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US universities receive grant to further develop forestry biofuels
13/03/2009
The US government has revealed it will grant two universities in Michigan US$ 1.4 million to continue to research how forestry can be used in the manufacture of biofuels.
The two universities, Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Technology University (MTU) are working together to establish the Forestry Biofuel Statewide Collaboration Center, which will be based at Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center. The project has already received a $2 million grant from the state.
Researchers from both universities will use the new centre as a base to develop cellulose biofuels, which can be made from Michigan’s forests. Ray Miller, who overseas research at MSU, says that this type of biofuel has an important role to play in the USA’s future, as it helps reduce the dependence on imported fuel. “By expanding those industries, we reduce our dependence on imported energy, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and increase jobs,” says Miller.
The investment will be mostly spent on making biomass industries cost-effective and improving the supply of woody biomass for the project. The Michigan Economic Development Corp’s vice president, Martin Dober, says this latest investment from the Department of Energy allows the project to be expanded to state-wide applications.
The two universities, Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Technology University (MTU) are working together to establish the Forestry Biofuel Statewide Collaboration Center, which will be based at Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center. The project has already received a $2 million grant from the state.
Researchers from both universities will use the new centre as a base to develop cellulose biofuels, which can be made from Michigan’s forests. Ray Miller, who overseas research at MSU, says that this type of biofuel has an important role to play in the USA’s future, as it helps reduce the dependence on imported fuel. “By expanding those industries, we reduce our dependence on imported energy, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and increase jobs,” says Miller.
The investment will be mostly spent on making biomass industries cost-effective and improving the supply of woody biomass for the project. The Michigan Economic Development Corp’s vice president, Martin Dober, says this latest investment from the Department of Energy allows the project to be expanded to state-wide applications.
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