The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Feedstock Supply and Logistics Program is responsible for developing technologies to support Advanced Feedstock Supply Systems (AFSS) that would enable mobilization of our growing national biomass resources to support a thriving bioeconomy. DOE seeks feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support a “billion-ton bioeconomy.” This request for information (RFI) asks for input about specific aspects in the development of large-scale supply systems and technologies to eventually supply up to a billion dry tons of biomass feedstocks annually for a variety of end uses. The goal is to develop the components of processing and handling (unit operations) of biomass and demonstrate the viability of an AFSS on-scale in the future.
The RFI categories include:
- Preprocessing technologies
- Quality management
- Strategies for mobilizing a billion tons of biomass resources
Existing feedstock supply systems are not adequate to reliably provide high-quality feedstock at the increasing volumes demanded over the next few decades; therefore, new logistics and processing technologies and systems are needed to address these challenges to support a growing biomass-derived industry and bioeconomy. Adaptation of current systems and the development of new technologies and approaches are needed to overcome the barriers associated with the collection/harvest, storage, preprocessing, and transportation of increasing volumes of biomass annually. Higher biomass demands at greater quality require more innovative approaches to supply feedstock from across the United States.
To see the full RFI, visit the EERE Exchange website. Responses must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 30, 2016.
EERE accelerates development and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies as well as market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. Learn more about BETO’s work with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies.