Biomass generation is what feeds the worlds population and in more recent times, is seen as providing a renewable and sustainable source of fuel (i.e. biofuels). The concept of biofuels is not new by any stretch of the imagination; however, we are now taking products of photosynthesis and chemically modifying them to create new biofuels, like biodiesel, that can function as direct replacements for petroleum based fuels. A key driver in our fuels research program is a focus on utilizing biomass that does not compete or significantly affect the world food production. It is also very important that the biomass be generated quickly (i.e. efficient), in a wide range of climates/soil conditions, and that it requires a minimum amount of cultivation. Furthermore, for application in the US DoD environment the biofuels must meet certain performance specifications and not require any significant changes in facilities. Based on these factors, we view biofuels generated from cellulose (i.e. glucose), and more specifically biobutanol, as playing a pivotal role in addressing the creation of fully renewable/sustainable DoD fuels.
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