Biofuels get boost from clean energy revolution

The US Government has announced plans designed to boost the use of advanced biofuels through research, investment and the national Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

In a joint announcement made today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Agriculture Department (USDA) and Department of Energy (DOE) said President Barack Obama had signed a memorandum for the three agencies to work together to make biofuels integral part of the Government’s clean energy plan.

The DOE has announced a $786.5m injection from the Recovery Act to accelerate biofuels research and commercialisation.

On a conference call to reporters, EPA administrator Lisa Jackson, said corn – a major source of ethanol-based biofuels – would be a bridge to the next generation of biofuels. Chu agreed that while corn was a good start, more advanced biofuels could be developed in the US.

While the DOE funding will help develop research in this area, the USDA will provide financial assistance to producers to enable production upgrades or new plants.

Energy Risk