The Obama administration today announced new investments in the biofuels industry as part of the Defense Production Act (DPA).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Navy and Department of Energy jointly announced $30 million in federal funding to match private investments in commercial-scale advanced drop-in biofuels. The Energy Department is also announcing a total of $32 million in new investments for earlier stage research that will continue to drive technological breakthroughs and additional cost reductions in the industry.
“This is an important next step in the President’s direction to Navy, Agriculture and Energy to work together to support the commercialization of ready-to-use, drop-in, advanced biofuel substitutes for diesel fuel and jet fuel,” said U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “This funding opportunity will enhance our national security and support the creation and commercial-viability of a defense-critical industry – domestic biofuels.”
“This is a matter of national security, energy security and also good for rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It opens up great promise for the development of non-food feedstocks as a potential cash crop for farmers throughout the United States. The refineries that will be converting this biomass into fuel will likely be located in rural areas, helping to create jobs.”
DPA is an authority that dates back to 1950 and has been used to boost industries such as steel, aluminum, titanium, semiconductors, beryllium, and radiation-hardened electronics.
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) made possible through the DPA, will be carried out in two-phases, with government and industry sharing in the cost. In Phase 1, applicants will submit a design package and comprehensive business plan for a commercial-scale biorefinery, identify and secure project sites and take additional required steps spelled out in the announcement. Awardees selected to continue into Phase 2 will submit additional information for the construction or retrofit of a biorefinery.
Listen to a portion of this morning’s press announcement with Mabus and Vilsack:
Administration Press Conference