RTI International to Develop Alternative Fuels from Biomass to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- RTI International was awarded a contract from the Department of Energy to develop a biomass "oil" that will serve as an alternative energy source.

As part of the $3.1 million project, RTI researchers will develop a single-step catalytic biomass pyrolysis process to produce a bio-crude "oil" intermediate that can be used as a direct replacement for petroleum in the existing transportation fuel infrastructure.

This technology, once fully commercialized, has the potential to reduce the demand for imported petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel with domestically-produced biofuels.David Dayton

"This project will help address our nation’s energy challenges by developing a one-step process to convert biomass materials into usable fuels," said David Dayton, Ph.D., director of Biofuels Research at RTI International. "Innovative programs such as ARPA-E provide vital funding for translational science needed to commercialize new energy technologies."

RTI's project is one of 37 that received funding to study alternative energy sources. The selected projects span the energy sector, including potentially transformative innovations in energy storage, biofuels, carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles, and other energy technology areas.

The funding is being awarded through the Department of Energy's recently-formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy ("ARPA-E").  ARPA-E's mission is to develop nimble, creative and inventive approaches to transform the global energy landscape while advancing America’s technology leadership. This is the first round of projects funded under ARPA-E, which is receiving a total of $400 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

RTI's partners on this project include Archer Daniels Midland Company, ConocoPhillips, and Albermarle.

About RTI International

RTI International is one of the world's leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 2,800 provides research and technical expertise to governments and businesses in more than 40 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory and chemistry services. For more information, visit www.rti.org.

©2009 RTI International. RTI International is a trade name of Research Triangle Institute.

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