The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant $52m investment to support six innovative projects aimed at advancing the production of low-carbon intensity energy crops.
This energy crops initiative, spearheaded by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), is a critical step toward creating a sustainable bioeconomy and achieving the United States’ clean energy goals.
Energy crops explained
Energy crops are plants specifically cultivated to produce biofuels, bioproducts, and renewable energy.
Unlike traditional crops grown for food or feed, energy crops are purpose-grown to serve as alternative carbon sources, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.
Common examples include switchgrass, miscanthus, high biomass sorghum, and shrub willow, among others.
These crops play a vital role in the global energy transition by enabling the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and renewable chemicals, which are essential for decarbonising sectors like transportation and industry.
By leveraging energy crops, the US can also stimulate rural economies, support farmers, and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, explained: “DOE’s investment in biofuels and bioproducts is critical to the federal government’s efforts to support innovative energy research.
“Expanding our domestic supply chain of energy crops, like algae and switchgrass, will ensure that we can continue to develop cutting-edge technologies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create high-quality jobs across the agricultural industry and increase our energy independence.”
Accelerating the clean energy bioeconomy
BETO’s $52m funding will support six university and industry-led projects focused on expanding the domestic supply chain of energy crops.
These initiatives aim to develop purpose-grown feedstocks like microalgae, pennycress, carinata, and camelina alongside other biomass resources.
With field and pond experiments planned across 18 states, the projects will generate data on agronomic practices and geographic adaptability, addressing the challenges of scaling these crops in diverse environments.
This investment aligns with DOE’s broader mission to advance technologies that utilise renewable carbon resources.
By creating low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and products, the initiative not only helps combat climate change but also bolsters the US agricultural and industrial sectors.
Supporting sustainable aviation
One of the standout goals of this funding is its contribution to the federal government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge.
SAFs, derived from renewable feedstocks, are pivotal in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. By 2030, the US aims to produce three billion gallons of SAF annually, increasing to 35 billion gallons by 2050. These volumes are sufficient to meet 100% of the nation’s projected aviation fuel demand.
Additionally, the initiative supports DOE’s Clean Fuels and Products Shot™, which targets an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the fuel and chemical industries by 2035.
Energy crops will play a central role in achieving this objective by offering cost-effective, sustainable feedstocks for bioenergy and renewable chemicals.
Regional Biomass Resource Hub Initiative
The funded projects will be integrated into the newly established Regional Biomass Resource Hub Initiative (RBRH), led by Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This collaboration will ensure that data, methodologies, and experimental results are shared among participants, streamlining progress toward shared objectives.
The RBRH aims to address regional challenges in mobilising biomass resources. By working closely with farmers, policymakers, universities, and industry stakeholders, the hub ensures that the benefits of energy crop production extend to local communities and economies.
This coordinated approach enhances the scalability and economic viability of energy crops, setting the stage for widespread adoption.
Energy crops will transform agriculture and industry
Energy crops represent a transformative opportunity for both the agricultural and industrial sectors. For farmers, they provide an additional revenue stream and promote sustainable land use.
For industries, they offer a renewable source of carbon for producing biofuels, bioplastics, and other green products. By focusing on purpose-grown crops, the US is poised to lead the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
A vision for the future
The $52m investment in energy crops underscores their critical role in the clean energy transition. As these projects unfold, they will drive innovations in biomass production, foster economic growth in rural areas, and help achieve the nation’s ambitious climate goals.
By prioritising energy crops, the US is not just investing in renewable energy—it’s investing in a sustainable future for all.
As these projects gain momentum, energy crops will become an indispensable part of the clean energy puzzle, powering a more sustainable and resilient world.
