WIST biofuels research gains additional funding
June 1, 2010 – The Department of Defense has awarded $1.7 million in additional funding to the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology to continue its biofuels research program.
In this multiyear project WIST aims to develop from agricultural and forest products energy-dense fuels to replace jet fuel, diesel and gasoline. The processes being developed will also produce bioproducts, such as rubber precursors, that can displace industry products currently derived from fossil fuels.
Use of renewable resources such as wood products, pulp mill waste, or crops such as switchgrass to produce fuels and bioproducts will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In its biofuels program, WIST is collaborating with American Science and Technology (AST) to develop a biorefinery process that existing pulp and paper mills could adapt to their operations. AST is building a bench top and pilot biorefinery.
WIST biofuels research is expected to help paper and pulp mills diversify their revenue sources, more efficiently use their resources, and generate new jobs in the region. Including the latest DOD grant, WIST biofuels research funding to date totals more than $3.9 million.