The funding, which is subject to annual appropriations, would go to biorefineries using feedstock such as algae, and production of advanced biofuels such as bio-butanol, green petrol and other innovative biofuels.

“This funding opportunity will look for the most promising technologies that can advance the potential of renewable biomass as a resource for second generation transportation biofuels,” says Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy John F. Mizroch. “The Department of Energy will select breakthrough integrated biorefinery projects that have technical and economic performance data at the bench or pilot scale to prove they are ready to move a step closer toward commercial readiness.”

The funding is for two topic areas of biorefinery development:

• Pilot-scale, minimum throughput of one dry tonne of feedstock per day with a minimum non-federal cost-share at 3%;
• Demonstration-scale minimum throughput of 50 dry tonnes of feedstock per day, with a minimum non-federal cost-share at 50%.

DoE anticipates making approximately 5-12 awards under this announcement, depending on the topic area, and size of awards. The intent is to have integrated biorefinery projects at the pilot and demonstration scale levels operational within three to four years after applicants are selected.

All projects must be located within the US, use feedstock from domestic biomass resources, and demonstrate significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions on a lifecycle basis. The funding adds to the over US$1 billion DoE has committed to research, development, and demonstration of cellulosic biofuels technology.