Expansion Management

Government Wants to Join with Private Sector to Produce Biofuels

Aug. 20, 2011

The U.S. government, earlier this week, said it has $510 million to help boost production of next-generation biofuels.

Companies can bid for projects and the government, under the sponsorship of the Navy, Energy and Agriculture departments, will match the investment.

Projects would involve producing fuels from wood chips and inedible parts of plants, as opposed to more traditional biofuels such as those made from corn.

In addition to reducing oil imports by 1/3 by 2025, as per the President's stated goal, this new plan will support development of a new, rural-focused industry that will replace imported crude oil with secure, renewable fuels made here in the U.S," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. ( Source: Reuters)

Recently Virent Energy Systems and Amyris were chosen to move ahead to stage two in a National Advanced Biofuels Consortium program that involves turning cellulosic biomass into fuel. The goal of the project is to see if "drop-in" biofuels can be developed that can serve as direct replacements or supplements to existing gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, with the potential for a pilot production plant within three years.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: aselko@industryweek.com

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.