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.
Systems Development and Integration Activities
Integrated Biorefineries Development Map
SDI activities include establishing 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 supported by AFFO.
Biopower
Biopower technologies convert biomass feedstocks into heat and electricity using processes similar to those used with fossil fuels.
Distribution Infrastructure and End Use
SDI activities 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 supported 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). AFFO has contributed $90 million to this effort.
AFFO 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 jet biofuel 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.