This Amended Determination follows the approval of additional funding, extended period of performance, new teaming partners, and new project milestones to support the project team's small-scale research and development activities of new biological photosynthetic systems that employ sunlight from previously under-utilized or inaccessible regions of the solar spectrum, such as near-infrared light (NIR), to produce chemical biofuel.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
August 3, 2026
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This Amended Determination follows the approval of additional funding, extended period of performance, new teaming partners, and new project milestones to support the project team's small-scale research and development activities of new biological photosynthetic systems that employ sunlight from previously under-utilized or inaccessible regions of the solar spectrum, such as near-infrared light (NIR), to produce chemical biofuel. Specifically, the project team will (1) apply AI and machine learning to design advanced protein-pigment combinations, (2) test, validate, and select the highest performing combinations, (3) incorporate protein-pigment combination into plants, (4) test viability and productivity to meet project metrics, and (5) conduct a techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment for the next phase of development. If successful, the project will enable increased production of biomass for use in biofuels, ultimately reducing dependence on foreign energy, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.