The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Systems Development and Integration (SDI) program (formerly known as the Advanced Development and Optimization program) 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.

Systems Development and Integration Activities

Integrated Biorefineries Development MaP

BETO is working to establish first-of-a-kind integrated biorefineries to efficiently convert various biomass feedstocks into commercial biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts. The Integrated Biorefineries Map highlights bioenergy projects co-funded by BETO's SDI program.

Biopower

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

Distribution Infrastructure and End Use

BETO is working to address market barriers related to infrastructure and end use to facilitate distribution of advanced biofuels.

Consortia, Publications, and Resources

For more information on related consortia, publications, and resources please review the Systems Development and Integration Related Links page.

SDI-Related Funding

Under the Defense Production Act, DOE is co-funding the construction of two integrated biorefineries that will have the capacity to produce hydrocarbon fuels that meet military specifications for JP-5 (jet fuel used primarily by the U.S. Navy), JP-8 (jet fuel used primarily by the U.S. Air Force), or F-76 (diesel). Over the past two years, BETO has contributed $90 million to this effort. The current commitment from this interagency collaboration is $140 million among the two biorefineries: Fulcrum Bioenergy, and Red Rock Biofuels. The two projects are currently in their construction phases leading to shakedown and operations of the biorefinery facilities.

BETO has also helped fund a collaboration between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and LanzaTech to advance a technology that converts ethanol from gas fermentation to drop-in jet fuel through established thermochemical conversion pathways. In September 2016, they announced a significant milestone—production of 1,500 gallons of renewable jet fuel from industrial waste gases. On October 2, 2018, this team accomplished the world’s first commercial flight using their ground-breaking sustainable aviation fuel made from recycled waste carbon gases, produced at a LanzaTech facility in Georgia. The flight from Orlando, Florida, to London, England, was a key milestone on the trajectory to renewable jet fuel.