New Lab to Study Bio-Mass Fuel

[Tuckerfan]

Not a lot of money’s being spent, but the research is being done on the atomic level.

Called the Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory (BSCL), the $2.85 million facility features an array of electron and optical microscopes, and other advanced research tools, to probe biomass-to-energy processes at the most basic atomic and molecular levels.

“This unique laboratory will further enhance the capabilities of our world-class biomass research team,” said Michael Pacheco, director of the National Bioenergy Center, located at NREL. “It is our fervent hope that by assembling the best research equipment available within this new facility, we will hasten the day when our abundant biomass resources can be harnessed to cleanly and economically meet the nation’s critical energy needs.”

The new laboratory will support development of new technologies for bio-refineries—which will produce transportation fuels and a range of other products, much as a conventional oil refinery does today. Bio-refineries are to use renewable plant and waste materials instead of petroleum.