Harold Doan
A list of existing biomass processing facilities producing fuels, chemicals, biopolymers.
The BioCentury Research Farm's unique facilities combine biomass feedstock production, harvesting, storing, transporting and biorefinery processing into a complete system to develop the next generation of biofuels and biobased products.
Through biomass research, NREL is developing technologies to convert biomass—plant matter such as trees, grasses, agricultural residue, algae, and other biological material—to fuels, chemicals, and materials. These bioproducts will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improve our air quality, and support rural economies.
Biomass capabilities and projects at NREL are focused on:
Biomass characterization
Biochemical conversion
Thermochemical conversion
Chemical and catalyst science
Integrated biorefinery processes
Microalgal biofuels
Biomass process and sustainability analyses.
Interest in commercially viable cellulosic biofuel production has greatly increased due to concerns regarding the sustainability of petroleum fuels. While research into solving the technical issues surrounding cellulosic biofuels is ongoing, much less attention has been paid to solving supply chain challenges such as low bulk density of cellulosic biomass, compositional variability and seasonality of the feedstock, food vs fuel issues, and local environmental concerns.
In Michigan, Bruce Dale at Michigan State University has developed a new model that he hopes will improve biomass transportation logistics in order to make the use of biomass energy more efficient. The model is called "regional biomass processing depots" which would be strategically located facilities to process the biofuel feedstocks before they are shipped to a refinery.
Harold Doan and Associates Ltd., provides research, strategic planning, and marketing services to not for profit, private and public clients domestically and internationally.
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