RTI International - News Release - 10.27.2009

RTI International to Develop Alternative Fuels from Biomass to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- RTI International was awarded a contract from the Department of Energy to develop a biomass "oil" that will serve as an alternative energy source.

As part of the $3.1 million project, RTI researchers will develop a single-step catalytic biomass pyrolysis process to produce a bio-crude "oil" intermediate that can be used as a direct replacement for petroleum in the existing transportation fuel infrastructure.

This technology, once fully commercialized, has the potential to reduce the demand for imported petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel with domestically-produced biofuels.

"This project will help address our nation’s energy challenges by developing a one-step process to convert biomass materials into usable fuels," said David Dayton, Ph.D., director of Biofuels Research at RTI International. "Innovative programs such as ARPA-E provide vital funding for translational science needed to commercialize new energy technologies."

RTI's project is one of 37 that received funding to study alternative energy sources. The selected projects span the energy sector, including potentially transformative innovations in energy storage, biofuels, carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles, and other energy technology areas.

The funding is being awarded through the Department of Energy's recently-formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy ("ARPA-E").  ARPA-E's mission is to develop nimble, creative and inventive approaches to transform the global energy landscape while advancing America’s technology leadership. This is the first round of projects funded under ARPA-E, which is receiving a total of $400 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

RTI's partners on this project include Archer Daniels Midland Company, ConocoPhillips, and Albermarle.

Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in developing innovative specialty chemicals, catalysts and sustainable clean energy solutions, will be responsible for development of upscaling of catalysts for this new process.