By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 23 -- Chevron Technology Ventures LLC plans to provide as much as $25 million to scientists and engineers at the University of California, Davis, to develop technology for converting cellulosic biomass into transportation fuels.
The 5-year program, which calls for research in biochemical and thermochemical conversion, seeks to develop commercially viable processes for the production of transportation fuels from forest and agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and other renewable resources, said parent company Chevron Corp. The joint research effort will coordinate with the California Biomass Collaborative (CBC) to focus on California's renewable feedstocks such as rice straw, an agricultural waste.
It also proposes a demonstration facility to test the commercial readiness of the technologies.
Research will focus on four areas:
-- Understanding existing California biofuel feedstock characteristics.
-- Developing additional feedstocks optimized for such features as drought tolerance, minimal land requirements, harvesting technology.
-- Production of cellulosic biofuels.
-- Design and construction of a demonstration facility for biochemical and thermochemical production processes.
Since 2000, Chevron has spent more than $1.5 billion on renewable energy projects. Focus areas include geothermal, hydrogen, biofuels and advanced batteries as well as wind and solar technologies.
UC Davis also has research programs focusing on hydrogen and biofuels, electric and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, and power generation from biomass.
CBC is made up of representatives from the California biomass industry, state and local government agencies, the environmental community, the University of California, federal agencies and laboratories, and other related academic and public organizations. It aims to enhance sustainable and effective use of biomass as an energy source in California.