Learn more about Bioenergy

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) is interested in converting waste to energy.

Systems Development and Integration (SDI) technologies research and development (R&D) is focused on lowering the risk of bioenergy production technologies through verified proof of performance at the pre-pilot, pilot, and demonstration-scales, thereby facilitating further development and validation at demonstration and pioneer scales by private stakeholders.

Bioenergy is a form of energy that works by converting organic materials, known as biomass, into usable energy. Bioenergy technologies enable the reuse of carbon from biomass and waste streams into alternative fuels, chemicals, and other products.

What is biomass? Where does it come from? How are biofuels made? What is bioenergy? Browse through our informational resources to learn more.

BETO offers a range of materials providing information on BETO activities, research, publications, tools, multimedia, and terminology.

Information on bioenergy careers and workforce development, plus STEM and other educational resources.

The AlgaePrize, is a U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) national competition, in partnership with the Algae Foundation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. AlgaePrize 2025–2027, part of DOE’s American-Made Challenges, is the third competition.

Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge, where 9th through 12th-grade student teams use technology to learn

Biopower technologies convert renewable biomass fuels into heat and electricity using processes similar to those used with fossil fuels.