US Department of Energy to invest $300 million in sustainable transportation research

The US Department of Energy (DOE) plans to invest almost $300 million (€271.9 million) in research and development of sustainable transportation resources and technologies, including drop-in biofuels.

The investment, which was announced by under secretary of energy Mark W. Menzes, supports the DOE’s goal of ensuring that as the transportation system transforms, consumers have access to affordable, clean, efficient and domestic energy options.

“As we enter a new decade, DOE remains diligent in addressing the various challenges and opportunities associated with the dramatic changes occurring within our transportation sector,” said Menezes. “Under this announcement, DOE is focusing our efforts on three areas of transportation to further spur innovative breakthroughs in this sector.

“The Trump administration is committed to providing new energy and efficiency opportunities for manufacturers and consumers that will continue growing this ever-changing market.”

The investment will be divided between three separate funding opportunity announcements, or FOAs, each of which contains multiple topics that will support the DOE’s goal of providing consumers and businesses with a range of technologies and fuels.

“As technologies, business models, and consumer demands evolve, our diverse supply of fuels and technologies allows us to approach the future of sustainable transportation from all angles, consistent with our comprehensive energy strategy,” added assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, Daniel R Simmons. “The products that result from this FOA will significantly impact the sustainable energy market for the better.”

Funded through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the three FOAs will be issued on behalf of the three transportation offices: vehicle, fuel cells, and bioenergy technology.

The bioenergy technologies office, which received $100 million (€90.7 million) in funding, will investigate areas that support the US bioeconomy by reducing the price of drop-in biofuels, lowering the cost of bio-power, and enabling high-value products from biomass or waste resources.