US announces $118 million funding to scale up biofuel production

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects to accelerate biofuel production for the country’s transport sector including shipping.

PHOTO: Exhaust gases flow from the funnel of a cruise ship. Getty Images

“Biofuels are a versatile tool because they have the immediate potential to power our ships, trains, airlines and heavy-duty vehicles—a huge contributor to total carbon emissions,” US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said.

Biofuel produced with readily available feedstocks and cutting-edge refining technology opens the door to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector, DOE says. But, the DOE also acknowledges that the development of advanced biofuels has been hampered by a lack of financing for new biofuel refineries.

The funding is aimed at commercialising advanced biofuels and reduce technological uncertainty. The 17 projects that received funding include pre-pilot and demonstration biofuel projects.

Last month, the US government released its National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, which highlighted biofuels' potential to replace conventional marine fuels.

By Nithin Chandran

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