanced generation; renewable generation; energy-related environmental research; strategic energy research. |
| Government Agency: |
California Energy Commission |
| Schedule: |
EISG has up to 4 cycles of grants a year |
| URL: |
http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/innovations/index.html |
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| Title: |
Energy Performance Contracting in State-Owned Facilities |
| Description: |
Funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) on electric transmission, this program offers energy efficiency, research and development, low-income and environmental disclosure funding and education to assist electric consumers as the regulated electricity market moves to more open competition. |
| Government Agency: |
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority |
| Schedule: |
Grant programs, funding amounts, and funding cycles vary |
| URL: | http://www.nyserda.org/Funding/funding.asp?i=2 |
|
| Title: |
USDA SBIR |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The purpose of the USDA SBIR program is to provide an opportunity for U.S. owned, for profit small business firms to submit innovative, applied, R&D projects that address important problems facing American agriculture, and have the potential to lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, Animal Waste Management, Rural and Community Development, Aquaculture, and Wildlife. Up to $19.4 million expected to be available, award range $80K to $300K. |
| Government Agency: |
USDA |
| Schedule: |
Responses for Phase I due September 1, 2005, responses for Phase 2 due February 2, 2006. |
| URL: |
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1220 |
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| Title: |
DOE SBIR |
| Description: |
The Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs invite small businesses (500 employees or less) to submit grant applications in response to the Fiscal Year 2006 Funding Opportunity Announcement. Small businesses with strong research capabilities in science or engineering for technical topic areas including Biomass Separation Process Technologies and Conversion of Biomass-Based Platform Output. |
| Government Agency: |
DOE |
| Schedule: |
The deadline for submission is December 2, 2005. |
| URL: | http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/solicitations/FY%202006/contents06.htm |
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| Title: |
National Research Initiative |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications for the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRI). NRI supports research, extension, and education projects that address key problems of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. In FY 2006, the NRI Program will accept applications for fundamental research, mission-linked research, and integrated research, extension, and education projects, including Biobased Products and Bioenergy Production. |
| Government Agency: |
USDA |
| Schedule: |
Applications in the Biobased Products and Bioenergy Production area must be received by January 12, 2006. |
| URL: | http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/USDA/CSREES/OEP/USDA-GRANTS-101705-001/Grant.html |
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| Title: |
Tribal Agricultural Research |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications for the Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP). TCRGP funds investigative and analytical studies and experimentation in the food and agricultural sciences in areas including but not limited to sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, biotechnology, and aquaculture. |
| Government Agency: |
USDA |
| Schedule: |
Reponses due December 12, 2005. |
| URL: | http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/tribal_research.html |
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Events
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November 2-4
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
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Eurolipids: International Trade Fair for Fats & Oil
Organizer: European Federation for the Science and Technology of Lipids - Euro Fed Lipid
Contact: Mrs. Caroline Curik
Email: eurolipids@mfa.messefrankfurt.com
Tel: +49 (0)611 - 951 66-28
Website: http://www.eurolipids.de/
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November 3 - 4
Chicago, IL
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Platts Biodiesel Investor Conference
Organizer: Platts Reporting
Contact: N/A
Email: registration@platts.com
Tel: 866-355-2930
Website: www.platts.com/Events/PB540X/index.html
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November 7-9
Dresden, Germany
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BIO-Europe 2005
Organizer: Biotech Industry Organization/EBD Group
Contact: Tom Voigt
Email: tvoigt@ebdgroup.com
Tel: +1 760 930 0500
Website: http://www.ebdgroup.com/bioeurope/index.htm
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November 14-16
Rome, Italy
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Green Power Mediterranean
Organizer: Green Power Conferences
Contact: Nadim Chaudhry
Email: nadim.chaudhry@greenpowerconferences.com
Tel: +44 870 758 7808
Website: http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/events/GreenPowerMed.htm
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December 1, 2005
Los Angeles, CA
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2020: California's Transportation Energy Future Conference
Organizer: WestStart - CALSTART Inc.
Contact:
Email: calstart@calstart.org
Tel:
Website: http://www.California2020.com
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December 6-8, 2005
Manilla, Philippines
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Asia Biofuels Conference & Expo
Organizer: The Stratton Group, Inc.
Contact: Pam Frazee, Operations Manager
Email: pam@biofuelsconferences.com
Tel: +01.605.323.0119
Website: http://www.asiabiofuels.com
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December 6-8
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Power-Gen International
Organizer: Penn-Well, Incorporated
Contact: Judy Tarpley
Email: pgiconference@pennwell.com
Tel: +1-918-831-9560
Website: www.power-gen.com
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January 12 - 13, 2006
Honolulu, HI
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Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology
Organizer: 2005 Biotechnology Industry Organization
Contact:
Email: pacrim@bio.org
Tel: 202-962-9200
Website: http://www.bio.org/pacrim/
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January 19-20, 2006
Baltimore, Maryland
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LMOP 9th Annual Conference and Project Expo
Organizer: Environmental Protection Agency
Contact: Brian Guzzone
Email: guzzone.brian@epa.gov
Tel: (202) 343-9248
Website: http://www.epa.gov/lmop/conf/index.htm
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February 9-12, 2006
Verona Italy
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Bioenergy World 2006
Organizer: BioEnergy Events and Services
Contact: Paul Stuart
Email: paulstuart@bees.biz
Tel: +33 384 86 89 30
Website: www.bioenergy-world.com
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February 20-22, 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada
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11th Annual RFA National Ethanol Conference
Organizer: Renewable Fuels Association
Contact: N/A
Email: info@ethanolrfa.org
Tel: (202)289-3835
Website: http://www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/conference/
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| Click here
for additional bio-related events.
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| The Biomass Initiative, formed as part of the Biomass
R&D Act of 2000, is a multi-agency effort to coordinate and
accelerate all Federal biobased products, biofuels, and bioenergy
research and development. The Biomass Initiative distributes an online
monthly newsletter to inform government institutions and the public,
including private companies, about the Biomass Initiative and
biomass-related activities. The newsletter’s contents include a feature
article highlighting important biomass-related stories of the month, as
well as grassroots information and a state spotlight recognizing
important local activities. In addition, the newsletter includes
biomass-related information on recent legislation, R&D awards,
solicitations, and market trends.
If you have any
questions or comments about the Biomass Initiative Newsletter, please
contact mmanella@bcs-hq.com. |
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